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https://brooklinesrts.wixsite.com/safe-routes-school
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Do you have ideas for improving your walk or bike route to your school to make it safer or easier?
Fill this super short survey here.
Fill this super short survey here.
SRTS INTRODUCTION
The Brookline SRTS Task Force is a coalition of stakeholders including parents and teachers representing the town’s K-8 schools and BHS, and representatives from the School Committee, Transportation Division, Police Department, Public Health Department, and the PSB Facilities Department. We meet monthly and work closely with school principals.
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Our task force is an alliance partner of the Massachusetts SRTS Program, which as you are likely aware “works to increase safe biking and walking among elementary and middle school students by using a collaborative, community-focused approach that bridges the gap between health and transportation. SRTS utilizes the six E’s to implement its program- Education, Encouragement, Engagement, Evaluation, Engineering, and Equity.”
Working with our regional MA SRTS coordinator we are able to access a multitude of benefits, including grant funds for school safety improvements, school walkshed mapping, walkability and arrival/dismissal audits, free pedestrian and bicycle safety training opportunities, as well as curriculum options that integrate across many K-8 subject areas.
Working with our regional MA SRTS coordinator we are able to access a multitude of benefits, including grant funds for school safety improvements, school walkshed mapping, walkability and arrival/dismissal audits, free pedestrian and bicycle safety training opportunities, as well as curriculum options that integrate across many K-8 subject areas.
Since its inception in 2018 the task force has been gaining momentum and focusing on several interrelated issues including:
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We address these issues by bringing them to the attention of town personnel; promoting them through school communities and PTOs; and taking advantage of the many offerings from the state SRTS Program.
In addition to these ongoing school-specific topics, we are presently pursuing two additional goals that are more district-wide and that may be of particular interest to you:
In addition to these ongoing school-specific topics, we are presently pursuing two additional goals that are more district-wide and that may be of particular interest to you:
- Promoting attention to SRTS issues in the design of new school facilities, focusing on the current Pierce redesign project.
- Incorporating SRTS concepts, particularly pedestrian and bike safety, into the school curriculum.
SRTS EVENTS
Winter Walk and Roll to School Day - Wed, Feb 2nd, 2022
iWalk Day - Wednesday, October 6th, 2021
Bike Rodeo - Sunday, September 12th, 2021
Safe Routes to School presents its first Bike Rodeo! This free event will take over the Town Hall/Pierce School parking lot and will consist on several stations:
The Bike Rodeo is open to 3rd-6th graders and their families. Participants need to bring their bikes/scooters and helmets, and be accompanied by an adult. There will be three time slots available:
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Crossing Guard Appreciation Day 2021
This year, for the first time, Massachusetts Safe Routes to School will celebrate Crossing Guard Appreciation Day on March 24, 2021. We encourage Brookline students to make cards thanking their favorite crossing guards and to consider nominating one for the Crossing Guard of the Year award. Nominations can be submitted here.
Other suggestions for celebrating crossing guards include:
This year, for the first time, Massachusetts Safe Routes to School will celebrate Crossing Guard Appreciation Day on March 24, 2021. We encourage Brookline students to make cards thanking their favorite crossing guards and to consider nominating one for the Crossing Guard of the Year award. Nominations can be submitted here.
Other suggestions for celebrating crossing guards include:
- Take a picture with your favorite crossing guard and nominate them here
- Post the photo on social media and be sure to use our hashtag #MACGAppreciationDay when posting on Instagram and/or Facebook.
- Send a thank you card showing that you care and acknowledge their hard work. Click here to print out a card we have created for you.
- Simply say “Thank You” as you pass them in the crosswalk.
- Work with your school’s PTO or PTA to organize a thank you breakfast for your crossing guards or bring them their favorite warm beverage in these chilly winter months.
- Gift them their favorite snack, a pair of hand warmers to stay warm during winter, or a mini pocket-fan to stay cool during summer.