walk with us el monte€¦ · follow directions from crossing guards and safety patrols. use a...

WALK WITH US EL MONTE

Walking School Bus Concept Plan

Appendix for Walk With Us El Monte - Learn more at: www.WalkElMonte.org

Table of Contents

Emerald Necklace Walking School Bus Route Leader & Volunteer Training ......................................... 1

Welcome! ......................................................................................................................................... 1

What is a Walking School Bus? ........................................................................................................ 1

About the Walk with Us El Monte WSB Program............................................................................. 2

Route Leader and Volunteer Responsibilities .................................................................................. 5

Student Participation Policies .......................................................................................................... 8

Preparing for the Unexpected .......................................................................................................... 9

Helpful Links ................................................................................................................................... 10

Stakeholder Engagement Strategy ........................................................................................................ 11

Program Evaluation ............................................................................................................................... 13

Appendixes ............................................................................................................................................ 14

Appendix A: WSB Outreach Materials and Forms ................................................................................ 15

1: Simple Informational Flyer ......................................................................................................... 15

2: Detailed Flyer ............................................................................................................................. 16

3: Walk Safety Tips ......................................................................................................................... 17

4: Route Map .................................................................................................................................. 18

5: Interest Form .............................................................................................................................. 19

6: Student Agreement .................................................................................................................... 20

7: Family Agreement ...................................................................................................................... 21

8: Volunteer Agreement................................................................................................................. 22

9: Walking School Bus Banner ........................................................................................................ 23

Appendix B: Data Collection Forms ....................................................................................................... 24

1: Weekly Data Collection Form ..................................................................................................... 24

2: Incident Report........................................................................................................................... 25

3: Student Survey ........................................................................................................................... 26

4: Family Survey ............................................................................................................................. 27

Appendix C. Emerald Necklace Materials ............................................................................................. 28

1: Emerald Necklace Opportunities Near You ................................................................................ 28

2: School and Recreation Opportunities ........................................................................................ 29

3: History of the Durfee‐Thompson Nature Trail ........................................................................... 30

4: Map of Species and Biodiversity in the Region .......................................................................... 32


EMERALD NECKLACE WALKING SCHOOL BUS ROUTE LEADER & VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Welcome! Thank you for getting involved in the Walk with Us El Monte Walking School Bus program! Your efforts will

help hundreds of students get to and from school in a way that is safe, healthy, and fun. Our goals are to

promote street safety, increase awareness about the benefits of walking, and protect the environment by

reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a bonus, you will get to meet your neighbors and get your own day

started with some exercise.

This training provides an orientation to the Walk with Us El Monte Walking School Bus Program for

Volunteers and Route Leaders. Volunteers and Route Leaders can be family members, teachers, or other

interested community members. After completing the training, participants will know how to lead students

safely along their WSB Route, how to encourage families to get involved by explaining the benefits of the

WSB, and know what to do when different situations arise.

What is a Walking School Bus? Many families would like to walk to school, but are concerned about traffic, have personal safety concerns,

or may lack the time to walk with their children to school. Sharing the trip with other families provides adult

supervision for groups of students, reassures parents that their children can get to school safely and on time,

and builds community in the neighborhood.

A Walking School Bus (WSB) is an organized group of students who walk to and from school with adults. The

WSB has a designated route and stops where students gather or get dropped‐off near their homes. WSBs

are a great way for students to get daily physical activity and travel to school, while having fun with their

classmates. Students will learn how to be “Safe Walkers,” gain confidence exploring their communities, and

protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

HISTORY OF WALKING SCHOOL BUSES

David Engwicht is credited with inventing the WSB in his book “Reclaiming our Cities and Towns,” published

in 1992. The concept first took hold in Australia and the United Kingdom. Now there are different versions

of WSBs operating all over the world!


About the Walk with Us El Monte WSB Program The idea for Walk with Us El Monte started in 2014, when the El Monte City School District (EMCSD) and

local non‐profit Amigos de los Rios applied for grant funding for a WSB program through the California State

Active Transportation Program (ATP). The City of El Monte was brought in as a project partner in 2016. That

same year, the Project Team was awarded funding to pilot the WSB program at Durfee School to encourage

more students to walk to school, improve community heath, and address safety concerns for people walking.

With this funding, we developed a methodology for identifying walking routes to school, trainings for

volunteers and route leaders, and reference materials, such as this Concept Plan. While the materials are

focused on Durfee School, parents, teachers, and others in the school community can use these materials to

start a WSB in their own community. Our goal is to demonstrate how to successfully host a Walking School

Bus in El Monte, and inspire others to start their own Walking School Buses in the city.

WALK WITH US EL MONTE AND THE “EMERALD NECKLACE”

The WSB is a part of a larger citywide movement

throughout El Monte and the Los Angeles region

to encourage students and families to spend

more time outdoors. Students and families gain

confidence walking safely to and from school,

and often get motivated to find other ways to get

outside. Active families can continue their

explorations by checking out the Emerald

Necklace Park and Trail Network that connects

open space in El Monte with the San Gabriel and

Rio Hondo Rivers, beautiful San Gabriel

Mountains, the newly designated San Gabriel

Mountains National Monument, and Angeles

National Forest to the north of the city. Even

closer to home, there is also a nature park along

the trail on the Durfee school campus. To further

highlight this strong connection to the

environment and to this new regional trail

system, Walk with Us El Monte uses fun, nature‐

themed messaging, such as naming each of the

proposed Walking School Bus Routes after local

wildlife. These routes can be seen on Walk with

Us El Monte WSB Proposed Routes Map.


Emerarld Necklace Expanded Vision Plan

This map highlights the regional vision for the Emerald Necklace trail network, connecting mountains to the

sea. Here you can see the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, the network of urban rivers, and the

Pacific Ocean. We invite you to explore all of our public lands. Check out the Appendix for more information

about outdoor recreation opportunities near you, the Emerald Necklace, and species in the region. The

Emerald Necklace website is another excellent resource:

http://www.amigosdelosrios.org/emerald‐necklace‐expanded‐vision‐plan


Walk with Us El Monte Walking School Bus Proposed Routes


Route Leader and Volunteer Responsibilities The Walk with Us El Monte WSB program is a unique opportunity for parents, grandparents, caregivers,

family members, and other community members who currently walk to school to model good walking

behavior for students, ensure safe travel, and be recognized by school community as school and civic

leaders. Adult volunteers will receive safety training, be acknowledged by the school principal and district

staff in PTA meetings, and receive a certificate of participation. Route Leaders and regular volunteers will

need to meet the El Monte City Unified School District requirements, including a LiveScan background check

and up to date Tuberculosis test. Amigos de los Rios staff will provide the information for submitting to a

background check to each volunteer/route leader during trainings.

In addition to acknowledging the leadership volunteers provide, two Route Leaders will be hired for each

route as paid staff to provide consistent and professional anchors for the WSB program. These paid Route

Leaders will support families who currently walk with their students. The program will run every day for

morning drop‐off and afternoon pick‐up, with published meeting times for routes and stops.

EXPECTATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS

Family members, caregivers, or other interested people should sign up to volunteer for days they are

available. There are sign‐up forms available in the Durfee office and on the program website. For scheduling

purposes, Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one trip a week, if possible. This could be morning,

afternoon, or both.

Volunteers are expected to:

Teach and model safe walking behavior for students.

Be aware of and abide by school policies regarding personal conduct.

Arrive at least 10 minutes before scheduled departure from first stop.

Let Route Leader know if you are unable to attend, the earlier the better.

Wear a safety vest or sash with Route Identity

Help create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for all students!

SPECIFIC ROUTE LEADER EXPECTATIONS

Those interested in participating as a Route Leader for Walk with Us El Monte should apply with Amigos de

Los Rios. Sign up forms are available in the Durfee office and on the program website. Route Leaders are

asked to commit to at least 5 trips a week. This could be morning, afternoon or both.

Route Leaders are expected to:

Ensure the smooth daily operation of the WSB.

Supervise students walking the route until the group arrives at school.


Teach and model safe walking behavior for students.

Coordinate Volunteers on your route and provide leadership about walking formations, timing, and

safety.

Be aware of and abide by school policies regarding personal conduct.

Arrive at least 20 minutes before scheduled departure from first stop.

Let Andrew Pineda, from Amigos de los Rios, know as early as possible if you are unable to attend.

Help create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for all students!

Complete necessary paperwork as designated route leaders and respond to incidents as they arise.

Contact emergency response when necessary and provide basic first aid to the best of their ability in

event of injury

Know and follow Communication Plan with info about how to respond to different situations, such as a

Route Leader absence or incident along the route.

Attend Route Leader trainings, which occur on an ongoing basis, led by Amigos de los Rios staff.

