Dear All,
Our “Back to School Supply Drive” with the drop off location at Eagle Creek Park is winding down. Thanks so much to everyone who has given so far. I have made a couple of trips to the gate houses and the Earth Discovery Center and brought home filled boxes of school supplies. We are still collecting through the weekend, so if you have not brought any supplies to the park yet, or would like to donate some more, you still have time. Next week I will sort the supplies and divide them among 11 schools that serve the boys and girls in District 6. Remember, just because school has already started doesn’t mean the need is not there. Students may still not have all the supplies they need, supplies get used up and new ones are needed, and new students are moving in and many of those will come to school with nothing,. The schools really do appreciate having these additional supplies that they can give to the children who are in need. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
As the schools do all start back I would like to remind you to watch for school buses, for students getting on and off the buses, waiting at bus stops, or walking to school, from a bus stop or to a bus stop. There will also be increased traffic around schools, not only from buses coming and leaving, but also many parents take their children to school or pick them up in the evening. Please observe the posted speed limit signs. If you are around schools in Marion County that have the amber flashing lights you only need to go 25 mph when they are flashing. If an area does not have the lighted amber signs you need to observe the signs and hours that are posted. Allow extra time to reach your destination if traveling in school zones.
Remember, the boys and girls in Speedway do walk to school. With the bridge on Dandy Trail out and the detour route using High School Road, I did want to remind everyone since many who are traveling that way now have not in the past. There are boys and girls who will be crossing High School Road on their way to and from school. They are suppose to cross with the crossing guard and at the designated crossing, but be alert and on the lookout.
I had some safety tips from IMPD that are below. These would be good to go over with your children or grandchildren to make sure they know how to walk, ride bikes, or ride the bus as they go about their day. I also have attached when your are required to stop and when you may proceed with caution for a school bus. This came from INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation) and applies to all streets, roads, and highways throughout the state. Let’s make sure that our youth get to and from school each day safely by following the “rules of the road” and looking out for them. Remember, they are excited when they are going to and from a bus (especially in the evening on their way home and full of energy) and may not be paying close attention to what they are doing. It is up to us to make sure they are safe.
Thanks again to those who have contributed to either my “Back to School Supply Drive” or to another school item drive through your church or other organizations. It really does help with making sure boys and girls get off to a good start.
Please feel free to forward this information on to others who may not be on my email list or those outside District 6 who may be interested in the information. Drive safely and watch closely for children not only as they go to and from school, but as they are outside playing in the evenings.
Sincerely,
Janice McHenry
City-County Councillor District 6
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
