Local working mom Kerry Petz believes that her son's safety is a top priority and she has taken great measures to ensure that he and all the students who attend Arnold Elementary get to school and back safely.

Petz is head of the school's Citizens Advisory Committee, which reports to the school board about issues regarding the school and community. There is much in the works to improve the school and Petz has already started the ball rolling with her determined requests to add a crosswalk in between the school and Asbury Community Christian Clubhouse. Her request was granted in August of this year.

More than 30 children make the trek from the elementary school to Asbury and back every day, as the clubhouse offers before- and after-care for students who need it.

"We live on Church Road and once my son started kindergarten, our awareness was heightened as to the lack of crosswalks and the possible dangers kids might encounter to and from school," said Petz. "I started by calling the Department of Transportation and they were not exactly helpful."

DOT told her essentially not to waste her time, but after contacting a local newspaper, things changed and the crosswalk was completed almost instantly.

Principal Rosemary Biggart applauds the progress. "The kids and the Asbury staff just love it, I can tell you that for sure," she stated. "So many kids have to walk in between the two buildings and the crosswalk really does help to keep everything in order."

Parents can rest easier knowing that so many precautions are being taken to keep their children out of harm's way.

"My husband and I both work, and this crosswalk gives us some peace of mind. Even though our son is with other people, we know he has that added safety."

Petz and her husband are fortunate enough to have flexible schedules that allow for them to be so involved with the school. Mr. Petz is a police officer and has hosted Stranger Danger programs to teach kids appropriate behaviors when approached by strangers.

"I know lots of parents wish they could be more involved so I am doing it for all of them in a way," she explained. "Our kids are here for eight hours a day so I feel there's no better place to pour our time and effort."

In addition to the crosswalk, the Citizens Advisory Committee and the PTO are pushing the county council and the school board for a feasibility study. The school is old and there are threats of mold and other problems that could mean the environment is unhealthy and unsafe for students and faculty. The goal is to get the elementary school's issues on the radar and get a budget allotted to begin improvements. CAC members demand to be kept in the loop so that they can monitor the status of their requests and ensure action is taken accordingly.

Petz urges all parents to take a stand and get involved.

"I know they appreciate the outcomes of what we do, but I don't think they know how much work goes into making these changes. The more we get the word out, the more we can grab the attention of fellow parents and encourage them to participate. These kids and the school need all the help we can give!"