Robertsville Middle School Safe Routes to School Project Meeting
Taken from the Oak Ridge Observer website: When: Thu, August 12, 1am – 2am Where: City Central Services Complex – 100 Woodbury Road Description: The City Public Works Department will conduct a public meeting for citizens to review and provide comments on preliminary plans for a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program for Robertsville Middle School. In 2008, … Read more
Screwing Over the Poor and Disabled Kids
So, here’s what happened. For whatever reason, the school administration has been hell bent on cutting the a.m. transportation to the preschool (our head start program that services the most disadvantaged children in our community). When they tried it last year, as I discussed here, they claimed that it was to increase instructional time. The … Read more
Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee Takes Action
While the wailing and gnashing of teeth continues over the RLCs, there are some people focused on moving forward with the real work of protecting pedestrians and bicyclists alike. According to this article, members of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee held a forum this week to discuss “ensuring safety for all who want to bicycle … Read more
Observer LTE on RLCs
A few years ago, a child was struck by a motorist while crossing the turnpike from Oak Ridge High School. Last year, I monitored that area and observed numerous motorist violations that put students and adults in danger. Frequently, vehicles would come within inches of hitting students. During my 2 month stint in 2007 as … Read more
JMS Traffic Concerns
From: Trina BaughnSent: Monday, September 07, 2009 5:01 PMTo: ‘Chief Beams’Cc: ORSM; City CouncilSubject: JMS Traffic Concerns Chief Beams, I’ve been in touch with Terri, the JMS crossing guard. She has informed me that the pedestrian traffic has drastically increased this year (from 8 am/pm crossers last year to over 36 this year) and that … Read more
Stay Safer on Summer Adventures
Received this from a PTA newsletter – Good information With summer’s warmer weather and sunshine, your family is finding reasons to leave the house that was a cozy retreat all winter. As your family spends more time outside, take some time to remind your kids of ways to stay safer away from home: * Teach … Read more
A Not-so-Quick Update on Proposed Transportation Cuts
On April 20th, the ORSB passed their FY2010 budget. Of major note, they eliminated the originally proposed cuts of 6 TAs and transportation for a.m. preschool riders and the alternative school students. We actively pursued these reinstatements as discussed here and here and here. These were major victories for our children and our schools, but … Read more
Student Safety at Risk Once Again
There are many issues at stake in this year’s school budget. For the sake of time, I want to bring one, in particular, to the forefront. That is the slated cuts of both the a.m. preschool bus routes and the a.m. and p.m. alternative school bus routes. I will attempt to provide more informatin in … Read more
Robertsville/Illinois Crossing Guard Status
FYI. I’ll post updates as responses are received. From: Trina baughn Sent: Friday, April 03, 2009 14:45Subject: Crossing Guard Status @ RMS Chief Beams, I have not seen a crossing guard at the Robertsville/Illinois intersection for weeks now. This intersection remains heavily trafficked by both high school and middle school students from what I understand. … Read more
Free DNA LifePrint Child Safety Event in Oak Ridge March 28th
This is a John Walsh sponsored event that will take place on March 28th from 9:30-2:00 at Oak Ridge Chrysler Dodge Jeep Superstore @ 1005 OR Turnpike. Contact Howard Elliot at 482-7670 for further information. I would strongly advise doing so before going as there is no mention of appointments on the flyer I received. … Read more
ORHS/Civic Center Action Items
As concerned parents, we would like to clear up some confusion regarding the circumstances at the crosswalk between the high school and the civic center. The ORPD recently implemented changes in an attempt to address real and quantifiable dangers at this location. Consider the fact that 50-75 students use this crosswalk daily and that this … Read more
"A Matter of Safety"
Following is the link to the article in “The Oak Ridger” about the vest donation. http://www.oakridger.com/localnews/x185286155/A-matter-of-safety We enjoyed meeting with City Officials: Mayor Pro-temp Jane Miller, Chief Beams and Deputy Chief Massengill and the Crossing Guards who came also. We would like to express our continued gratitude to all of the Crossing Guards who serve … Read more
New Vests Provided to Crossing Guards
Along with Mayor Pro Tem Miller, Chief Beams, and CPT Massengill, we presented new, LED lit vests to some of our crossing guards this afternoon. Thanks to all who contributed funds and special thanks to Michelle Doka for acquiring the vests and coordinating today’s presentation! *****Also note that a detailed summary of potential solutions and … Read more
Solutions to Improve Visibility Issues
Several different factors have contributed to the many “near misses” that have taken place at the High School Crosswalk. One of them is a lack of visibility particularly for the Crossing Guard who is stationed there. There are several students who participate in the swimming program and cross over to the High School from the … Read more
Unresolved Issues
