Dear All,
Summer vacation is coming to a close for the boys and girls (and employees of our schools). Hard to believe, since summer is not even half over, but it is time for our local schools to return to class. Our Council District actually has part of four school districts in Marion County. They all have various start dates: Wayne Township Schools start tomorrow, Thursday, July 27th; IPS starts on Monday, July 31st; Pike has two calendars – some schools will be starting on Tuesday, Aug. 1st and others on Thursday, Aug. 3; and Speedway Schools start on Wednesday, Aug. 2nd. As you are driving to work, shopping, etc., please watch for school buses, students walking to and from school or riding bikes, and for increase traffic around schools. Observe the posted speed limit signs. Let’s help keep everyone safe as the students head back to learn and grow.
IMPD has put together some information, including safety tips for motorists and students, which is below. They also are reminding you about the new amber flashing lights that are in front of most of our schools now that let you when to slow down to 25 mph. Remember, if there is not one of the new amber signs you must observe the signs that are posted in front of the schools.
I want to thank everyone who has donated school supplies for our local schools. The box at the 56th Street entrance was overflowing earlier this week and had to be emptied. I am currently separating supplies out and then will take them, along with what my husband and I donate, to the various schools. It is not too late to take some supplies to either of the Eagle Creek Park Gatehouses (56th Street or 71st Street) or the Earth Discovery Center inside the park. We will be collecting them through Aug. 1st. As one of the school superintendents told me today, they don’t have to be there before school starts, as there is always a need. Thanks again to all who have made a donation so far. Believe me, everything will be put to great use and the students and staff at the schools appreciate it!
Sincerely,
Janice McHenry
City-County Councillor District 6
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| Wednesday July 26, 2017, 9:32 AM |
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
News Release |
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| Advisory: IMPD issues warning to motorists about school zones as thousands of kids get ready to head back to school
Dear Janice McHenry,
INDIANAPOLIS – Monday, July 31st is the first day of school for the Indianapolis Public Schools- the state’s largest school district. Many of Marion County school districts have already headed back to school or will be heading back in the coming weeks.
While students will be adjusting to a more structured schedule motorists will be adjusting to increased pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic. Although it’s always a good idea to drive with caution near school zones, it is vital that motorists know and obey posted school zone speed limits when they are in effect. New this year in many school zones are the new signs that have flashing amber lights indicating school is in session, and the posted speed limit is 25 mph. These signs replace the old signs that indicated the speed limit was 25 mph 7 AM to 4:30 PM.
IMPD, along with cooperating school district police, will be out enforcing school zone speed limits to remind drivers of the dangers of driving too fast in school zones.
Please allow extra time to reach your destination as residents should expect increased traffic through the week during the morning and afternoon hours. Parents are also reminded, when dropping their children off at school, to avoid traveling more than 5 mph while in the parking lot and be very attentive to the possibility of wandering children or children exiting from a school bus or vehicles.
It is against the law to pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights. Doing so is considered Reckless Driving and is subject to possible arrest or summons and a fine. IMPD strives to promote the safety and welfare of both children and adults. We ask for your help in making it a great start to the new school year for the thousands of children going back to school.
Please use common sense when passing through a school zone — SLOW DOWN!
IMPD Safety Tips:
Walking to and from school:
• Consider if your child is mature enough to walk to school
• Consider walking with your child the first week
• Make sure your child’s walk to school is a safe route, and they cross whenever possible where a crossing guard is present
• Always walk on a sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you have to walk on the road, always walk FACING traffic
• Walk in groups
• Before crossing the street, stop and look left, then right, then left again
Biking to and from school:
• Always wear a helmet, no matter how short the ride
• Ride on the right side, the same direction as traffic
• Be seen – Be aware – Be predictable
• Respect traffic lights and stop signs
• Remember to always walk your bike across a crosswalk
Riding a School bus to and from school:
• Arrive at bus stop at least 5 minutes before bus is scheduled to arrive
• When bus approaches stay back until bus stops and driver opens doors
• NEVER walk behind the bus
• If you drop something near a bus tell the bus driver
• Use handrails when entering or exiting bus
• Always remain seated on a bus
For full details, view this message on the web. |
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