The SBRHS is always looking for ways to improve our Educational Outreach Program. Although we do self-evaluations and listen to the comments that teachers and students provide during each event, we have also developed a feedback form that allows teachers to provide us with ratings for key areas of the program. While the numerical information is not all that interesting without a more in-depth knowledge of the program, the written comments do provide insights into how the program is received. Along with those comments, emails from people who have participated in the program and student ‘thank you’ letters are all important for helping us know where we are on the “right track” and where we need to make improvements or adjustments to the program.

Excerpt of an email dated April 5, 2006 regarding an event currently in the planning stages;

“California Operation Lifesaver will be there…any event the SBRHS is involved with is always first-rate…”

Alice Lewin/Presenter Coordinator, Southern California Operation Lifesaver

Excerpts from some of the many student letters regarding the February 2006 Union Station event;

“Thank you for spending your time helping us have a great trip…I also want to thank you for setting up everything like the science project and the train. On this trip I learned a lot of things…like what is safe and what is not. I also learned the safety motto, look, listen, and live…”

“Thank you for letting us go over to the train station and learn about the trains. I had lots of fun when I was there. I never expected a train to be quite like that. The steam engine itself is humongous…”

“Thank you for your time you took to come down and show us around Union Station. Thank you for teaching us about train safety…also for showing us the train car where people would sleep…also I really liked the big black steam train…”

“I enjoyed the wonderful facts I learned…My favorite part was touring the cars…with the food, beds, sinks and kitchen…I was amazed. I will always LOOK, LISTEN, and LIVE…”

“I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful field trip. I know I’ll never ever sit on railroad tracks again! Also, I never knew trains could do so many things! Now I know how important railroad safety is. Well I know I enjoyed this trip…”

“Thank you for letting us go on the field trip. It was cool to see what old trains were like, learning about railroad safety, and seeing the huge engine. I feel very lucky to have gone there and to have a generous volunteer touring us around…”

“Thank you all for showing us why to stay off of rails and the history of them…I like doing the chemistry with acids and bases. I like the steam engine train just as much as the chemistry. I liked the bedrooms with the bunks…maybe I might go on that train…”

“Thank you for the fabulous field trip! I went home and told my parents how much I enjoyed it. I hope to go on a train…sometime…Thank you for the time and all of the hard work…”

“…The steam train was really cool. Thank you for teaching me about safety…My favorite part of the field trip was going and meeting the captain of the steam train. He was really cool and taught us everything about the steam train…”

“…My favorite part of the trip was when we saw the huge steam train engine…”

Specific comments by teachers from our feedback forms regarding the February 2006 Union Station event;

“Very organized”

“Students enjoyed the trip and retained most of the information presented.”

“Well connected with our Civil War unit.”

Excerpt of an email dated November 12, 2004;

Mr. Fengler,

As I sit at my desk and review the “thank you” notes students are writing to me for setting up the SBRHS field trip, I can only begin to explain the tremendous impact your group had on their lives. A few students have even indicated that they would like to become future train operators. The teachers have both indicated that it was one of the most organized events they have been to as educators.

On behalf of the Barton Hill Community I would like to extend our sincere gratitude!

Mr. Lou Mardesich/Principal, Barton Hill Elementary School

Excerpt of letter date November 5, 2004;

Dear Mr. Black,

Our fifth grade students and teachers enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to participate in the field trip on 10/28/04. It was an incredible learning experience

We appreciate your generosity and hope to maintain an ongoing relationship with your organization. We look forward to making this an annual event for our fifth graders.

Sincerely,

Barbara Marriott/Assistant Principal White Point Elementary School

Excerpt of an email dated November 4, 2004;

Thank you for allowing Operation Lifesaver to participate in your program. What a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn and enjoy themselves in such a stimulating environment! All of my presenters were very impressed with the well planned event and professional manner of your membership!

Being able to present the safety message on the train is what we would say, “using the ultimate props!” It really brings home the message when the kids can see for themselves the train and tracks up close while hearing the message.

We are so pleased this pilot program was such a success and would gladly participate in future programs. Please let us know how we can be of service in the future.

Best regards,

Teri Handlen/Operation Lifesaver Volunteer Coordinator, S. California Region