After reading this, it’s obvious that the need for increased awareness and action is still ever-present and very much attainable. More voices, please. Contact your public officials and share your concerns. Email sent today to City Council, City Manager, Chief of Police, OR School Board,etc. Hello and Happy New Year! I understand that there was … Read more
Walk This Way
The Oak Ridger ran this article today about Robertsville Middle School’s participation in International Walk to School Month. According to the article, “Walk This Way is a national program that highlights the benefits of walking to school while encouraging children and parents to be safe pedestrians.” RMS principal Mike Baker and others took students out … Read more
City Response to Today’s Email
Mr. O’Connor’s response to my questions (see previous post)came in within an hour of my email. We are truly blessed to have such responsive local government. Thanks Jim! 1. There is no funding for signal light so we will continue to use a Police Officer during the appropriate times. 2. I am not aware of … Read more
Additional Follow Up with the City
Sent today to the city council, police chief, city manager and copied to the school board: Hello! I wanted to follow up on some of the matters we’d discussed at the last city council meeting. I’ll keep it brief: 1. Regarding the police officer assigned to direct traffic – is this a permanent measure or … Read more
Crossing Guard Appreciation
Many thanks to all who contributed donations in support of our crossing guards! All were delivered today and were very warmly received. We have some extraordinary people working to keep our kids safe and your generosity means a lot to not only them, but many others as well. Throughout the school year, please continue to … Read more
City Council Response to HS/Civic Center Crossing Issues
At last night’s city council meeting, the city manager and council provided an update on the issues that citizens have voiced concerns about regarding the ORHS/Civic Center crosswalk. Mr. O’Connor explained that he met this past Friday with the ORSB chair, Mr. Smith and with the ORS Superintendent, Dr. Bailey. Corrective actions are as follows: … Read more
ORHS/Civic Center Crossing Follow Up
The following was submitted to city council, the chief of police and the city manager on 10-16-08: I appreciate that Chief Beams has responded to citizen concerns over the crosswalk at the high school and civic center. I understand that the time has been lengthened for the school zone and that the crossing guard’s hours … Read more
LTEs/Gov’t Correspondence RE: High School/Civic Center Crossing
The following was submitted to the city and copied to the school board on 10-6-08 and ran in the Oak Ridger (along with another letter) on 10-15-08. All: In an effort to heighten public awareness, the following has also been submitted to the Oak Ridger. Though addressed directly to the city, any and all feedback … Read more
Key to Retention – Let Them Know They Are Appreciated!
It is time again to let our Crossing Guards know how much we appreciate their services to Oak Ridge students. We are currently collecting baked goods, hand warmers, hot drink packets, lip balm, etc… to give to them. We are also having the students who use their services sign Thank you cards to give to … Read more
National Child Passenger Safety Week
…is next week. This Oak Ridger article contains some good reminders about child safety; I would add that it is best to continue having children ride in the back seat long after they’ve outgrown booster seats. It was the law in Germany and we continued the practice upon our return to the states. The additional … Read more
Yellow Means Slow Down (and it always has)
The city is moving forward with implementing red light cameras, but people are still wailing at the supposed injustice of it all. Given all the media coverage of this one little issue, one might think that our very livelihood hung in the balance. For months, the counter-arguments flew. At first, it was all about the … Read more
School Resumes City-Wide Tomorrow
The 2008/2009 school year in Oak Ridge fully resumes tomorrow and, thankfully, our children will have safer travels to and from school than they did just a year ago. Equal access to transportation for all students, crossing guards, better street markings and signage, and more attentive motorists will undoubtedly result in the risk reduction for … Read more
Crossing Guards for 08/09 School Year
Although the discussion on crossing guards during the last city council meeting did not occur as I’d announced, I have some news on that front. According to the city manager, the city has decided to place 2 crossing guards at WillowBrook starting next week. The decision of where to place others has yet to be … Read more
Positive Report
I’ve heard from one of our long-time drivers some great things about First Student’s safety practices. The report is from this driver having gone through some of their training already and it sounds as though they greatly exceed our school system’s previous standards. One example was that 2 traffic violations on one’s personal record is … Read more
An Alternative Solution to Red Light Cameras?
I’ve already stated my opinions in various places on Red Light Cameras including here. Maybe, though, this would prove to be a better alternative. Thanks to the anonymous sender of this hilarious clip!
The Case for Crossing Guard Retention
The following was sent to the OR City Council, manager, chief of police, the OR School Board and all OR school principals: Chief Beams, At least 3 different times this week I’ve noticed that crossing guards were absent (during the appropriate times) at the ORTP/Civic Center and Willow Brook posts. Can you tell me if … Read more
MAJOR PROGRESS!!!!!
