Growing up in Dawsonville, GA, skateboarding is not just a pastime—it's our escape, our creative outlet, and our main source of fun. For many of us kids here, spending time at the local skatepark after school is what we look forward to. It's where we connect, challenge ourselves, and build community bonds. However, recent changes in school and bus policies are now threatening to strip us of this vital part of our days.

Currently, the blanket rules enforced for our buses prohibit skateboards. This means students like myself, who rely on the bus to get home or to the skatepark, are left with few options. After the grind of school, having to worry about how to carry our boards sucks all the joy out of looking forward to skating. These rules make a difference in our day-to-day lives, and not a positive one.

Not only does this rule impact our ability to carry skateboards, but now they're even banning blankets. While these items might not seem important to everyone, to us—students bundled against the chill on early bus rides, and skateboarders eager to hit the ramps after the school bell rings—they're invaluable.

In a town like Dawsonville, skateboarding is more than a hobby. It's a part of our culture. The rigid regulations currently in place are hurting the youth, restricting our ability to make positive, active choices after school. If the concern is about space or safety on the bus, we believe there are productive ways to address these issues without an outright ban.

We are calling on the Dawson County School District to amend these transportation rules. Implement measures that allow us to safely bring skateboards onto buses—whether that means designating specific seating areas where skateboards can be stowed away without interfering with others, or any other practical solution that can be agreed on.

Revising these rules will have a significant impact on many students' lifestyles, promoting not only physical activity but also mental well-being. It's crucial for kids to have access to their sporting hobbies even after the school day ends—especially given the limited recreational options in our community.

Sign this petition to show your support for a change. Let's ensure that skateboarding remains a accessible sport for the youth in Dawsonville.