Driving safely on our school campus is about creating an environment where students are safe, valued, and protected.
Parents and staff members at Grace Academy partner together to nurture our children’s spiritual growth and ensure academic success. We are also invested in keeping our students safe. There is no more important aspect of safety than when traveling in cars to, from, and at school. Yet, an overlooked aspect is safety while driving on campus.
Driving safely on our school campus is about creating an environment where students are safe, valued, and protected. We are all responsible for protecting our students’ well-being. Whether it is our busy morning drop-off or the after-school dismissal, school parking lots and lanes can be congested. Speeding, driving distracted, and failing to stop at crosswalks are common but dangerous driving habits. By driving responsibly, parents contribute to a safer environment where students can safely walk to class, cross streets, and get where they need to go.
Adults lead by example, including in how we drive. As we demonstrate patience, respect, and careful attention to our driving, we model the importance of these values to our children. Slowing down, yielding to pedestrians, and refraining from using mobile phones while driving send a message that safety and respect for others are essential in all that we do.
We welcomed Greg Allan and Sam Patrick, Security Consultants from the Highlander Six to Grace Academy in early February. Their purpose on campus was to assess the safety and security of our campus facility and protocols. They gave us many helpful tips. One area they encouraged us to focus on is parking lot safety through education, encouragement, and additional modifications. Here are a few safety tips to practice so you can be a contributing factor to our safety on campus:
Slow Down: Drive slowly while on campus and in the parking lots.
Stay Alert: Watch for children walking or crossing the parking lot.
Use Designated Areas: Drop off and pick up children in designated zones, and avoid blocking crosswalks or fire lanes.
Avoid Distractions: Put away your phone and focus on the road while driving on campus.
Yield to Pedestrians: Always stop for children and adults crossing the parking lot.
Be Patient: Understand that everyone is trying to get to or leave school safely, so a bit of patience can improve the experience for everyone.
As a Christian school community, driving safely on campus is one simple yet critical way we can contribute to our students’ safety. We are each responsible for driving with alertness and encouraging others to do the same. In this way, we model a safe, respectful, and orderly campus where our children can grow and thrive. Please, let us work together to ensure that our school is a place where safety is a high priority on and off the road.
-Natelle Austin