BUSESWe’ve seen some major progress these past few weeks, not the least of which is the ORSB’s vote to fully reinstate transportation via a contractor. A lot of hard work by many individual citizens as well as school officials went into this decision and the end result means that all of our children will have … Read more
Transportation Update
On April 10th, with little more than 45 minutes worth of discussion, the Oak Ridge School Board voted unanimously to adopt Dr. Bailey’s proposed budget. Contained within this proposal is a huge change to transportation that will hopefully provide equal access to all children for bus service. I emphasize hopefully because, at this point, it … Read more
Update on Proposed Legislation
It’s not too late to voice your support to your representatives! HB2653 by Hackworth (SB3077 by McNally) passed the house unanimously and has moved to the Senate. As of today, the status listed is: Placed on S. Trans Comm. cal. for 04/02/2008 The remaining 4 bills (discussed in further detail here), are seeing some action … Read more
House Bill 2653 Goes to Floor This Week
Government in action – Rep. Hackworth sent me the following, which I believe will be published in this week’s local paper. I have a more personal stake in seeing this one through given that it has a direct tie to what led to the end of my crossing guard days Just as with the bill … Read more
Safety for Oak Ridge Students (SOS) Fund
Some significant accomplishments have been made thus far, but there is still much to be done. One group of Robertsville parents is working towards hiring an independent engineer to conduct a safety survey of the Illinois Ave/OR Turnpike area to fully identify all potential dangers and to recommend improvement measures. They are hoping to raise … Read more
Contact Your State Representatives Today!
Rep Hackworth and Sen. McNally (with the help of Bill Nolan and the state attorney) have worked hard to effect change for our children via the proposed legislation outlined below. If passed, these bills will have significant potential for improving the safety of not only our children, but pedestrians throughout the state of Tennessee. In … Read more
Exciting Developments for February!
There have been some great developments in our town as of late. Tomorrow, 5 new crossing guards will begin working which will bring the total to 7. The new additions will be positioned at the following locations: (2) Illinois and ORTP(1) Robertsville and Illinois Ave(1) Jefferson Ave and Robertsville Rd(1) Fairbanks- for Jefferson You’ll most … Read more
Proposed Solutions for Providing Equal Opportunity Access to Transportation for all City of Oak Ridge Students
The following was presented to the ORSB last night. They gave no indication of being willing to explore any transportation options until April and no desire to provide additional transportation options until next school year. Proposed Solutions for Providing Equal Opportunity Access to Transportation for all City of Oak Ridge Students By Trina Baughn January … Read more
Response from Dr. Bailey
Dr. Bailey called me to discuss my questions below. He explained that his focus is on added police presence, crossing guards and bus drivers – he wants to allow the committee to focus on transportation. While I didn’t expect such a quick response, Dr. Bailey did state he’d have to get back with me on … Read more
Request for Progress Update from OR Schools
This is in response to my original request for a copy of a report given 3 weeks ago (see emails at the end).——————————————————————————–From: TrinaSent: Friday, January 25, 2008 9:00 AMTo: ‘Thomas Bailey’Cc: ‘agle@bellsouth.net’; ‘donato60@gmail.com’; ‘jrichter@utk.edu’; ‘smithjrj@saic.com’; ‘wkfillauer@comcast.net’; ‘Karen Gagliano’; ‘Ken Green’Subject: RE: Transportation Report Dr. Bailey, I attended and heard your 40 minute commentary that … Read more
The state is in session and our issues are being worked!
I don’t have much time, but wanted to share some great news I just received from Bill Nolan (our local lobbyist). He has been working with Rep. Hackworth and the state attorney and they are introducing 2, possibly 3, pieces of legislation based on some of the brainstorming ideas listed below. If I understood correctly, … Read more
LTE: Time to Commit – Specifically, Please
I have stated numerous times that I believe protecting our children in their commute to and from school is a multi-faceted problem that will require multiple solutions. And while much can be achieved from a variety of resources, the responsibility of implementing the most effective and beneficial solutions (full reinstatement of transportation and the formalization … Read more
Revisions to this site
I’ve tweaked this site a bit with the hopes of providing more organized information so that people can better support the cause. Most changes involve the sections to the left. Feel free to comment or send more info that I can include. TN lawmakers will be back in session the second week of January through … Read more
Stats to Chew On
Traffic Accidents for the intersection of Illinois Ave & the OR Turnpike: 2003 – 34 accidents2004 – 35 accidents2005 – 30 accidents2006 – 34 accidents2007 – 30 accidents (1 Pedestrian) Cost to transport 15 Rarity Ridge students: $15,000Cost to transport 30 students in the Vanderbuilt area: $0
Who Have You Been Talking To?
I’ve been considering opening this site up a little to facilitate a greater sharing of information. There’s some pretty decent traffic coming through, not the least of which are some regular hits by local and state officials. One of my thoughts is to post citizen communications, be they written or verbal, here so that all … Read more
Brainstorming
November 27, 2007 I’ve updated the list to include recent suggestions. Any and all are welcome to use this list as a reference point, especially when communicating with elected officials. Note that the City Council has tasked the city manager to bring forth suggestions for change at the next CC meeting on Dec 17th. Email … Read more
If I had…If they had…I shouldn’t have…They shouldn’t have…We could have…
For two days I was mad. I was mad at God. I was mad at myself. I was mad at you. It hurt so much! I just wanted to stop thinking about it. I felt selfish for wanting emotional support when others were suffering so much more. I needed the comfort of strangers almost as … Read more
Reverence
I accept God’s will and my inability to understand it. I will refrain from public comment for a while out of respect for the family and those affected by this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers continue for the Paine family and all who hurt.
"All you can do is to be at every single moment as true as you can with all the power in your being - and then leave it to God to use you, even despite yourself." - Anthony Bloom