PEDESTRIAN RULES OF THE ROAD

Volunteers and Route Leaders will meet in advance of WSB launch and review Pedestrian Rules of the Road

and do a practice walk of their route. Each Route has a local wildlife identifying the group and route.

Walk Safety Tips Be alert. Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street. At a four‐way intersection, look over

your shoulder for cars that may be turning.

Look and listen for oncoming cars, including ones that may be behind a parked car, tree, or other

obstacle.

Cross at corners or at a marked crosswalk. This is where drivers expect you.

Use crossing signals carefully. If the intersection has a walk signal, push the button and wait for the

walk signal. Before you cross, check that all drivers have stopped, especially those turning right.

Use eye contact and hand signals to communicate before crossing. Don’t assume drivers see you.

Follow directions from crossing guards and safety patrols.

Use a sidewalk when available. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the road facing oncoming traffic.

Walk with an adult, and other students, or a buddy, particularly if you are a younger student.

Dress to be seen. Bright colors are more visible during the day and light color are more visible in the

evening and night. Reflective clothing or devices are always a good idea too!


VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT

Vests or sash

Name Tags

Route maps

Identifying flag / umbrella

ROUTE LEADER TOOLKIT

Contact information for all participants’ parents/guardians

First Aid kit

Route maps

Branded materials to identify you as Route Leader (T‐shirt / Hat / Banner)

Name Tag

Extra parental consent forms

Clipboard and pen

Whistle

Stop Sign

Walking School Bus Schedule and Data Collection Form (used to keep track of the timing of the Routes

and to keep track of how many students are participating).

Emergency contact list for participants

Charged cellular phone with appropriate service

ALONG THE ROUTE

At the predetermined departure time, the WSB group should start walking to the next stop. You can wait up

to 5 minutes, if necessary, but it is important to keep the students moving toward school. One adult volunteer

or Route Leader should always be in the front of the group, and another in the back. The group should cross

the street together; students should not cross on their own.

As the Volunteer or Route Leader, you should keep an eye on all the participants. Route Leaders and

Volunteers should establish a fun, friendly atmosphere within the group. Good behavior should be

recognized with small prizes like stickers or pens. Mention to family members when their student had a

particularly good day. Use creative redirections or assign students jobs, such as assistant line leader or

tree/wildlife spotter, to reorient students who are misbehaving. Give a few verbal warnings if a participant is

not following the rules, and alert Andrew Pineda from Amigos de los Rios if the behavior persists or becomes

disruptive. Students who cannot participate safely will not be invited to continue walking with the group.


RECORDING PARTICIPATION – DESIGNATED ROUTE LEADERS

Use the Walking School Bus Schedule and Data Collection form (Form #4) to keep track of when you arrive at

and leave each stop along your route, and how many students you pick up or drop off. Use the Incident Report

form (Form #5) to record any remarkable incidents along the route. If further follow‐up or support is needed,

contact Andrew Pineda from Amigos de los Rios, relevant families, or the police if necessary. Examples of

when an incident report would be applicable would be if a student is injured, the group witnessed a collision

or other traumatic event, or a student had an allergic reaction that required treatment. If something feels

like an “incident” it probably is. Drop off both completed forms in the Durfee School main office in the

designated folder.

If a parent or student feels that they need to report an incident, they are encouraged to report the incident

to the principal, or to Amigos de los Rios staff via phone or on the website, walkelmonte.org

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS

Route Leaders are responsible for working with Amigos de los Rios/Durfee School to make sure parents of

participating families stay informed. All participating students, volunteers, and Route Leaders, will provide

phone numbers so that they can be reached when routes or Route Leaders change, when the weather is

bad, or in the event of other news that would change the routine of the bus. For updates that need to be

communicated under short notice, phone calls are always best. See contact list for numbers.

Student Participation Policies For a WSB route to be successful and fun, all participants have to agree to shared expectations and

responsibilities. For everyone’s safety, participating students must be well‐behaved and comply with the

Route leader and volunteers’ instructions. Student participants will sign a Walking School Bus Participant

Agreement form (Form # 1) stating that they will:

Walk according to the rules, with one route leader walking in front of the participants and one behind.

Stop and wait for instructions before crossing the street.

Follow directions and “look left, look right, look left” when crossing the street.

Always walk and never run at any time.

Stay within the crosswalk (marked or unmarked) when crossing the street.

Listen to Route Leaders and volunteers, who will remind participants to be aware of car traffic at

driveways, intersections, and other thoroughfares.

Be respectful of all other students, the Route Leaders, volunteers, the neighborhood, and neighbors.

Focus on walking, and avoid playing with toys or using electronic devices during the walk.

Families will be asked to complete a Walking School Bus Student Agreement Form (Form #6) to provide

contact information. This form is recommended but not required for participation. They will provide an

emergency contact in the event of the child becoming ill or being injured during the trip to and from school.


Preparing for the Unexpected During the school year, many different situations may arise. Here are some potential situations and guidance

for how to deal with them.

WHAT IF A STUDENT IS LATE?

If the student is late before school, it is the parent’s responsibility to get the student to school. In order to

ensure students arrive on campus on‐time, Walking School Buses cannot wait for students who may be

running behind.

If the student is late after school and the walking school bus has already left, the student will inform the

school office so that arrangements can be made for his or her safe journey home. The student will wait in

the office until someone from their family can come to pick them up. The family is responsible for getting

the student to or from school if they are late.

WHAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY?

Route Leaders should carry emergency contact information for each student participating in the Walking

School Bus, as well as a charged cell phone. The contact forms also include relevant medical information for

students. Contact Andrew Pineda from Amigos de los Rios if you need to reach multiple parents. Fill out the

incident report card on the Incident Report form (Form #5) in the event that anything out of the normal

occurs. If there is a life‐threatening emergency or someone is in danger, dial 9‐1‐1.

WHAT IF UNEXPECTED STUDENTS SHOW UP?

All students are invited to participate in the WSB. In order to encourage participation and avoid logistical

challenges, there is no required waiver, but we will encourage parents to complete a contact form. If

unexpected students show up they can walk to school with the group and bring home the recommended

forms to their families for planning and logistical coordination. Route Leaders will carry additional forms that

a parent/guardian can sign.

WHAT IF IT’S RAINING, TOO COLD, OR TOO HOT?

The WSB will proceed rain or shine! Encourage students to wear weather‐appropriate clothing and shoes.

Umbrellas may be provided for very hot days and rainy days. Rain gear may be provided for rainy days.

WHAT IF THE ROUTE LEADER IS SICK?

Contact Andrew Pineda at Amigos de los Rios immediately if the Route Leader needs to cancel. Ideally, send

notification of an absence the night before, or at least six hours in advance if you will not be able to lead the

route. They will identify an alternate Route Leader for that day or alert families about the change in plans.

Volunteers should contact their Route Leader, as soon as possible, if they are unable to complete their shift.


WHAT IF A PARTICIPATING CHILD MISBEHAVES?

If a student behaves in an unsafe manner in traffic, or does not listen to the directions of the adults, he or

she will be given a warning and their family will be informed. If the student acts in a way that creates a

persistent danger to themselves or other students, the student will not be allowed to continue participating

in the WSB.

Helpful Links Here are some resources if you’d like to learn more about Walking School Bus programs around the country:

Spare the Air Youth Program Walking School Buses & Bike Trains Page:

http://www.sparetheairyouth.org/walking‐school‐buses‐bike‐trains

Safe Routes to School National Partnership Step‐by‐Step Guide to Start a Walking School Bus at Your

School: http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/sites/default/files/resource_files/step‐by‐step‐walking‐

school‐bus.pdf

Safe Routes to School National Partnership‐ Walkability Checklist:

http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/sites/default/files/walkabilitychecklist.pdf

10 Tips for Safe Routes to School Programs and Liability:

http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/sites/default/files/liabilitytipsheet.pdf

Implementing Safe Routes to School in Low‐Income Schools and Communities:

http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/sites/default/files/pdf/LowIncomeGuide.pdf

Engineering Guide to SRTS: http://guide.saferoutesinfo.org/pdf/SRTS‐Guide_Engineering.pdf


STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY The following materials are designed to engage Durfee stakeholders: students, families, caregivers, teachers,

and other community members in the Walking School Bus Program. The package of forms and materials

includes additional information about the Emerald Necklace outdoor opportunities, forms to use to gather

information about participants, volunteers, and route leaders, and informational flyers to spread the word

about the program. All of these materials are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Mandarin because

those are the most common languages spoken by Durfee students and families.

In order to participate in the Walking School Bus, people need to be aware of it and understand the personal

and community benefits, as outlined earlier in the Concept Plan. To this end, the Walking School Bus team

should distribute materials to students at school during pick‐up and drop‐off, post them prominently on

school grounds, and host them on the school and partner organization websites and program website

(WalkElMonte.org). Leadership team members will present at back‐to‐school events to encourage students

to participate and for family members to apply to be route leaders or sign up to volunteer. At these events,

interpretation should be provided so parents who speak a language other than English can get their questions

answered.

