Imagine if you had to walk 1.8 miles or more to work every morning each way? Whether that’s in the rain, snow, or extreme heat? How productive would you be once you arrived? That’s what some of our Lime Kiln middle schoolers (10, 11, 12, 13 yrs) will have to do this Fall 2025 if we can’t get a school bus in Fulton MD for children who live in Maple Lawn and Price Manor Way. How can we speed millions in cybersecurity to secure data and not on school buses to protect small humans? Let’s reassess our priorities. Even if this doesn’t impact you, please sign and share with others. The kindness you give in sharing will come triple fold to you. Let’s give these students a school bus so they don’t have to cross a dark wooded forest just to have a short cut to school!! And remember that just two months ago, when these children were in elementary school, they did have a bus! As a parent, I would rather cut spending on unnecessary technology at school than ensuring kids get to school safely by bus. What is more important — chrome books or kids safety? I would rather have them do more work on pen and paper, which is better for their critical thinking? We have forgotten common sense and the importance of prioritizing human safety and actual education, rather than technology and tools. If you can, please also share your thoughts with the Howard County online survey on transportation: https://hcpss.mydistricting.com/hcpss/comment_links

Our children, aged 10 to 13 and still very much in the realm of childhood, are facing a daunting daily journey. These middle school students, specifically those in grades 6 through 8, are expected to walk at least 1.8 miles, which translates to a 31-40 minute trek each way, to attend Lime Kiln Middle school in Fulton, MD. This wouldn't be as concerning if the conditions were ideal – but they are far from it.

The route these young students must take lacks proper infrastructure to ensure their safety. Sidewalks without cross guards create a perilous environment for any child, let alone a group of them making their way during school rush hours. Maple Lawn is a mixed use community with strangers coming into a residential/business area to use the local businesses. There are limited to no speed bumps or speed cameras and even some residents have been hit by vehicles.  This danger compounds in adverse weather conditions like rain, thunderstorms, snow, hail, and extreme heat – all elements from which our children need protecting. Every route to learning should be as safe as possible, yet the current situation is anything but safe.

The absence of a dedicated school bus service not only forces these young students to endure potentially hazardous conditions but also places an undue burden on their families. Many parents are unable to drive their children to school due to work commitments, leaving them with an unsustainable choice between their responsibility towards work and the safety of their children.

Providing a school bus service for Lime Kiln Middle School Fulton residents would significantly reduce these risks and offer peace of mind to countless families within the community. It would ensure that students arrive at school ready to learn, having traveled safely and comfortably.

We urge our local Howard County and Maryland education authorities and community leaders to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students. By establishing a school bus service, they can make a positive difference in the daily lives of Fulton’s students and their families.”

Please join us in calling for change by signing this petition. Together, we can advocate for a safer, more accessible path to education for all of our children. Thank you for making an impact to make our communities safer!