Parents:

The parking situation at Jefferson is getting worse. People have a total disregard for other people. People have a total disregard for child safety. People have a total disregard for city ordinances and traffic rules.

First and foremost is child safety. Too many parents are walking their children across the street from their cars. Children should cross the street at the crosswalk. Yes, it is a few steps farther and possibly out of the way, but the children learn an important lesson and are considerably safer. This happens before and after school and is an accident waiting to happen. Please, cross at the crosswalk.

Secondly, some people have a disregard for my staff. They are outside for your child’s safety. They control access to the parking lot after school. Parents are not to be in this parking lot. This parking lot is for our bus pick up and drop off, as well as staff parking. Handicap parking is available in this lot, but your sticker must be showing. These teachers are volunteering to help provide a safe environment for your children. Show them some respect, not try to run them down or back over them. They are not there to hassle you, so please, do not give them a hassle.

Thirdly, consider this your warning. To alleviate congestion before and after school, the Sterling Police Department will be patrolling and issuing $20 citations for those who are parked wrong and not following signs and stripes. Double and triple parking is not allowed. Parking in a no parking zone (the yellow stripe) is not permitted. Leaving an unattended car in front of the school is a violation and subject to a ticket.

It is tough trying to make parents feel welcome at Jefferson and still maintain a safe environment for our children. Parents have accepted the front door buzzer and understand it is necessary to safeguard your children. At this point in the school year, our children know where they are to be. They can get there on their own. Some of our morning congestion comes from parents walking their children into the building. Say goodbye in the car or at the front door. If it is necessary to be in the building, please use the parking lot across the street. Make sure you sign in, in the office. If you are not wearing a sign in ID you will be asked to leave.

Finally, fall is here and winter is rapidly approaching, so are the blustery winds and low temperatures. Please dress your child accordingly. We remain outside unless the temperature is below 15 degrees. Winter coats, hats, and mittens are a must.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at Jefferson School (625-6402). If I am not available, leave a message and I will return your call. Thank you.

Ron Rick, Principal

SAFETY CONCERNS

Parking Lot

We cannot allow parents to use the parking lot east of the building.  We have had two near misses. People are traveling too fast through this area when children are present. Parents and children walk through the parking lot after dropping off or picking up their children. With moving vehicles going through this area we are increasing the chances of someone being hit by a car. The lot is posted for staff parking only and for bus loading; others must stay out of the lot.

Please park across the street or west of the building, or along any curb area not painted yellow.

Parking in front of the building

Many persons pull up in front of the building, park, leave their vehicle to pick up their children. This area is posted. There is to be no unattended vehicle parked in this area. You must remain with your car.

Too many vehicles are double parking and in some cases triple parking. This is a violation of city code and vehicle code. You may be ticketed for this type of parking. We increase the congestion in front of the building and increase the likelihood of an accident. Please do not continue this practice.  I will have to notify the Police Department if this practice continues.

Getting out of the car

I have noticed many parents who allow their children to exit their cars on the side of traffic. This is a very dangerous practice. A passing car may be traveling too close, a child may fall, a car door may strike a moving vehicle endangering all involved, and many other instances that may place our children in harm’s way. Please only allow children to exit the vehicle on the side away from traffic.