Some of the most effective outreach will occur as families see the Walking School Bus in action on their way

to school and want to get involved. Route Leaders should always carry extra informational materials and sign‐

up forms to distribute. Another important outreach method will be to make sure that trusted school

personnel are well‐versed about the Walking School Bus Program so they can recommend participation.

Other engagement options include: mailing materials to the home of all students, or advertising in the

newspaper or other commonly read local publications. All engagement materials and messaging should

include the same key points and graphical look to build the image of the program and maintain consistency.

Common branding will also make it easier for those running the program because they will not have to create

materials and talking points from scratch.

The following materials will help organize and implement the EL Monte Walking School Bus Program.

Form 1: Simple Informational Flyer (also available in Spanish) ‐ Perfect for posting online or around

public spaces. This flyer grabs your attention then directs to additional information.

Form 2: Detailed Flyer (available in Spanish) ‐ Ideal for sending home with students or distributing at

a Back to School Night. This flyer displays more details about the benefits of the program and why

families should participate.

Form 3: Walk Safety Tips (available in Spanish) ‐ This flyer should be distributed to all students, all

WSB participants, and offered as a family resource in the main and counseling offices. It should also

be used as a training material for route leaders and volunteers.

Form 4: Route Map (English and Spanish) ‐ Route Map displays the WSB routes so students and

families can identify which route they should take and where they should go to meet the bus. The

map should be displayed prominently in the school and accompany other information that goes

home to families.


Form 5: Interest Form (English and Spanish) ‐ This form provides a way for families to express

preliminary interest in signing their student up and/or volunteering with the WSB. El Monte WSB

staff can follow up to answer questions and provide more info.

Form 6: Student Agreement ‐ Lists the program rules so students, families, route leaders, and school

staff share a common understanding of expectations and consequences.

Form 7: Family Agreement ‐ Lists the program rules so students, families, route leaders, and school

staff share a common understanding of expectations and consequences. Expanded from the

student version to include more information relevant to families.

Form 8: Volunteer Agreement ‐ Lists the program rules so students, families, route leaders,

volunteers, and school staff share a common understanding of expectations and consequences.

Expanded from the student and family version to include more information relevant to volunteers.


PROGRAM EVALUATION In order to monitor the success of the El Monte WSB, it is important to evaluate the program at regular

intervals. The El Monte WSB team is responsible for reporting: the number of routes and stops, parent

volunteers, student participants, and frequency of routes. Additionally, data about travel patterns and

participant experience will shape WSB program development and improvements. Evaluation of the El Monte

WSB will include:

Administer hand tallies twice a year in two classrooms per grade. Hand tallies are a quick and easy

way to count the number of students participating in the program over a 2‐3 day period. These can

be used to track mode shift over time to determine how SRTS activities affect behaviors.

Conduct a family and student participant survey every three years. (Both survey forms are included

in the Appendix.) Surveys are an opportunity to get deeper, detailed community feedback on the

WSB Program. However, they are labor intensive to administer and process, so should be timed

with larger program evaluation efforts and grant reporting.

The WSB team should regularly update the number and mileage of routes in operation, mode split,

student walking distance and behavior change, car crashes or other safety data and emissions

reduction. These measures can be tracked through observation, family and student surveys, school

district and city data, and hand tallies.

On a weekly basis, Route Leaders should track number of participants and number of volunteers on

the “Weekly Data Collection” form. These should be returned to the school’s main office when

complete.

Publicize success! Use new information from program evaluation to highlight the safety,

sustainability, and community‐building impacts of the program.

Use the new data, participant feedback, and annual analysis to update and improve the El Monte

WSB program each year.

Provided in Appendix B, the following forms have been developed to collect data on the Walk with Us El

Monte WSB Program:

Form 9: Weekly Data Collection ‐ Route Leaders should use this form to track participation every

week. WSB leadership staff should compile these weekly numbers into overall stats for the program.

Form 10: Incident Report ‐ Route leaders should use this form to report details of incidents that

occur along their route. They should use their judgement to determine whether emergency services

should be called.

Form 11: Student Survey ‐ Get feedback on the program from student participants.

Form 12: Family Survey ‐ Get feedback on the program from family members and volunteers.


APPENDICES Appendix A: WSB Outreach Materials and Forms

1. Simple Informational Flyer (will be available in Spanish, Vietnamese and/or Mandarin)

2. Detailed Flyer (available in Spanish, Vietnamese and/or Mandarin)

3. Walk Safety Tips (available in Spanish, Vietnamese and/or Mandarin)

4. Route Map (English and Spanish)

5. Interest Form (English and Spanish)

6. Student Agreement Form

7. Family Agreement Form

8. Volunteer Agreement Form

9. Walking School Bus Banner (English and Spanish)

Appendix B: Data Collection Forms

1. Weekly Data Collection Form

2. Incident Report

3. Student Survey

4. Family Survey

5. Participation Tracking Poster (in progress)

Appendix C. Emerald Necklace Materials

These additional materials provide information on the vision for the Emerald Necklace, other outdoor

opportunities near the school, and biodiversity in the region. These can be displayed in the main office,

counseling office, and program website so they can easily be accessed by families. These materials could also

be used to supplement classroom activities about sustainability and the local community.

1. Emerald Necklace Opportunities Near You

2. School and Recreation Opportunities

3. History of the Durfee‐Thompson Nature Trail

4. Map of Species and Biodiversity in the Region


APPENDIX A: WSB OUTREACH MATERIALS AND FORMS

1: Simple Informational Flyer


Quý vị muốn

Tham gia cùng

Chúng tôi?

Liên lạc: ANDREW PINEDA Amigos de los [email protected]

626.791.1611WALK WITH US TO SCHOOL AND:

CÙNG NHAU VUI VẺ with friends on the way to school.

HÃY GIÚP CỨU LẤY HÀNH TINH bằng cách giảm khí thải từ ô tô.

TẬP THỂ DỤC và lên tinh thần sẵn sàng cho việc học khi đến trường!

TĂNG HOẠT ĐỘNG NGOÀI TRỜI và tìm cách khám phá những con đường mòn và công viên trong khu vực.

GIA ĐÌNH CŨNG CÓ LỢI!

Tiết kiệm thời gian và tiền bạc bằng cách để cho chúng tôi đưa con quý vị đến trường an toàn.

Hãy cùng các gia đình khác đi bộ đến trường Tiểu học Durfee School!

Xe buýt Đi bộ Đến Trường được tổ chức bởi Khu học chánh Thành phố El Monte và tổ chức phi lợi nhuận địa phương Amigos de los Rios, và tài trợ bởi Chương trình Chuyển vận Năng động của Bang California (California State Active Transportation Program).

Hãy đi bộ cùng chúng tôi! El Monte

XE BUÝT ĐI BỘ ĐẾN TRƯỜNG

Đi bộ cùng


2: Detailed Flyer


Hãy thamgia cùng chúng tôi!

Tham gia hoàn toàn miễn phí cho các học

sinh và gia đình!!

Xe buýt Đi bộ Đến Trường là một phương thức đi học rất vui nhộn, an toàn, dễ dàng cho học sinh và giúp các gia đình tiết kiệm thời gian và tiền bạc. Học sinh học cách đi đường thông minh, tận hưởng không khí trong lành, và vui vẻ với bạn bè trước và sau ngày học. Học sinh đến trường với tinh thần tỉnh táo và sẵn sàng học tập!

Các gia đình luôn được hoan nghênh tham gia chương trình. Người lớn có thể đăng ký để được làm Trưởng Đoàn có trả lương, tìnhnguyện viên chính thức, hoặc chỉ cần đi chung cho vui.

Xe buýt Đi bộ Đến Trường hoạt động như thế nào? Xe buýt Đi bộ Đến Trường là một nhóm các học sinh tổ chức đi bộ đến trường và về nhà với người lớn làm trưởng đoàn. Trường Durfee School có nhiều tuyến khác nhau với các điểm dừng nhất định để cho học sinh và gia đình gặp nhau hằng ngày. Xem bản đồ trên trang sau của tờ rơi này để tìm điểm dừng thuận tiện nhất cho quý vị.

Tôi có thể đăng ký bằng cách nào? Sau khi tìm được điểm dừng của quý vị, hãy đến gặp chúng tôi đúng giờ và hoàn tất một mẫu đơn liên lạc. Bản đồ, mẫu đơn, và các thông tin khác hiện có sẵn tại văn phòng chính, trên trang web của trường Durfee, hoặc quý vị có thể điền mẫu liên lạc khi đến điểm dừng. Nếu có thể, con quý vị nên được một người lớn dẫn đến điểm dừng của WSB.

