As a teacher at McDonough Middle School, I have witnessed firsthand the dire consequences of Hillside Avenue not being recognized as an official designated school zone and the heartbreaking consequences of a city failing to act.

Tragically, within the last 30 days alone, two of our students have been struck by a vehicle while either arriving or departing from school, requiring hospital care. Over the last six years, we have had to deal with a total of five such incidents involving students and motor vehicles. These are not mere statistics and numbers, but real young lives under threat every single day. These are children. Our children. And they are at risk every single day.

The neglect is even more glaring considering the fact that McDonough School is a 150-year-old institution.

The danger on Hillside Avenue is not new—it is generational. One 39-year-old community member remembers witnessing a classmate get hit by a car on this same street when she was only six. She, like many others in our neighborhood, grew up afraid to cross Hillside Avenue—forced to sprint across the street just to avoid becoming another statistic. This is not how childhood should feel. This is not how school day should start or end.

During the 2021–2022 school year, a student was tragically struck by a car on Hillside Avenue. This alarming incident sparked a student-led initiative to highlight the dangers of this roadway and to advocate for improved safety measures for students commuting to and from school. The students developed a thoughtful, solutions-oriented project and submitted it directly to the Mayor of Hartford. Despite their proactive efforts and the serious nature of the issue, there has been no response or action from the city to date. This silence is not just disheartening— and as we have seen it has put students' safety at continued risk. In Spring 2024, an application to the City of Hartford was also submitted to create an official school zone and it has been lying untouched since.

Meanwhile, what safety measures do we have?

• One small, unlit crosswalk.
• Broken flashing signs that are meant to warn drivers of the school zone—but don’t work.
• No speed bumps.
• No crossing guards.

This is unacceptable. Our students deserve more than empty promises and malfunctioning signs. They deserve real protection.

Isn’t it time we treat its students with the care and respect they deserve? Isn't it time to prioritize safety over bureaucracy? We are calling on the City of Hartford to immediately:

• Designate Hillside Avenue as an official school zone
• Install functioning flashing signs and crosswalk lights
• Add speed bumps
• Assign trained crossing guards for arrival and dismissal of school

No student should fear for their life on their way to school. Sign this petition to demand urgent, overdue action. Let’s make sure no more children are put in harm’s way—because going to school should never be a dangerous act.

Stand with us. Sign now. Together, we can make a difference.