by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
Employees of the Stearns County Highway Department recently brought a snowplow to All Saints Academy to discuss snowplow safety and the various parts and functions of snowplows.
Students were able to climb up in the cab, honk the horn and see how tall the front blade was by checking how many students could fit inside it.
All Saints Academy second-grade teacher Betty Pundsack said the information gained was timely and very informative.
“It was interesting to see the blade up close and go underneath it,” said third-grader Anna Kremer.
“It was fun to go inside the cab and see all the buttons and levers,” said third-grader Henry Gramke.
“The horn was really loud,” said third-grader Max Molus.
“I couldn’t believe how big a snowplow really is,” said second-grader Camryn Eiynck.
“I liked seeing the sander,” said second-grader Henry Dullinger.
“This was an awesome opportunity to learn about snow-plow safety in a fun, hands-on way,” said Robin Kremer, All Saints Academy third-grade teacher.
“A special thanks to the highway department for allowing this awesome opportunity for the students,” Pundsack said.
Prior to the visit, students viewed videos and participated in other activities provided on the department’s website: www.co.stearns.mn.us/PropertyRoads/SeasonalRoadInformation.
The site includes a video about snowplow safety called A Snowplow-cool! The videos remind children that snowplow drivers are busy driving and controlling the snowplow so they might not always see everything.
Some tips included in the video are never to build snow forts and never go sledding or play by the streets where snowplows drive.
When building forts, don’t put a roof on it because it could fall on you or you might not hear if a snowplow is coming.
Some snowplows weigh as much as six elephants. Many have flashing lights, a big blade in the front and a wing blade on the side, and many are carrying sand to spread on the roads when they are icy and slippery.
The Stearns County site also has games, puzzles and coloring pages children can participate in.
All Saints Academy second-grade students test how tall the front blade of a Stearns County Highway Department snowplow is by checking how many students can fit inside it.
Stearns County Highway Department employee Jack Pelzer discusses snowplow sanding with All Saints Academy students.
All Saints Academy second- and third-grade students check out the front of a snowplow during a recent visit with the Stearns County Highway Department.
