Despite educational approach, problems persist at Harden Middle School during pickup and drop-off
It’s been a couple of weeks since school started for students in Salinas, and News Channel 5 took a closer look at some safety concerns during pickup and drop-off times dating back to last year.
Specifically, News Channel 5 took a look at Harden Middle School after parents and neighbors came forward last school year.
Despite renewed efforts by the school, some residents say the same issues are still plaguing that neighborhood.
“It’s very dangerous. I’m actually surprised we don’t have more serious traffic collisions,” said Sgt. Gerry Ross with Salinas police.
“We’re not going to be perfect, but we need to keep working on it,” said Alberto Verduzco, principal at Harden Middle School.
From all sides of the argument, there’s no doubt there’s a pickup and drop-off issue at the school, so News Channel 5 went to find out what’s being done about it.
“One of our teachers, who is our drama media teacher, created a video that goes along with that lesson,” Verduzco said, referring to teaching students the safety of crossing the road. He added they’ve been showing that video for the last two school years.
Verduzco said they’ve also implemented a tiered learning system, teaching all students a core set of values.
“There are times when students cross the street on the wrong places and that’s where we re-teach. That’s part of this program, our positive behavior support program, to re-teach our students the lessons they haven’t learned,” Verduzco said.
So have these changes made a difference? Some residents say no way.
News Channel 5 spoke with Lorraine Dalsing last year. While still taking care of her ill husband, she says her issue is with parents blocking her driveway, keeping her from getting to important doctor appointments.
“It’s a little frustrating but with what I’m dealing with now, it’s sort of just, just do the best I can,” Dalsing said.
Verduzco said he’s tried to reach out to parents about being respectful to the neighborhood, holding weekly meetings at the school, and he said he plans to send out a newsletter outlining what parents should be doing.
Salinas officers say they’re also doing the best they can, but they say it’s tough to enforce the laws without a traffic unit.
“Patrol officers are normally pretty busy in the afternoon hours so it makes it hard for them to get out there,” Sgt. Ross said.
Ross added that after an accident at a nearby school last year, a teacher asked him to come up with a safety flier for parents and students. He said he sent them to all Salinas schools before classes started.
So aside from a complete overhaul, like adding a specific pickup and drop-off lane, school officials say parents and kids need to obey the rules, even if that isn’t enough of an answer for some.
“I just wish it would be resolved,” Dalsing said with a laugh.