Rocketeer Wins AAA Safety Patroller of the Year

By Rocketship Public Schools

Each school day is jam packed with lessons, field trips, enrichment classes, and so much more; yet our schools make sure to use every available minute to teach our Rocketeers valuable life skills. One way we do this is through the American Automobile Association (AAA) Safety Patroller program in place at a number of our schools. The program teaches students responsibility and works in partnership with the San Jose Police Department to teach safety skills to our upper grade students.

On May 11, 2018, AAA presented Rocketship Brilliant Minds Fifth Grader Jacquelynne Nguyen with the Safety Patroller of the Year award. Only a handful of students across the country earn this honor for their work keeping their schools and communities clean and safe. Jacquelynne and Rocketship Brilliant Minds received an award plaque commemorating the win and a cash grant to be used for the continuation of the school’s Safety Patrol efforts through the purchase of equipment, recognition materials, etc.

Rocketship Brilliant Minds has been running the School Safety Patrol program for the past three years. Science teacher Domico Curry brought the School Safety Patrol program to Brilliant Minds after setting it up at other Rocketship schools in order to help Rocketeers gain a sense of ownership for their physical environment and teach responsibility. 40 Brilliant Minds students in fourth and fifth grades are on Safety Patrol before and after school, and during special events. They help with arrival and dismissal, and help monitor playgrounds and bathrooms.

San Jose Police Captain, AAA Representatives, Mr. Curry, and Principal Frenel

To win the award, Jacquelynne wrote an essay explaining how being on Patrol has taught her to become a leader. Jacquelynne wrote, “How did Safety Patrol make me a better leader? It made me focus on being responsible with school safety, staying persistent, and empathetic to helping others be safe. It has provided [a] positive connection with me, school safety, and a collaboration with law enforcement has taught me responsibility. In addition, teamwork is the key for me and everyone to succeed.”

San Jose Police Captain Kihm, Program Manager Michelle Barte, and AAA Representative Jenna Haydon presented the award to Jacquelynne and Brilliant Minds. Rocketship Brilliant Minds Principal Stephanie Frenel and Program Manager/Teacher Domico Curry kicked-off the event honoring Jacquelynne and attesting to the value of the program. The award was determine by a panel of judges after reviewing and scoring all eligible nominations.

Congratulations to Rocketship Brilliant Minds and Jacquelynne Nguyen!

Published on June 7, 2018