Quý vị muốn giúp chương trình Xe buýt Đi bộ Đến Trường? Có thắc mắc? Liên lạc: ANDREW PINEDA, Amigos de los Rios [email protected] 626.791.1611

VÌ SAO QUÝ VỊ NÊN THAM GIA Xe buýt Đi bộ Đến Trường của trường Durfee School?


Đi bộ cùng


3: Walk Safety Tips


Hãy Luôn An toàn!

Có thắc mắc? Liên lạc: ANDREW PINEDA Amigos de los [email protected]

626.791.1611

Hãy đi bộ cùng chúng tôi! El Monte

LUÔN CẢNH GIÁC. Nhìn sang trái, nhìn sang phải, rồi nhìn sang trái một lần nữa trước khi qua đường. Tại ngã tư, nhìn lại phía sau để xem chừng những chiếc xe có thể đang quẹo.

LẮNG TAI NGHE NHỮNG CHIẾC XE ĐANG CHẠY TỚI, có thể là ở phía sau một chiếc xe đang đậu, thân cây, hay vật cản trở khác.

BƯỚC QUA ĐƯỜNG TỪ CÁC GÓC ĐƯỜNG hoặc trên lối đi qua đường được đánh dấu. Đây là nơi những người lái xe nghĩ là họ sẽ thấy bạn.

CẨN THẬN TUÂN THEO TÍN HIỆU QUA ĐƯỜNG. Nếu ở ngã tư có tín hiệu đi bộ, nhấn nút đó và chờ cho tín hiệu đi bộ nháy lên rồi hãy đi. Trước khi qua đường, kiểm tra để chắc chắn tất cả các chiếc xe đã dừng lại, đặc biệt là những chiếc sắp quẹo phải.

DÙNG MẮT hay tín hiệu bằng tay để giao tiếp trước khi qua đường. Đừng tự động nghĩ là những người lái xe đã nhìn thấy bạn.

LÀM THEO CHỈ DẪN của người phụ trách dẫn bộ băng qua đường và cảnh sát tuần tra.

SỬ DỤNG VỈA HÈ NẾU CÓ. Nếu không có vỉa hè, đi bộ trên phần đường đối diện với hướng cần giao thông.

ĐI BỘ VỚI NGƯỜI LỚN, các học sinh khác, hoặc bạn bè, đặc biệt nếu bạn là học sinh nhỏ tuổi.

MẶC QUẦN ÁO DỄ NHẬN THẤY. Màu sáng thường dễ thấy hơn vào ban ngày và màu nhạt dễ thấy hơn vào chiều tối hay ban đêm. Mặc quần áo phản quang cũng luôn là một ý tưởng tốt!

The Walking School Bus is organized by the El Monte City School District, City of El Monte, and local non-profit Amigos de los Rios and funded by the California State Active Transportation Program.

NHỮNG LỜI KHUYÊN VỀ CÁCH GIỮ AN TOÀN KHI ĐI BỘ

Đi bộ cùng


4: Route Map


Proposed Rte. / Tuyến đường Dự kiến

CrosswalkLối đi bộ băng qua đường

Missing SidewalkKhông có Vỉa hè

Cluster of StudentsNhóm Học sinh

Crossing GuardNgười phụ trách Dẫn bộ Băng Qua Đường

A Great Egret

b Steelhead Trout

C Bighorn Sheep

D Thin Legged Frog

E Monarch Butterfly

ParkCông viên

Municipal ServiceDịch vụ Đô thị

LibraryThư viện

ChurchNhà thờ

School EntranceLối vào Trường học

Connectionto the EmeraldNecklace TrailKết nối với Đường mòn Emerald Necklace

ZamoraPark

LambertPark

DURFEEELEM.

15 M

IN WALK

25 MIN WALK

11

15

16

15

27

21 1247

16

20

1218

1421

1115

18

11 10

23

2626

DU

RFEE

AV

E

PEN

N M

AR

AVE

LA M

AD

ERA

AV

E

FERRIS RD

MULHALL ST

ST

WH

ISTL

ER A

VE

LAMBERT AVE

ELRO

VIA

AV

E

RANCHITO ST

DU

RFEE

AV

E

DEANA ST

LOWER AZUSA RD

THE WYE ST

LOWER AZUSA RD

FOREST GROVE ST

KILLIAN ST

N P

ECK

RD

FERRIS RD

CO

GSW

ELL

RD

MA

XSO

N R

D

RAMONA BLVD

ROSEGLEN ST

MC GIRK AVE

DR

HALLWOOD DR

PEN

N M

AR

AVE

KERRWOOD ST

MC GIRK AVE

BRYANT RD

HALLWOOD DR

KERRWOOD ST

HA

RNET

T AV

E

DEANA ST

RIC

HW

OO

D A

VE

SITKA ST

ELRO

VIA

AV

ECHERRYLEE DR

LISCOMB ST

FAN

DO

N A

VE

BRINNON ST

WH

ISTL

ER A

VE

WOODVILLE DR

MULHALL ST

DYS

ON

ST

FAIRVIEW AVE

MULHALL ST

ALLOWAY ST

ST

EMERY ST

FAIRVIEW ST

ELROVIA

AVE

RANCHITO ST

MC GIRK AVE

ELMCREST ST

PEN

N M

AR

AVE

GIL

MAN

RD

DU

RFEE

AV

E

CED

AR

AVE

LA M

ADER

A AV

E

MU

IRFI

ELD

ST

BAN

NIS

TER

AVE

MONTROSEST

CO

GSW

ELL

RD

RANCHITO ST

LAMBERT AVE

EMERY ST

LAMBERT AVE

EMERY ST

STAR ST

PEC

K RD

BASYE ST

KILLIAN ST

MA

XSO

N R

D

TWIN LAKESELEM.

LA PRIMARIA

ELEM.

Em

eral

d N

eckl

ace

Regi

onal

Tra

il

0 .25mi .5mi

Sa

n G

ab

riel

Riv

er

ToSan

GabrielMountans

NationalMonument

ToWhittier

Narrows Recreation

Area

ÐI BỘ 15 PHÚT

ÐI BỘ 25 PHÚT

Đi bộ cùng

gre at e gret

A

st

ee l h e a d t r o

ut

B

big

h o r n s h eep

C

th

in

legged frog

D

MO

na

rc h b utterf

ly

E

Tiểu học Durfee School



5: Interest Form


Sign Up!

Đăng ký

tham gia!

Có thắc mắc? Liên lạc: ANDREW PINEDA Amigos de los [email protected]

626.791.1611

Join other families and students walking to schoolHãy cùng đi bộ đến trường cùng các gia đình và học sinh khác


WHO? Students, Route Leaders, and Volunteers

BAO GỒM NHỮNG AI? Học sinh, Trưởng đoàn, và Tình nguyện viên

WHAT? A Walking School Bus is a group of students walking to andfrom school with friends and trusted adults.

LÀ GÌ? Xe buýt Đi bộ Đến Trường là một nhóm học sinh cùng nhau đi bộ đến trường và về nhà với bạn bè và những người lớn đáng tin cậy

WHEN? Beginning fall 2017 for the 2017-18 school year

KHI NÀO? Bắt đầu từ mùa thu năm 2017 cho năm học 2017-18

WHY? Have fun with friends, exercise, explore outdoor activity, andsave the planet!

TẠI SAO? Vui chơi với bạn bè, tập thể dục, khám phá hoạt động ngoài trời, và cứu lấy hành tinh!

Are you interested in participating as a Route Leader or Volunteer? Family and other community members help facilitate the walking school bus and walk with its passengers to school.

QUÝ VỊ CÓ MUỐN THAM GIA LÀM TRƯỞNG ĐOÀN HAY TÌNH NGUYỆN VIÊN KHÔNG? Các gia đình và thành viên cộng đồng khác đang tuyên dương chương trình xe buýt đi bộ đến trường và đã tham gia đi bộ cùng các em học sinh đến trường.

IS YOUR CHILD INTERESTED in participating in theWalking School Bus?

CON CỦA QUÝ VỊ CÓ MUỐN tham gia Xe buýt Đi bộ Đến Trường không?

Parent Name:

Phone:


Yes / CÓ No / KHÔNG

Yes / CÓ No / KHÔNG Đi bộ cùng


6: Student Agreement


¿Preguntas? Contacte a:

ANDREW PINEDA Amigos de los Ríos

[email protected]

626.791.1611

Autobús Escolar Caminante

LLEGAR A TIEMPO. Llegar a tiempo para encontrar a tu Autobús Escolar Caminante en la parada designada y después de la escuela.

MANTENERSE CON EL GRUPO. Camina detrás del Líder de Ruta que está al frente y delante del Líder de Ruta que va atrás.

PARAR Y ESPERAR EN LAS ESQUINAS. Esperar al grupo al llegar a las esquinas y mirar a la izquierda, luego a la derecha, y de nuevo a la izquierda antes de cruzar la calle.

