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Top of the class

Safety patrol captain takes extra duties seriously

Homeroom Hero: Matthew Noto says his squad's primary responsibility is to keep other kids safe while at school.

By MATHEW WASSERMAN
Published January 12, 2006

HILL 'N DALE - When Matthew Noto straps on his orange and yellow sash every weekday morning and afternoon, it is with a sense of purpose that many 10-year-olds haven't yet developed.

"I take my job very seriously," he said. "I have a lot of responsibilities and work hard to do them."

Matthew is a captain of the safety patrol at Eastside Elementary School. The squad consists of 34 students, of whom two others are also captains, but Matthew recently became the official, unnamed go-to guy.

"I've noticed that he has really stepped up and stood out," said art teacher Stephanie Hembd, who leads the safety patrol. "So, I've given him the most responsibility, and he's shown great leadership."

Safety patrol members monitor the hallways and the front of the school before the day begins and as soon as it ends. Members stand their posts and make sure everyone is safe; no running, horseplay, getting lost on the way to class or suspicious behavior.

"Our job is to help kids be safe," Matthew said. "It's not to tell them right or wrong or be like their parents, just to help keep them safe."

As captain, Matthew also has a few extra duties. He takes attendance, makes sure other patrol members are minding their posts and oftentimes is the first mediator when somebody steps out of line or is having a problem.

"He's sensitive to other people's problems," Hembd said. "Rather than just writing somebody up or having me deal with them, he'll take the time to try and figure out the problem and then decide if somebody else needs to help or what to do."

Hembd isn't the only person who has taken note of Matthew. His mother, Kris Noto, said he has always been intuitive and mature for his age, which is why he is so good at his job.

"I'm proud of how he does his job," she said. "He does everything conscientiously and doesn't rush to judge."

For all his interest in helping people, it's animals that Matthew hopes to spend the rest of his life helping. He wants to study animals and be a zoologist.

"People find it very unusual that I want to be a zoologist," he said. "But I have a huge interest in animals. I read everything about them. I want to find cures for different animal illnesses and help them."

[Last modified January 12, 2006, 01:23:25]