Safe Streets for Students
Parents and caregivers who drive on or near any of the five Columbia Heights Public School campuses have an important role in enhancing safety for all of our students by following safe driving practices. At arrival and dismissal times, drivers are often in a hurry and distracted, which can lead to unsafe conditions for students and others walking, bicycling and driving in the area.
Student safety is and will always be a very high priority for the District. Unsafe driving can result in injuries or worse. The life of a child is of utmost importance to us. We ask for your help in protecting our students by following these safety guidelines:
- Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits, both in school zones and neighborhoods surrounding our schools. This includes not making U-turns in any school zone.
- Always comply with our school drop-off and pick-up procedures.
- Do not double park or stop on crosswalks to let children out of the car.
- Do not load or unload children at locations across the street from our schools. This forces students to unnecessarily cross busy streets, often mid-block rather than at a crosswalk, which they should always use.
- Prepare to stop for a school bus when overhead yellow lights are flashing.
- Always stop for a school bus with its red overhead lights are flashing, regardless of the direction from which the driver is approaching. Only proceed after the red lights stop flashing and no students are in traffic.
- Know and apply that pedestrians always have the right of way.
- Do not drive, park or stop, even momentarily, in bus drop-off/pick-up areas.
- Always follow the directions of our safety officers or police officers.
- Watch for children walking or bicycling (both on the road and the sidewalk) in areas near our schools.
- Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops, especially children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
- Watch for children walking or biking to school when backing up.
Thank you for helping us keep every student in Columbia Heights Public Schools safe.
* Some content from the National Safe Routes to School Program