SEGUIR LAS INSTRUCCIONES. Siempre escucha a tu Líder de Ruta y no corras en ningún momento.

PONER ATENCIÓN. Pon atención al tráfico de autos en las calles e intersecciones; no juegues con juguetes ni aparatos electrónicos mientras caminas.

SER RESPETUOSO. Se considerado con otros estudiantes, la comunidad y los vecinos.

El Autobús Escolar Caminante es organizado por el Distrito Escolar de la Ciudad de El Monte, la Ciudad de El Monte, la organización sin fines de lucro Amigos de los Ríos y financiado por el Programa de Transporte Activo del Estado de California.

Por favor revise las siguientes reglas y expectativas con su familia antes de acompañarnos en el Autobús Escolar Caminante. ¡El Autobús Escolar Caminante puede ser una manera divertida y segura de llegar a la escuela si usted sigue estas reglas sencillas! Su Líder de Ruta le dará una advertencia si olvida alguna de estas reglas. Si el comportamiento persiste, el Líder de Ruta alertará a la escuela y a su familia.

Acepto las siguientes expectativas:

He leído y entendido las expectativas de un participante en el Programa de Autobús Escolar Caminante de Walk with Us El Monte y acepto seguir las reglas. Por favor entregue este acuerdo en la oficina principal de la escuela.

Firma del Estudiante: Firma del Padre / Tutor:

Nombre del Estudiante:

Nombre del Padre/Tutor:

Número de Teléfono:

Correo Electrónico:

Forma Preferida de Contacto:

Fecha:

Escuela: Durfee School

Grado:

Salón de Clase:

Ruta y Parada del Autobús Escolar Caminante:

Acuerdo para los Estudiantes


7: Family Agreement




[email protected]

626.791.1611



LLEGAR A TIEMPO. Yo le ayudaré a mi hija/o a llegar a tiempo a la parada del Autobús Escolar Caminante.

ESCUCHAR. Me aseguraré de que mi hija/o sepa que debe escuchar al Líder de Ruta y los voluntarios del Autobús Escolar Caminante.

CUIDARSE. Hablaré con mi hija/o sobre la seguridad de los peatones, la importancia de obedecer todas las leyes de tránsito y practicar comportamientos seguros en la calle.

COMUNICAR. Notificaré al Líder de la Ruta si mi hija/o no va a poder caminar con el grupo por cualquier razón, incluyendo si va a salir de la escuela por su cuenta, con sus amigos o con cualquier otra persona.

Por favor revise las siguientes reglas y expectativas y hable con su estudiante sobre éstas antes de que su estudiante nos acompañe en el Autobús Escolar Caminante. ¡El Autobús Escolar Caminante puede ser una forma divertida y segura para que su estudiante llegue a la escuela si se siguen estas reglas sencillas!

Acepto las siguientes expectativas:

Me aseguraré de que alguien esté en casa para recibir a mi hijo/a después de la escuela.

Estoy de acuerdo en que mi hijo/a pueda ser dejado en casa con una llave de la casa.

Nuestro plan para el Autobús Escolar Caminante de la tarde (marque todas los que apliquen):

He leído y entiendo las expectativas de padre/tutor del Programa de Autobús Escolar Caminante de El Monte y acepto seguir estas reglas. Por favor entregue este acuerdo en la oficina principal de la escuela.

Firma de Padre/Tutor:

Nombre del Estudiante:

Nombre de Padre/Tutor:

Número de Teléfono:

Correo Electrónico:

Forma Preferida de Contacto:

¿Alguna Información Médica?

Fecha:

Escuela: Durfee School

Ruta y Parada del Autobús Escolar Caminante:

Nombre de un Contacto Adicional:

Relación con el Contacto Adicional:

Número de Teléfono del Contacto Adicional:

Acuerdo para las Familias


8: Volunteer Agreement


9: Walking School Bus Banner


APPENDIX B: DATA COLLECTION FORMS

1: Weekly Data Collection Form


2: Incident Report


3: Student Survey


4: Family Survey




[email protected]

626.791.1611



1. ¿Cuál es la ruta del Autobús Escolar Caminante que toma su hijo/a?

2. ¿Qué es lo que más le gusta del programa Autobús Escolar Caminante?

3. ¿Qué es lo que menos le gusta del programa Autobús Escolar Caminante?

4. ¿Ha caminado con el Autobús Escolar Caminante junto a su hijo/a? ¿Tiene algún comentario?

5. ¿Se ha ofrecido como voluntario en el Programa del Autobús Escolar Caminante? Si es así, ¿cómo ha sido su experiencia?

6. ¿Cómo llegaba su hijo/a a la escuela antes de unirse al Autobús Escolar Caminante? ¿Caminaban con un adulto?

7. ¿Siente que su hijo está más seguro al caminar con el Autobús Escolar Caminante que antes de unirse al programa?

8. ¿Su familia camina más a seguido desde que participa en el programa de Autobús Escolar Caminante?

9. ¿Cuál es la mejor manera de que le comuniquemos cambios o actualizaciones sobre el programa del Autobús Escolar Caminante o de la ruta de su hijo/a?

10. ¿Tiene alguna otra recomendación para el Programa de Autobús Escolar Caminante de El Monte?

¡Gracias por participar en el Autobús Escolar Caminante! Queremos saber de tu experiencia en el programa para poder seguir mejorando. Por favor llena esta encuesta y regrésala a la oficina principal de la escuela.

Encuesta Familiar


APPENDIX C. EMERALD NECKLACE MATERIALS

1: Emerald Necklace Opportunities Near You


2: School and Recreation Opportunities Find your school and see how close you are to parks and open space.


3: History of the Durfee‐Thompson Nature Trail In 2003, Amigos received a grant to bring nature to the Durfee ‐ Thompson campus. Together we created a nature trail at the school which has a walking trail of decomposed granite, native trees, shrubs, and interpretive elements, and connects to the regional Emerald Necklace trail. These natural elements on campus have multiple benefits; they help us feel better, relaxed, and calm. They help us by providing shade, habitat, and community cooling.


4: Map of Species and Biodiversity in the Region


EMERALDNECKLACE


WALK WITH US EL MONTE AUDIT REPORT – COLUMBIA SCHOOL

Winter 2018

Summary Audit Date: January 11, 2018

Meet Time: 7:15am

Address: 3400 California Ave, El Monte, CA

91731

Weather Conditions: Cold

Events/Unique Conditions: Presence of police

Principal: Jaime Ortega

Enrollment: 900

Grades: K‐8

First Bell: 8:10 am

Prepared for: Prepared by: with:


Walk Audit Report – Columbia School 2

Attendees: Marc Caswell – Alta Planning & Design

Mandia Gonzales – Alta Planning & Design

Jimmy Pitts – El Monte Police Department

Rubin Quintana – El Monte Police Department

James Singleterry – El Monte Police

Department

Jack Rydell – City of El Monte

Existing Conditions

SCHOOL LAYOUT

Columbia School is a K‐8 school located in central El Monte, on California Avenue. The school site is bounded by

California Avenue on the west, Oak Street on the south, and Ramona Boulevard on the north. California Avenue and

Oak Street are two‐lane local roads serving residential uses. Ramona Boulevard is a multi‐lane arterial with auto‐

oriented commercial uses. The east side of the school abuts the back of the Los Angeles County Superior Court

complex and has no direct street frontage. The school’s enrollment area is south and west of the school, and consists

of largely single‐family residential homes, and some multifamily homes.

CIRCULATION

Students enter through a centralized gate entrance located on California Avenue about 300 feet south of Ramona

Boulevard. Due to only having one campus entrance, California Avenue is most affected by traffic congestion as drivers

approach the drop‐off/pick‐up area. This causes additional congestion along Oak Street and Amador Street as drivers

approach the school, dropping students off at the same location where students who walk and bike to school enter.

The El Monte Police Department notes that Columbia is the top school for traffic congestion in the school district.

Vehicle Circulation

The designated drop‐off/pick‐up area is along California

Avenue within a 450‐foot long curbside pullout bay that

extends nearly the entire school frontage from Amador

Street to Ramona Boulevard. This pullout creates a drop‐

off/pick‐up lane outside of the roadway travel lanes, and is

signed for active drop‐off and pick‐up only. The drop‐off lane

is coned in the morning by parent volunteers to define and

move vehicles through the zone. The student entrance gate

is located in the middle of the drop‐off lane, enticing parents

to not pull all the way forward, causing additional vehicle

back‐up. One teacher often operates as a valet, encouraging

parents to pull forward as much as possible, but participants

in the Walk Audit stated that parents tend to disregard their

instructions.

The school owns a surface parking lot across California

Avenue, northwest of the school, where some parents drop

students off to avoid the line in the loading lane. This parking

lot serves as visitor parking throughout the day. The entrance to the main staff parking lot is on Oak Road at the

southeast corner of the campus.

