Summer school students learn about fire preparedness from firefighters
Firefighters shared information about fire preparedness with summer school students during a visit to the Ramona Elementary School campus on June 29.
Crews from the Ramona Fire Department, Cal Fire and the US Forest Service brought their fire trucks for tours and let students spray water from one of their hoses. The US Forest Service firefighters also let some of the students try on wildland gear.
“We talk about fire preparedness and walk the students around a fire engine and an ambulance to show them our tools and supplies,” said Ramona Fire Department Engineer-Paramedic Joe Thompson.
Thompson said the crews make periodic visits to Ramona schools on request.
Cory Gilbreth, one of the teachers participating in the firefighter visit, said the Summer Academy and Extended School Year programs invite first responders to campus to teach students about fire prevention and safety and to strengthen community relations.
Due to COVID, students haven’t had opportunities for visitors on campus for a while and this was a fun activity for them, she said.
“Scholars and adults loved the interactions,” Gilbreth said by text. “The scholars are able to connect with real world people and careers.”
Highlights of the event included listening to a story about Smokey the Bear and learning Smokey’s rules.
In the classroom, students will engage in activities related to the visit, Gilbreth said. These include creating art, writing thank-you letters, connecting reading to the visit, and discussions about fire safety and knowing first responders.