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Outside St. Nick’s/St. Mary’s Elementary School in Wilkes-Barre, there’s a sign visible to drivers.
“DEAR PARENTS,
TAG, YOU’RE IT
FROM, TEACHERS”
It’s a sign that school’s out for the summer and the kids will be spending more time at home and under Mom and Dad’s watchful eye. Summer camps open up, amusement parks eagerly await young visitors and local parks are filled with families. Drivers are reminded to obey traffic laws as children are more likely to be playing in neighborhoods during their summer breaks.
Although adults are responsible for their children 24/7, being there for kids is more vital during the summer as they are not in the school halls nearly half the day, five days a week. They’re not in after-school clubs or attending soccer or basketball practices. They will mostly be within the security of their parents and home.
Last week, in the wave of high school graduations and summer dismissals, at least seven children were not in secure environments as adults were arrested for alleged irresponsible behavior. In Nanticoke, a large amount of heroin and methamphetamine was hidden in various places inside an East Church Street home, where children ages 13, 5 and 4 lived with their parents. Authorities said the suspected drugs were exposed from their packages, creating dangerous conditions. Both parents were charged with endangering the welfare of children, along with other drug-related charges.
Elsewhere in Luzerne County, a Schuylkill County man allegedly left four kids, ages 10, 11, 13 and 14 , inside a vehicle containing a loaded gun while he went drinking at a Hazleton bar. State police arrested the suspected intoxicated man before he could return to his car and drive away. The man was charged with four counts each of child endangerment and reckless endangerment. The kids were sent to a sober guardian.
Children entrust adults with their welfare and safety. They rely on them to provide a safe home and to have no fear when they’re in their care.
Today is Father’s Day and after shifting through the greeting cards and gifts, see if you are providing a loving, safe environment that will help make summer an enjoyable experience for your kids. Because like the sign says, you’re it.
– Times Leader