Figure 1: Crossing Guard at Amador and Taylor



On the south side of the school, Oak Road is painted with red curb (no parking) along the school frontage east of Utah

Avenue. From Utah Avenue west to California the school frontage curb is painted white, but there is no signage

instructing drivers if loading or parking is allowed. This area serves as a queuing area for vehicles waiting to enter the

drop‐off / pick‐up lane on California.

Although the school borders Ramona Boulevard on the north, this side of the school is fully fenced off and there is no

access provided, and this area is generally not used for drop‐off or pick‐up.

Crossing Guard

A crossing guard assists students at the marked crosswalks at the intersection of Amador Street and Tyler Avenue.

This is four‐way stop‐controlled intersection. Tyler Avenue is a two‐lane collector road with a relatively high traffic

volume. The intersection has white transverse crosswalks across both legs of Tyler Street. During our observations,

the crossing guard generally allowed groups of students to amass at the curb before entering the crosswalk.

Closer to the school, a school staff member stands at the school side of Amador Street and California Avenue directing

children to cross only at the marked crosswalks in that location during arrival and release. This three‐way stop‐

controlled “T” intersection has yellow high visibility crosswalks across Amador Street and across the south leg of

California Avenue. Some students, parents, and residents opt to cross California Avenue on the north side which is

unmarked, which can impede vehicles turning left (northbound) on to California Avenue.

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Officer Singleterry of the El Monte Police Department noted that at the start of each school year, he devotes a month

to observing drop‐off behavior and reaching out to parents. These efforts are intended to set the tone for the rest of

the year, followed by occasional enforcement throughout the school year.



Walk Audit Observations On the morning of January 11, 2018, the Walk with Us El Monte consultant team conducted a walk audit at Columbia

School along with staff from the City of El Monte Public Works Department and officers from the El Monte Police

Department. The sky was overcast early in the morning and the temperature was cool. A map showing existing

conditions and recommendations is included in the appendix of this document for reference.

California Avenue

On the day of the observation, drivers generally followed the desired behavior: most used the drop‐off zone on

California Avenue. Still, some parents, seeking to avoid driving past the school were observed dropping off their

children on west side of California Avenue or the south side of Oak Street opposite the school, forcing children to

cross the street outside of the crosswalk.

California Avenue is most affected by traffic congestion as drivers approach the curbside drop‐off/pick‐up lane. This

causes additional congestion, backing up all the way to and along Oak Street and along Amador Street backing up to

Tyler Street as drivers approach the school from the west.

During the team’s morning observations, no parking was allowed on the west side of the California Avenue due to

weekly street sweeping restrictions. El Monte Police Department indicated that when parking is permitted, drivers

frequently use the west side of California Avenue as an unofficial drop‐off area. This encourages students to cross the

street mid‐block in traffic. Additionally, because there was no parking along the west curb on the day of our

observation, the street was wide enough for U‐turns. The team observed several vehicles exiting the coned drop‐off

lane in mid‐queue, with some performing U‐turns upon exiting. These unexpected U‐turns, along with students

crossing California posed an increased potential for collisions.

During the earlier half of the morning, it was observed that

passenger vehicles would enter the drop‐off zone but stop

closest to the school entry gate rather than pulling forward to

the front of the drop lane to allow for more vehicles to queue

behind them in line. Parent/teacher valets vigorously waved to

encourage drivers to pull forward – but were often ignored.

Improving the existing ‘valet’ service could help improve the flow

of student drop‐off and encourage more parents to use the

loading zone.

As vehicles exited the drop‐off zone on northbound California

Avenue, some would perform a complicated maneuver that

involved a tight U‐turn and immediate right turn into the

east/west alleyway south of Ramona Boulevard. This action

connects drivers westbound to Tyler Avenue while avoiding

making an unprotected left turn onto Ramona Boulevard, a major arterial. The city recently installed both a left and

right turn lane on California Avenue at Ramona, however, the left turn is still difficult due to limited visibility caused

by parking on the south side of Ramona Boulevard and the high volumes and high speeds.

Figure 2: Vehicles approaching the drop‐off zone on California Avenue (looking south)



The team observed several students arriving by bicycle, particularly from Amador Street. However, due to traffic most

students opted to ride on the sidewalk. Students did ride in the correct direction of travel; however there were

conflicts with pedestrians and at crosswalks.

Oak Street

Parents seeking to avoid driving past the school were

observed dropping off on Oak Street south of the school.

Although there is a white curb indicating temporary

parking along Oak Street (between California Avenue and

Utah Avenue) many drivers pull to the curb prior to Utah

Street and within the red zone, allow their child to exit, and

then turn south onto Utah Avenue to avoid the congestion

along California Avenue. From this point, students have a

path of uninterrupted sidewalks up to the entrance gate.

Amador Street

Amador is a major east/west connection to the school for

people walking and driving. Principal Jaime Ortega and Assistant Principal Helen Guo‐Perez informed the consultant

team of issues at both the Tyler Street and California Street crossing.

At the intersection of Tyler Street and Amador Street parents drop students at the corners to avoid school related

traffic nearing California Avenue. This location does have a crossing guard; however, infrastructure improvements can

enhance this crossing making it more visible to drivers.

Amador Street and California Avenue has received improvements with LED flashing stop signs, ADA curb ramps, and

high‐visibility crosswalks on two sides of the intersection. Principal Ortega and Assistant Principal Guo‐Perez informed

the consultant team that parents have complained about the pedestrian flow from Tyler Street and California Avenue.

This is due to the fact that the crossing guard only provides crossing assistance on the northern crosswalk at Tyler

Street while the designated crosswalk at California Avenue is on the south side of the intersection. This causes an

extra street crossing that is not necessary.

Figure 3: Student drop‐off in the red zone on Oak Street. Drivers avoiding California Avenue and using Utah Street as an alternative exit to the south

Figure 4: Walking route from Tyler Street to California Street along Amador Street



Recommendations A list of recommendations which were identified during the Walk Audit is found below. This list was used to create an Engineering Cost Estimate as well as a map of the recommendations. These recommendations serve as a guide to opportunities for improvements. Exact engineering costs and recommendations should be reviewed and approved by a Traffic Engineer on behalf of the City and/or School District.

A. California Avenue Recommendations: 1. School Frontage Loading Zone:

o Improve the existing volunteer ‘valet’ to maintain the flow of drop‐off/pick‐up lane. School volunteers

should use portable A‐Frame signs to message proper loading to drivers, (e.g. “PULL FORWARD TO

HERE”) placed at the far end of the drop zone” to encourage drivers to move forward in queue

o Further restrict access to alleyway from Loading Zone to reduce unsafe U‐Turns. Options include

additional signage (“No left turn”), swing gate across alley to fully close access, or installing delineators

in the center lane to deter U‐Turns

2. California Avenue/Ramona Boulevard

o Upgrade existing transverse crosswalk across California Avenue to yellow high visibility crosswalk

o Install ADA compliant curb ramps with bulb outs to reduce crossing distance and provide additional

visibility

o Review existing red curbs along Ramona west of the intersection. Consider expanding red zone to

increase visibility of both drivers and pedestrians. The parking lot located on the southwest corner is

owned by the school. The school supports expanding the red zone in front of the parking lot

o Install Assembly A signage for southbound traffic

3. California Avenue/Amador Street

o Paint red curb 20’ from the corners on the west side of intersection to improve pedestrian visibility

4. California Avenue/Walnut Street

o Construct sidewalk to fill gap along the east side of California Avenue between Walnut Street and

Brockway Street, including new curb ramp at intersection of California / Walnut.

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk north/ south crossing Walnut Street

o Paint red curb 20’ from the corners on the west side of intersection to improve pedestrian visibility

B. Oak Street Recommendations: 1. Oak Street/California Avenue

o Install embedded LED Stop Sign on Oak Street

o To keep traffic from backing up along California Avenue southbound, install signage to restrict left

turns onto Oak Street

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk north/ south crossing Oak Street

2. Open school entrance gate on Oak Street (near Utah Avenue) during drop‐off and pick‐up. This entrance

could serve classrooms on the south side of campus and spread student entrance/exits around the campus

to reduce pedestrian and vehicle congestion. This action would require additional school resources and staff

to ensure the gate is opened and closed daily, and to supervise activities near the entrance/exit

3. To facilitate use of Oak Street gate by vehicles, convert existing red zone (east of Utah) to timed white zone

to accommodate active student loading. Drivers can then turn southbound on Utah reducing congestion on

California and allowing students to easily cross Oak Street at the west leg crosswalk



4. Convert existing white zone between California Avenue and Utah Avenue to 20‐minute parking during school

hours to provide an opportunity for parents who wish to park and walk in with their students

5. Install Assembly D signage on both sides of Oak Street between California Avenue and Walnut Street

6. Install Assembly A signage on north side of Oak Street between southeast corner of school property and

Meeker Ave

7. Install Assembly B signage at Oak Street crosswalk at Utah Avenue

8. Install embedded LED Stop Sign on Utah Avenue at Oak Street

C. Amador Street Recommendations:

1. Amador Street/Tyler Avenue

o Repaint crosswalks to yellow high visibility crosswalks on all four legs

o Create bus bulb‐outs along both sides of the south leg to improve transit operations and reduce

crossing distances for pedestrians traveling east/west

2. Install Assembly A signage on eastbound Amador between Tyler Avenue and alleyway

3. Extend existing red curb zone along Amador Street on the south west corner heading west to provide better

visibility.

