The safety of our students, staff, and families is always our highest priority. With busy morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times, small actions by each driver make a big difference in keeping everyone safe and traffic flowing smoothly. Please take a moment to review the reminders below and help us create a safe and respectful environment around our school.
Please help us keep students safe by:
• Using crosswalks and never blocking them with your vehicle
• Signaling when turning into the drop-off area
• Staying in your vehicle during drop-off to keep traffic moving
• Avoiding double parking—even if you’re running late
• Driving slowly and patiently through school zones (20 mph)
Harrisburg Middle School Parent Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Crosswalks & Parent Pick-Up & Drop-Off:
During pick-up and drop-off, please be extra careful about students and staff crossing the two crosswalks. We encourage everyone to use the crosswalk when crossing. It gets very busy on 6th Street, so please use caution. Do not block street crosswalks with vehicles. When cars park on the street, it becomes difficult for our staff to see students and oncoming traffic. Please use your turn signal when turning into the drop-off area so other drivers know your intent.
What is a School Zone?
A school zone is a section of roadway adjacent to a school or school crosswalk where signs designating school activity are present.
What is a School Speed Zone?
A school speed zone is a special 20 mph zone defined by school speed signs. The zone begins at the SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT 20 sign and ends at the END SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT or END SCHOOL ZONE sign. These zones typically begin at least 200 feet from the school property line or crosswalk and are designed to improve driver awareness and compliance.
Additional Safety Reminders
Don’t try to go around other vehicles.
Trying to pass stopped vehicles means you may not see children ahead. Waiting your turn helps prevent tragic accidents.
Don’t speed through the school zone.
The reduced speed is designed to protect the large number of students traveling through the area. Slower speeds give you more time to react and may save a life.
Stay in your car.
Remaining in your vehicle during drop-off helps traffic move efficiently and prevents backups on surrounding roads.
Avoid double parking.
If you need to park and walk your child, please circle the block rather than blocking traffic.
Patience is a virtue.
Everyone is doing their best. A little patience helps keep mornings and afternoons calmer and safer for everyone.
Snow Day Notifications
Our district communicates any decision to change school or bus schedules as quickly as possible, typically before 6:30 a.m. Please download the Flash Alert App and check Thrill share, Facebook, and the district website for updates.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students safe.
By working together and following these guidelines, we can ensure that every student arrives and leaves school safely each day. Your cooperation and patience are greatly appreciated.
Respectfully,
Graham Hughes
Graham Hughes
Principal
Harrisburg Middle School
Graham.hughes@harrisburg.k12.or.us
541-995-6551