For Hometown News
ORANGE CITY - To ensure the safety of students, a new traffic pattern will be in place for parents dropping off and picking up students at Manatee Cove Elementary and River Springs Middle in Orange City.
School started Monday, Aug. 20.
Parents from both schools will be asked to enter from Scholars Path and exit on West Ohio Avenue. Both streets will be one way and no parking will be permitted on either street. In addition, the parent loop for River Springs was switched with the bus loop and clearly marked to ensure proper traffic flow. Law enforcement officers will be at the schools to assist drivers with the new traffic pattern and to ensure that everyone follows the new rules and posted signs. Maps can be viewed at http://bit.ly/schoolmaps.
"This school year, we are continuing to focus on student safety," said Superintendent Margaret Smith. "Our parents can assist by using the area designated to drop off and pick up their students. This simple change may take a few minutes longer, but will significantly improve safety before and after school. Working together, we can keep our students safe."
Last year, 27 students were injured or killed by vehicles on the way to or from school. Ten of those accidents occurred in Orange City. This prompted a series of changes, which included addressing traffic flow and parking issues at Manatee Cove Elementary and River Springs Middle.
Parents whose children are eligible to ride the bus are encouraged to use this service. It is a safe form of transportation and will help alleviate traffic congestion.