For most of my school-aged years, I was lucky enough to live just a few blocks from each of my respective schools, with the exception of two of my junior high years. In elementary school, my neighbours and I would walk the block up to the school together. It appears walking to school is now a rarity among St. Albert’s students.
Over the last few years, living adjacent to one of St. Albert’s many elementary schools, my neighbours and I have had to tend to an ever-growing number of parents dropping off and picking up their children on our little crescent. The road in front of our house is public; however, the crowds of parents have become so large that there is simply not enough parking space to go around.
Every weekday of the school year from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., it is nearly impossible to get into your own driveway. A few parents have even gone so far as to move garbage cans, and other property belonging to those living on the street, to make room for their vehicles. Several neighbours have even called the police, wasting their valuable time and resources, to ensure parents are not endangering other children by speeding.
I would find it hard to believe that every child who is being dropped off is living far enough away that they are not eligible to take the school bus. And if they are not eligible to take the bus, one could assume they live in walking distance. Given our climate, I could understand schoolkids getting a ride during cold days in the winter. However, there is no reason children cannot walk or take the bus. If safety is a concern, children who live in the same neighbourhoods could walk together. If getting a ride is an absolute necessity, why not carpool?
Children getting rides from their parents limits their exercise and social interaction. Walking home with my classmates who lived near me was a fun, bonding experience outside the classroom. In an age of helicopter parents and ever-present technology, it would probably do many children a great deal of good to get outside and walk home, or at the very least, to and from the bus stop.
Ultimately, children getting a ride to or from school is not a ground-breaking issue. However, the entitlement of some parents to speed through residential areas, block residents from their own homes and disrespect residents when they are asked to move is extremely frustrating.
My parents chose to live near the school so we would have the luxury of walking just a few blocks. If you did not make that decision, you are not entitled to the property of those who neighbour your child’s school. At just 21 years old, I may be forced to play the part of the senior citizen, yelling, “Stay off my lawn!”
If you insist on driving your child to school, please be mindful of the residents living nearby. Respect their property, respect speed limits and respect your neighbours.
Jennifer Hamilton is a local student and writer.
