Brandon Twp.- Children clapped and laughed at the antics of a clown on a unicycle at Belle Ann Elementary recently, but the message with the clown was a serious one? no clowning around outside, where construction is taking place.
Skanska USA Building, Inc., sponsored the presentation, ‘Smart Kids Play It Safe? featuring Sammy Safety, the company’s clown, on April 13, at the school.
The day before, ground was broke for an addition to the school that will feature a new gymansium and art and music rooms.
‘Children’s safety is our number one priority,? said Rob Busby, assistant project manager for Skanska. ‘We are concerned they might wander into the construction area or climb a fence. Kids see dirt piles and they think it’s fun to play king of the hill, but they don’t realize there may be nails or other hazards there.?
Belle Ann Principal Mark Rodak agrees that children may see the construction site as inviting and exciting, but they need to stay away because of many hidden dangers they are unaware of.
?(Students) are responsible for their own safety,? said Rodak. ‘They have to know where they can and can’t be.?
Construction is expected to be completed in May 2008. Construction this summer on the existing building will include new heating systems, flooring, and roof, Busby said.