Car buddies greet children every month
Encouraging young students as they begin their day at school is the goal of Nathan See and other city employees who’ve joined hands with Bright Futures Pea Ridge to greet Primary School students on the third Thursday of every month.
“The idea came from my own experience of dropping my daughter off in the morning,” See, Street Department superintendent, said. “I thought it would be nice for the kids to have other faces out there to encourage their day. So, I met with Mayor (Jackie) Crabtree and Sandy (Button, city clerk) about the idea; they thought it was an awesome idea to do.”
Opening doors, smiling and greeting children Thursday were Button, See and two members of the Pea Ridge Fire Department — Ryan Walker and Capt. Brent Richey. Plans include having other city employees join over the next few months.
“We have Police, Fire, Street and City Hall involved so we get our faces out there to the community of who we are. My thought for have city personnel involved is that they would get to see us at the school and on the streets. We as city officials need to be setting an example for our young people by volunteering, helping out in the community,” See said.
“We open the car doors for the kids and encourage them to have a good day!”
See met with members of the Bright Futures Pea Ridge Advisory Board Wednesday, Feb. 12.
B.J. Dye, chairman of the board, said she hopes other business members in the city will be involved and hopes parents and community members will help
encourage children during spring testing, as well.
“Teachers and kids alike loved it! They thought it was awesome to have the city involved,” See said.
“I think it’s great,” Aaron Gaffigan, principal, said. “It was good to see members of the community, especially those employeed by the city, here to greet the students.