Observation Week 3!

In this weeks participatory observation hours, I took a look at the community and environment that surrounds my host classroom to get to get an overall feel for the typeof community students are exposed to. Alton B. Parker school, is located in a rural community that can be found in the City of Cortland New York. The demographics in the school consist of the following: Population in Parker school is 297; diversity consists of only 10 blacks and 12 Hispanic, 2 Asians. Majority is Caucasian at 273 students. In my host classroom, all students are Caucasian, one student is Hispanic. Across the street from the main entrance of the school, located right before the employee/parent parking lot local police have put a speed radar. The local cops have put up 15MPH speed limit radar for locals who may commute past the school on a regular basis.  I feel this speed radar right near the school is a great way to reduce pedestrians from driving too fast near the school and endangering faculty and students. In addition to the speed radar, every afternoon for dismissal there are crossing guarding that monitor the street and allow for students and adults to walk across the street safely.  I feel a small thing like this allows for a stronger sense of student safety for both students and adults who cross the street on a daily basis.  The speed radar allows for drivers to visually see their current speed as they pass through the school zone, and hopefully the speed radar inhibits the drivers to abide by the reduced school speed zone.  Across from the school is the Williamson field & park where both students and local community members can freely take part in outdoor recreation and fun.  The park consists of a baseball field, two half basketball courts, open field space, bleachers for observing, a swing set and a small play ground located towards the back right of the park. I feel this park and field promotes recreation for all students, children, and adults in the community.  It gives children and parents an option to participate in some outdoor activities where they can join other community members and have some fun. In addition, having a local park where kids can engage and run free and partake in outdoor activities may also decrease deviant behavior among kids in the community.