Smokey Bear Makes a Stop at Local Elementary School

A 300-pound black bear, donning a ranger’s hat and wearing blue jeans, was spotted at Glen Dale Elementary School on Thursday.

Smokey Bear’s visit was arranged by the Shellie Faulstick, GDES nurse, through the West Virginia Division of Forestry as a part of the school’s observance of America’s Safe Schools Week. Service Forester Brent Lyons discussed Smokey’s Five Rules of Wildfire Prevention including the importance of never playing with matches and being careful around fire. Smokey Bear’s famous saying, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” was also taught to the students.

During the third week in October, schools throughout the nation are encouraged to discuss and practice scenarios for any type of emergency that could occur during school. Along with a review of daily safeguards, the Glen Dale Dragons have been getting an extra dose of immediate response plans as they practiced safety drills and listened to guest speakers. Other activities GDES students participated in during America’s Safe Schools Week included school bus safety and a tour of the safety house.

The principal and staff at Glen Dale Elementary are committed to equipping students with secure measures and resources to keep them safe.