Holyoke Public Schools are reviewing their buildings’ surrounding infrastructure after a 12-year-old student from Holyoke STEM Academy was struck by a car crossing Main Street on her walk to school.
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Holyoke Public Schools are reviewing their buildings’ surrounding infrastructure after a 12-year-old student from Holyoke STEM Academy was struck by a car crossing Main Street on her walk to school.
The review will include looking at the number of crossing guards related to the number of walkers in the area, and once complete, the district will communicate areas of improvement to city officials.
Superintendent of Holyoke Public Schools Anthony Soto confirmed that the incident occurred in a location not designated for crossing, so there was no crossing guard present. The district has 14 crossing guards in high-traffic areas.
Holyoke residents were concerned upon hearing of the accident, hoping the city would extend crosswalks and speed bumps outside school zones. “They should have a sign at least two or three blocks before that so they know it’s a school, and they got to slow down,” said Modesto Sanchez.
“More speed bumps but real speed bumps,” added Ryan Ramos. “You know, in strategic areas especially where there are kids.” Ramos is a parent himself and said the incident has him feeling crestfallen.
“I have two kids, you know, a five-year-old and a seventeen-year-old,” he said. “And so there’s always so many things to worry about, and something as simple as being out on the sidewalks or streets is not something that we want to worry about.”
The student is recovering in an area hospital, and the cause of the incident is still being investigated.
In the meantime, Superintendent Soto assured in a statement to 22News, “School and district staff have been spending time with the injured student’s family at the hospital, providing support and resources as they navigate their experiences. We have been working collaboratively to provide a stable, welcoming, and comforting place of learning and belonging within our schools.”
The Superintendent’s office and the Mayor’s office advise drivers and pedestrians to stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
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