Schools

Dearborn Schools Partner with Police to Offer 'Walking School Bus' Program

Students at Maples Elementary School walk with parent volunteers to and from the school during the academic year.

In an effort to curtail heavy traffic near schools in Dearborn, employees at Maples Elementary School are working in conjunction with the Dearborn Police Department on a pilot program to encourage families to walk to school.

"Traffic during entry and dismissal times continues to be a safety concern in almost every school in the city. Although Maples staff members have been graciously serving as traffic control officers and crossing guards, we continue to struggle with the traffic jam around the school," Dr. Jill Chochol, associate superintendent at DPS said.

Chochol attributes the congestion to vehicles stopping or parking around the school to allow parents to drop off their children.

School employees worked with Sgt. Stephen White to organize a "Walking School Bus" program. The program was implemented at the school this spring, and volunteers are hoping to expand it to other schools beginning in the 2013-2014 academic year.

The Walking School Bus program pairs students with parent volunteers who agree to walk a group of students from a pre-determined drop-off zone two blocks from the school each morning and afternoon.

Maples has four designated stations students can use, depending on where they live.

Station 1: The corner of Paul and Payne streets.

Station 2: The corner of Paul and Ternes streets.

Station 3: The corner of Blesser and Ternes streets.

Station 4: The corner of Blesser and Barrie streets.

Volunteers are needed to help with the program when classes start up again on Sept. 3. To volunteer, call Nada Alamaddine at 313-827-8274.

Superintendent Brian Whiston said the program provides a valuable service to students and families in Dearborn.

"It helps promote fitness, but it also gives students a chance to socialize and make friends," he said.

For more information on starting a Walking School Bus program, call Sgt. Stephen White at 313-943-2275.


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