4. Move crossing guard to south crosswalk at Tyler Avenue and California Avenue to alight pedestrian traffic

with the marked crossings at California Avenue

Education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation overview

Beyond infrastructure that improves safety and convenience of walking and bicycling, communities can enact

activities and events to complement infrastructure improvements. These events can help empower students and their

families to try walking and bicycling, and education components can provide safety information.

Walking School Bus program. A Walking School Bus program identifies safe routes to school, and supplies

guidance and support for students using these routes. In a Walking School Bus, a group of children walks

together to school, accompanied by one or two adults (usually parents or guardians of the children on the

“bus”). As the walking school bus continues on the route to school they pick up students at designated

meeting locations. Similar to walking school buses, bike trains involve a group of students biking together

with adults. Schools in El Monte can use the Durfee School “Walk with Us El Monte” materials to start

programs at their schools.

Document El Monte Police Department’s beginning‐of‐year outreach/enforcement work. In the event of

Officer Singleterry’s absence or unavailability, proper documentation of his outreach efforts would allow

other officers to carry on his work.

Transportation safety announcements via the Columbia School app. The school app is widely used by parents,

and as such it is a great tool for reaching out to them. The app’s simple message alert system can be used to

remind parents of safe loading/walking/bicycling tips.



Engineering Cost Estimate

Columbia School, El Monte Engineering Cost Estimate, 2018

Type of Improvement

Instances Identified Near School

Unit Cost Estimate

School Site Estimate

Install Assembly A Signage 2 $1,000 $2,000

Install Assembly B Signage 2 $1,000 $2,000

Install Assembly D Signage 2 $1,000 $2,000

Install Bulb Out 4 $25,000 $100,000

Install Crosswalk 8 $2,500 $20,000

Install Delineators 1 $800 $800

Install Embedded LED stop sign 2 $2,000 $4,000

Install Loading Zone 1 $800 $800

Install No Left Turn Signage 1 $800 $800

Install Red Curb 4 $1,000 $4,000

Install Sidewalk 3 $200,000 / mile

$200,000 / mile

Install White Curb 1 $500 $500

Open Gate 1 ‐ ‐

Re‐position Crossing Guard 1 ‐ ‐

Evaluate Traffic Flow 1 ‐ ‐

TOTAL 34 ‐ $136,900


AHEAD

ColumbiaElementary

AMADOR ST

VALLEYMALL

TYLE

R A

VEIRIS LN

VALLEYBLVD

CA

LIFO

RNIA

AVE

RAMONA BLVD

BROCKWAY ST

UTA

H A

VE

OAK ST

WALNUT ST

EASTM

ONT AVE

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

AHEAD

SCHOOL

AHEAD

SCHOOL

Recommended Improvements

COLUMBIAELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Evaluate Tra�c Flow/Volunteer Valet

Install Assembly A Signage

Install Assembly B Signage

Install Assembly D Signage

Install Crosswalk

Install Curb Ramp (with bulb out)

Limit access to alley

Install No Left Turn Signage

Install Red Curb

Install Sidewalk

Install White Curb

Install embedded LED stop sign

Open Gate

Re-position Crossing Guard

Please see Walk Audit Reportfor additional detailsNot to scale


WALK WITH US EL MONTE AUDIT REPORT – CORTADA SCHOOL

Winter 2018


Meet Time: 7:15am

Address: 3111 Potrero Ave, El Monte, CA 91733

Weather Conditions: Sunny but cold

Events/Unique Conditions: None

Principal: Brenda Ruiz

Enrollment: 420

Grades: K‐6

First Bell: 8:00 am



Walk Audit Report – Cortada School 2




Existing Conditions

SCHOOL LAYOUT

Cortada School is a K‐6 school located in central El Monte, on Potrero Avenue. The school site is bounded by Potrero

Avenue on the east, Cortada Street on the south, Adelia Avenue on the west, and Whitmore Street on the north. All

four are two‐lane local roads serving residential uses and the school is situated in a neighborhood with limited

through‐traffic, due to the lack of bridges across the nearby Rio Hondo River. The school’s catchment area surrounds

the school, and consists of largely multi‐family homes, and some single‐family residential homes.

CIRCULATION

Students enter through a total of four entrances around the campus, however the most used are the two gates located

on Potrero Avenue. One of those gates is designated for kindergarten students only, which often attracts many

parents waiting with their kindergarteners for the gate to open. The other entrances are located off of parking lots on

Cortada Street and Whitmore Street. There is no sidewalk access to enter the Whitmore Street entrance.

Vehicle Circulation

Potrero Avenue is the primary vehicular drop‐off area, and

is heavily congested as drivers approach the loading zone

heading south on Potrero Avenue. The loading zone is

designated by a white curb located on the east side of

Potrero Avenue nearing the corner of Whitmore Street and

measures approximately 43 feet in length. Due to the

limitations of the drop‐off zone, drivers use the whole block,

both sides, from Rio Hondo Parkway to Cortada Street,

illegally parking in driveways, crosswalks and double‐

parking.

The main staff parking lot is located directly in front of the

school on Potrero Avenue. There is a sidewalk connecting

walking students to the main entrance and the kindergarten

entrance. The vehicle entrance is adjacent to the loading zone, and the parking lot entry is coned off during school

mornings to restrict parents from dropping off students. Based on the designs of the school, we believe that this

Potrero lot was intended to be used as a parent drop‐off zone, and the Whitmore lot was intended to be used teacher

parking. It is unclear when this changed or why.

The Cortada Street school entrance is located in the northeast corner of the parking lot. Similar to the Potrero

entrance, this is a one‐way parking lot with sidewalk/pedestrian access to the gate. Drivers were observed pulling into

the parking lot from the west entrance, forming a queue to drop‐off students, parking in designated parking spots, or

on the street to escort students onto campus. This parking lot also appeared to be used for commercial deliveries.

Figure 1: Staff Parking Lot on Potrero Avenue



The Whitmore parking lot has one single entrance/exit. There is no sidewalk or pedestrian access into the school from

the sidewalk, forcing walking students to walk in the vehicle lane. This is the largest of the three parking lots and

appears to be underused throughout the day. Most drivers enter the parking lot looping around to form a drop‐off

queue located near the gate in the southeast corner, though we did not observe any school staff directing the flow of

traffic.

Crossing Guard

There are no crossing guards that service Cortada Elementary. There did not appear to be any teachers directing

vehicular or pedestrian traffic.







Walk Audit Observations On the morning of January 18, 2018, the Walk with Us El Monte consultant team conducted a walk audit at Cortada

School along with staff from the City of El Monte Public Works Department. The sky was clear but the temperature

was cool in the morning. A map featuring existing conditions and recommendations is included in the appendix of this

document for reference.

POTRERO AVENUE

On the day of the observation, a high proportion of drivers did

not follow desired behaviors. Due to the small length of the

loading zone, drivers queuing caused congestion and vehicles

which blocked the intersection and crosswalk at the corner of

Potrero Avenue and Whitmore Street. This caused students who

were walking to school to cross outside of the marked

crosswalks, weave between idling vehicles and reduce visibility.

Some of the parents grew agitated and made unexpected

maneuvers including mid‐block U‐turns.

Due to the limitations of the drop‐off zone, drivers use both sides

of the street directly adjacent to the school. This caused

substantial congestion along the block between Whitmore Street

and Cortada Street as vehicles illegally parked and double parked

on both sides of the street. Students who were dropped off on the eastern side of Potrero often crossed mid‐block,

traveling between vehicles. Many people also parked or idled close to (or in) the intersection, limiting visibility as

students crossed the street in marked crosswalks. At least one driver parked their car in the middle of the crosswalk,

blocking the entire crossing, as seen in Figure 2.

These drivers’ actions forced parents and children to navigate to school entrances by weaving between idling vehicles.

Sidewalks were equally challenging. Some residents had parked their vehicles over the sidewalk and other parents

pulled into residential driveways to drop‐off students ‐‐ blocking the sidewalk for pedestrians. These behaviors further

encouraged adults with students, and students alone, to enter the street mid‐block into uncontrolled traffic to reach

the school’s entrance.

