“Newton Leads: Ideas and Action” is a new initiative designed to actively engage and partner with the Newton community to create a more livable, sustainable city.

Through a new web platform and monthly village meet-ups, citizens will be able to receive information and updates on city initiatives and events and share their ideas and input. The next village meet-up will be on Wednesday, October 29th at the Metro Credit Union in Nonantum.

Mayor Warren and City Department Heads will be available to hear input and answer questions beginning at 6:00 pm. Mayor Warren and city officials will also host a “virtual ideas session.” Anyone who is unable to make the meet-up will be able to stream the conversation from their computers or smart phones beginning at 7:00 pm.

I have witnessed parents making U-turns directly in front of the school, pulling into resident driveways to turn around disregarding the child that is walking on the sidewalk. Using the Blue Zone as a personal parking space showing a lack of consideration for other students and parents, double-parking and letting their child or children out of the car into the street instead of letting them out onto the sidewalk.

All of these types of unsafe driving behaviors are being done on a daily basis, defeating the purpose of the Blue Zone and the ability for a safe environment for your child. When you drop your child off/pick up at school, remember it is your responsibility to keep your child and others safe. Parents want to watch their child enter the school and drive away knowing their child’s in the safe environment, what some parents fail to think about is the way they drive away, making a U-turn or driving with excessive speed to work. All it takes is one time for you to hit a child and your life and your family’s life will change dramatically. No one would ever want to hit a child but with the current unsafe driving behavior it can happen to anyone!

The Newton Police Department employs 58 crossing guards for all 15 Elementary Schools, which is more than most cities in Massachusetts. Dropping your child off at school and letting him/her walk across the street without using the crossing guard defeats the purpose of having them there for your child’s safety. We appreciate that the majority of parents are friendly and treat our crossing guards with respect but unfortunately some of our crossing guards have reported that parents have used profanity and have been very disrespectful towards them.

We try to maintain as many crossing posts as required by the number of children crossing with our guards. If the guards are not being utilized that post may be eliminated.
Please remember to drive safely for the well being of all children attending our schools.
Thank you for your cooperation in this very important matter.