ST. LOUIS — A school district here has partnered with local organizations whose volunteers are monitoring school bus stops located in vulnerable areas.

About 500 volunteers taking part in the Neighborhood Net initiative were vetted and trained to monitor 225 school bus stops that St. Louis Public Schools identified as being located in high-crime spots or near vacant lots as classes started last week, KTVI reports. The news source reported on July 31 that the district partnered with organizations such as Better Family Life, Fathers’ Support Center, and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to put the initiative together. The goal of the project is to help students feel comfortable while waiting for their bus.

The project was initially only intended to last during the first week of school, but it has been expanded, KMOX reports. James Clark, vice president of community outreach for Better Family Life, told the news source that the interaction between students, parents, and volunteers not only offered a sense of security, but brought the “real spirit of neighborhoods back to St. Louis.” Clark added that Dr. Kelvin Adams, the superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools, has agreed to have a district staff member help coordinate the initiative.  

View a photo from the St. Louis Public Schools’ Twitter page of Adams, who joined volunteers at one of the stops.

Happy First Day of School 2019! It's always nice to make a buddy at the bus stop. This morning, Dr. Adams was out with the Neighborhood Net initiative to ensure students have a second set of eyes at 225 stops in the city. @SLPS_SUPT#partnerships#OurCityOurSchools@bflfamilypic.twitter.com/NV2cYP2qiX

— SLPS INFO (@SLPS_INFO) August 13, 2019