As the Spring Season is upon us and our students are spending more time outdoors, Mars Area School District is asking all parents/guardians to please remind your children to use caution, if or when it may be necessary to be near or cross a street.
The District especially urges parents/guardians to ask your child(ren) to refrain from crossing Route 228, which continues to be an extremely busy and congested roadway. Students should have no reason to cross Route 228 on foot, as transportation to sporting events and activities occurring at other school buildings or facilities is provided by the District. In the event that anyone must cross Route 228, individuals are strongly encouraged to do so at the roadway’s intersection with Three Degree Road, where crossing signals are available.
Due to current and upcoming construction activities, there will be times when it may not be possible to cross Route 228 and/or Three Degree Road; therefore, the District continues to recommend that pedestrians not cross these roadways for any reason, unless absolutely necessary. Please understand that construction activities and changes to traffic and pedestrian patterns on both Route 228 and Three Degree Road are not controlled by the School District and it remains our best advice to refrain from crossing these roadways.
When crossing any street, following are tips for everyone to consider:
- Look left, right and left again before crossing the street and continue to look around until safely across.
- When available, walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
- Children, under age 10, should cross the street with an adult.
- Be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up.
- Do not to run or dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
- When it’s dark out, stay alert and wear light- or brightly-colored clothing and/or reflective gear.
As more students, staff members, spectators, and community members are outdoors participating in District sports/activities and enjoying the warming weather, the District, once again, asks all parents/guardians to remind your children to be careful when near or crossing a street. We also ask that parents/guardians exercise caution when traveling along local roadways where school activities are occurring.
Mars Area School District appreciates your cooperation as we continue our efforts to keep our students and our community safe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mark Gross
Superintendent