Post by title1parent on Aug 25, 2010 17:31:44 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/2633492,2_1_AU25_WVHS_S1-100825.article
Dangerous crossing
August 25, 2010
By ERIKA WURST ewurst@stmedianetwork.com
AURORA -- The high-traffic intersection of Eola Road and Ogden Avenue will be harder to cross for Waubonsie Valley Warriors this school year, after budget cuts resulted in slashing the number of crossing guards by half.
Instead of four dean's assistants staffing the busy by-ways as in past years, only two yellow-vested guards will be on duty as hundreds of high schoolers scurry to class.
It's a decision that has irked several concerned parents whose children will be left to cross the six lanes of Route 34 on their own during early morning traffic.
"It's a six-lane, very busy intersection," said Susan Pietrie, whose sophomore daughter walks to school. Pietrie is concerned that the lack of adult supervision could result in disaster.
According to WVHS Principal Kristine Marchiando, cutting the number of guards wasn't a welcome decision, but a necessary one.
"When we cut (staffing) anywhere there is always some other place that needs supervision that is going to suffer," she said.
Parent volunteers, who will be trained by the Aurora Police Department, have stepped up to fill the void, she said, but it is also up to the students and drivers to do their part.
Marchiando said students should take off their headphones and put down their cell phones before attempting to cross the intersection, and be aware of impatient motorists who might rush through red or yellow lights.
"All of that is very dangerous," she said. "We are working with frustrated and angry people (on the road), but we're going to do the best we can with what we have."
But, according to one longtime crossing guard, it's the lack of fear instilled in the teens that makes the situation dire.
"I definitely think I'd be OK without any guards," sophomore Michelle Crema said as she waited to cross the four lanes of Eola Road on Tuesday. "I cross here every day."
Just seconds later, a car screeched to a halt just feet in front Crema.
"That usually never happens," she said, looking startled.
For senior Carnell Smith, the crossing guards' presence is comforting.
"It's a huge, huge intersection," he said.
With four guards, Smith said things roll rather smoothly. Cars stop when they're supposed to, kids cross when they're supposed to, and everyone gets to where they need to go on time, he said.
"That's what the guards are here for. They should be here all the time," Smith said.
A letter was sent out to parents on Tuesday -- the first day of classes at Waubonsie Valley and the other schools in the Indian Prairie School District -- advising them of the changes.
Marchiando said police will be ticketing jaywalking students who attempt to cross illegally.
Dangerous crossing
August 25, 2010
By ERIKA WURST ewurst@stmedianetwork.com
AURORA -- The high-traffic intersection of Eola Road and Ogden Avenue will be harder to cross for Waubonsie Valley Warriors this school year, after budget cuts resulted in slashing the number of crossing guards by half.
Instead of four dean's assistants staffing the busy by-ways as in past years, only two yellow-vested guards will be on duty as hundreds of high schoolers scurry to class.
It's a decision that has irked several concerned parents whose children will be left to cross the six lanes of Route 34 on their own during early morning traffic.
"It's a six-lane, very busy intersection," said Susan Pietrie, whose sophomore daughter walks to school. Pietrie is concerned that the lack of adult supervision could result in disaster.
According to WVHS Principal Kristine Marchiando, cutting the number of guards wasn't a welcome decision, but a necessary one.
"When we cut (staffing) anywhere there is always some other place that needs supervision that is going to suffer," she said.
Parent volunteers, who will be trained by the Aurora Police Department, have stepped up to fill the void, she said, but it is also up to the students and drivers to do their part.
Marchiando said students should take off their headphones and put down their cell phones before attempting to cross the intersection, and be aware of impatient motorists who might rush through red or yellow lights.
"All of that is very dangerous," she said. "We are working with frustrated and angry people (on the road), but we're going to do the best we can with what we have."
But, according to one longtime crossing guard, it's the lack of fear instilled in the teens that makes the situation dire.
"I definitely think I'd be OK without any guards," sophomore Michelle Crema said as she waited to cross the four lanes of Eola Road on Tuesday. "I cross here every day."
Just seconds later, a car screeched to a halt just feet in front Crema.
"That usually never happens," she said, looking startled.
For senior Carnell Smith, the crossing guards' presence is comforting.
"It's a huge, huge intersection," he said.
With four guards, Smith said things roll rather smoothly. Cars stop when they're supposed to, kids cross when they're supposed to, and everyone gets to where they need to go on time, he said.
"That's what the guards are here for. They should be here all the time," Smith said.
A letter was sent out to parents on Tuesday -- the first day of classes at Waubonsie Valley and the other schools in the Indian Prairie School District -- advising them of the changes.
Marchiando said police will be ticketing jaywalking students who attempt to cross illegally.