When did kids stop being "Safety Patrols"? (San Antonio: elementary school, live)

[wehotex]

When I was kid in the mid 70s at montclair elementary, I was selected to be a "safety patrol". we had bamboo poles with yellow flags that said "STOP" on them and most importantly an orange sash with the all-important silver badge of authority. We held out the flags when other kids had to cross the street. We had another kid or "sergeant" (older 6th grader) who supervised us. there was also a captain who supervised them. whatever happened to this? where there accidents that occurred as a result of child supervision? when did adults take over these jobs?

[DFWAg]

Ah yes, safety patrol! The neon orange sash with the gleaming silver badge.

I was in it in 4th grade (late 90s). Many cold mornings helping raise the flag
There were adult crossing guards as well when I was a kid.

But yeah now that you mention it, I haven't seen many "safety patrols" around anymore. Haven't heard of any accidents involving them.

[Marlow]

There were safety patrols at my daughter's kindergarten in 2004. There aren't any at the school she goes to now, but it sits on a major street and traffic is pretty tricky and congested at the crossings. They have an adult crossing guard.

[Oildog]

I was a safety patrol back in the 70s as well in Minneapolis. Havent seen them for a while. It was considered an honor to be chosen, kind of an early Honor Society.

[latetotheparty]

yep ... i was too in houston.... 5th and 6th grade .... the first couple of years of the 70's ......

[Bo]

We have them here in San Antonio. At my kids' elementary school, it was a privilege available to the 5th graders who lived close enough to the school to walk

[buffy888]

We have them where I teach, too. 4th and 5th graders can be patrols. However, there is an adult on duty with them as well because our parents don't always abide stop signs, basic safety rules, etc.

[wehotex]

Originally Posted by buffy888

We have them where I teach, too. 4th and 5th graders can be patrols. However, there is an adult on duty with them as well because our parents don't always abide stop signs, basic safety rules, etc.

i think that I remember that some schools with really busy crossings had adult supervision, but our school (montclair elem) had only parade & kentner streets, which were not too busy.