19 May 2003
Dallas Schoolchildren Learning Safety Habits For Construction Sites Before Summer Building Begins
DALLAS—"Beto The Builder" is his name and as the Dallas Independent School District begins the first of many construction projects this summer as part of its $1.37 billion bond program, he is busy teaching children important safety habits before construction begins.
Beto The Builder, who is actually Rene Rodriguez, the district's 2002 bond program safety coordinator, wears a hardhat, utility belt, safety glasses, special gloves, steel-tipped boots, carries a hammer. This summer, construction work is slated to begin at almost 40 campuses and groundbreakings for additions to district schools will begin this fall.
On Tuesday, May 20, at 9 a.m., he will make his debut in Ruby Dozier's kindergarten class at Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School located in room 119 at 8915 Greenmound.
During his 20-minute presentation, Beto The Builder will show a short video and teach the children important safety habits for their campus during summer school when several construction projects will get underway. The tips they learn also will be beneficial this fall when construction begins an addition to Blanton's 1955 building that is slated for completion in August of 2004.
Through the bond program that was approved by voters in January of 2002, DISD will build 20 new schools in the next five years and make renovations to all 218 schools, as well as provide additions to nearly 40 schools.