It is not safe for a 9-year-old to have to walk a 20-minute walk along a busy road where there are speeding cars, limited sidewalks, and more importantly, homeless and mentally ill people who live in the homeless and halfway houses near the school. Grades 5th and 6th are considered elementary school aged, and yet, they are required to walk up to 0.8 of a mile to school. This is a significant concern for many parents and guardians in Riverhead, NY.

Currently, the walker and bussing zone for grades K-4 is set at 0.5 of a mile, ensuring younger children have transportation options to avoid the risks associated with walking a longer distance. Unfortunately, this policy does not extend to 5th and 6th graders, despite these children being similarly vulnerable. It only seems reasonable that grades 5 and 6 should also have the walker and bussing zone adjusted to 0.5 of a mile.

This change will not only align with the existing policy for younger grades but also enhance the safety and well-being of our children by significantly reducing their exposure to potential dangers on their way to and from school. It is well-known that busy roads pose a severe risk to children, with statistics indicating that pedestrian injuries are one of the leading causes of accidental injury-related deaths among children ages 5 to 14 years in the United States.

We are calling on the Riverhead Central School District to take immediate action to revise the walker and bussing zone policy for 5th and 6th graders. By doing so, we can create a safer, more equitable system that provides peace of mind for parents and a safer environment for all students.

Please add your signature to this petition to urge the Riverhead Central School District to make this vital change. Together, we can ensure that all our children have a safe journey to and from school every day.