Some drivers, seeking to avoid driving past the school’s main entrance on Potrero Avenue were observed dropping

off children nearer to Rio Hondo Parkway and making U‐turns to avoid traffic near Whitmore Street. The students

could walk to either the Potrero Avenue entrance or to the Whitmore Street parking lot entrance. It appeared that

the intersection of Whitmore Street and Potrero Avenue were the most congested due to the short length of the

loading zone.

Whitmore Street

Parents seeking to avoid driving past the school were observed dropping off in and near the parking lot on Whitmore

Street at the northwest corner of the school, then turning back west to avoid using Potrero Avenue.

Figure 2: A parent parked their car blocking the entire crosswalk across Potrero at Whitmore.



The Whitmore parking lot has a single entrance/exit. This is the largest of the three parking lots and appears to be

underused. Most drivers enter the parking lot then head west to loop around to form a drop‐off queue located near

the gate in the southeast corner. Some drivers did park to escort students through the gate. Due to the single entry

to the parking lot, vehicles entering and exiting caused some traffic congestion along Whitmore Street. This congestion

also affected residents as they attempted to exit their driveways, often backing up with little or no visibility and

additionally blocking through traffic.

Because this parking lot also acts as a campus entrance, many guardians and students walking alone enter through

the parking lot. Due to low visibility caused by parked vehicles near the exit on Whitmore Street, drivers leaving must

pull out beyond the parking lot and often stop, blocking the sidewalk. This creates unsafe conditions as students must

then maneuver around vehicles blocking the sidewalk.

Further, this entrance is not accessible to pedestrians. There is an existing walkway that runs from the school entrance

to the end of classroom building H. However, it stops 45 feet from the sidewalk, and there is no pedestrian gate.

Students tended to walk in the vehicle entrance, stepping onto the curb once inside the school property.

Cortada Street

Cortada Street provides an east/west connection to the school. Parents seeking to avoid driving past the school were

observed dropping off in and near the parking lot on Cortada Street, and making a right hand turn to head west. There

is an existing school entrance here, though it appears to be intended primarily for commercial deliveries.

Unlike the Whitmore Street parking lot with its single entrance/exit, the Cortada Street parking lot has two driveways

with a one‐way entry/exit. Drivers enter the parking lot on the west and exit on the east. Because the school entrance

is located closest to the parking lot exit, drivers queue up by pulling as far forward as possible which keeps vehicles

from blocking traffic on Cortada Street. This parking lot flowed generally easily, and since the sidewalk wraps around

the interior of the parking lot, there was minimal pedestrian conflicts. It was observed that in the cases where students

were escorted onto campus, drivers would either park in the designated parking spaces or park on‐street.


A. Potrero Avenue Recommendations: 1. Potrero Avenue/Whitmore Street

o Repaint existing crosswalks with yellow high visibility crosswalks (north/south crossing Whitmore

Street and two crossing Potrero Avenue east/west)

o Install Assembly B signage to both sides of Potrero Avenue at crosswalk

o Install 20’ red curbs on Whitmore Street at the intersection to increase visibility

o Extend existing red curb for a total of 20’ on each side of the crosswalks on Potrero Avenue to

increase visibility and extend the red curb through the intersection along the eastern side of Potrero

to reinforce that parking inside an intersection is not permitted

o Install embedded LED Stop Sign on Whitmore



o Install ramps on the eastern side of the intersection

o Install Assembly D signage for southbound traffic north of Whitmore Street

2. Remove Assembly A signage at the staff parking lot entrance (north driveway)

3. Replace existing sign with Assembly D signage at east side of Potrero Avenue north of Cortada Street

4. Potrero Avenue/Rio Honda Parkway

o Install curb extension to southeast corner of intersection to tighten turning radius of vehicles and

improve pedestrian visibility

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk (crossing Potrero Avenue)

o Install 20’ red curb approaching stop sign on all corners,

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk (crossing Rio Honda Parkway on the west side of the

intersection)

Install “School Xing” roadway markings 100’ before approaching crosswalk on Rio Honda

Parkway for (2) markings east and westbound

Install Assembly D signage approaching crosswalk on Rio Honda Parkway eastbound

Install Assembly B signage at the crosswalk (both sides of Rio Honda Parkway)

Install Assembly D signage approaching crosswalk on Rio Honda Parkway northwest bound

o Install curb ramps to all 3 corners of crossing

5. Expand the loading zone (white curb) from Whitmore Street to Cortada Street and add parent volunteers to

assist with the movement of traffic

6. Potrero Avenue/Garvey Avenue

o Replace existing crosswalks with yellow high‐visibility crosswalks (3) and ramps that allow for travel

across Garvey Avenue.

7. Install Assembly A sign on Potrero Avenue northbound south of Cortada Street

8. Move staff parking to the Whitmore Street parking lot to create an off‐street two‐lane loading zone that

would relieve congestion as drivers approach the school. Similar to Rio Vista Elementary School and Shirpser

Elementary School

B. Whitmore Street Recommendations: 1. Whitmore Parking Lot:

o Extend existing walkway along classroom building H to Whitmore Street and add an entry gate. This

will allow students to enter safely without having to negotiate vehicles in the parking lot

o Install “watch for students crossing” signs at exit of parking lot

o Install 20’ red curbs on either side of the parking lot entrance to increase visibility for vehicles and

pedestrians entering/exiting the parking lot. Optionally, this could be a no parking curb during the

hours of school drop‐off and pick‐up to reduce any conflicts with residential parking

2. Install speed humps along Whitmore Street from Adelia Avenue to Potrero Ave to reduce traffic speeds and

reinforce reduced speeds in the school zone

3. Remove “School Xing” roadway markings between Whitmore parking lot and Potrero Avenue, as these

markings are only intended for uncontrolled crossings

4. Install short‐term parking zone (white zone) from entrance of the parking lot to the 20’ before the corner of

Potrero Avenue to accommodate kindergarten drop‐off, where many parents walk to the gate with students

5. Whitmore Street/Adelia Avenue

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk crossing Whitmore Street



o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk crossing Adelia Avenue at the north leg of Whitmore Street

o Install curb ramps (3) at all crossings

o Install/extend 20’ red zone at intersection corners to improve visibility

o Install Assembly B signage on Adelia Avenue, both sides of the crosswalk

o Install Assembly D signage on Adelia Avenue, both sides, approaching the crosswalk

o Install “School Xing” roadway markings on Adelia 100’ from the approaching the crosswalk (east and

westbound)

6. Update Assembly A signage on Whitmore Street (west side of parking lot) facing eastbound traffic

C. Cortada Street Recommendations: 1. Cortada Street/Adelia Avenue

o replace existing crosswalk and install yellow high visibility crosswalks on all four legs

o Install 20’ red curbs to all corners of intersection to increase visibility

2. Remove “School Xing” roadway markings between Adelia Avenue and Potrero Avenue, as these markings are

only intended for uncontrolled crossings

3. Install speed humps along to Cortada Street between Potrero Avenue to Adelia Avenue to reduce traffic

speeds and indicate the reduced speeds in a school zone

4. Install 20’ red curbs on either side of the parking lot entrance/exit to increase visibility for vehicles and

pedestrians entering/ exiting the parking lot. Optionally, this could be a limited parking (white curb) during

the hours of school drop‐off and pick‐up to reduce conflicts with residential parking

5. Cortada Street/Potrero Avenue

o Install 20’ red curbs on all corners of the intersection to increase visibility for vehicles and

pedestrians at existing high‐visibility crosswalks. Currently, there is only one red curb along Potrero

on the northwest corner.

6. Install Assembly A signage for eastbound traffic on Cortada Street east of Adelia Avenue

7. Install Assembly A signage for westbound traffic on Cortada Street between Potrero Avenue and Sastre

Avenue

EDUCATION, ENCOURAGEMENT, ENFORCEMENT, AND EVALUATION OVERVIEW











Document Officer Singleterry’s beginning‐of‐year outreach/enforcement work. In the event of Officer

Singleterry’s absence or unavailability, proper documentation of his outreach efforts would allow other

officers to carry on his work.



Transportation safety announcements via the Cortada School app. The school app is widely used by parents,




Cortada School, El Monte Engineering Cost Estimate, 2018

Type of Improvement


Unit Cost Estimate


Expand Loading Zone 1 $1,000 $1,000





Install Curb Extension 1 $25,000 $25,000

Install Curb Ramp 12 $8,000 $96,000



Install Roadway Marking 5 $3,500 $17,500

Install Short‐Term Parking Zone 1 $1,500 $1,500

Install Speed Hump 4 $5,000 $20,000

Remove Assembly A Signage 1 $500 $1,000

Remove Roadway Markings 2 $1,500 $3,000

Extend Existing Walkway 1 ‐ ‐

Install 'Watch For Students' Signage 1 ‐ ‐

Move Staff Parking 1 ‐ ‐

TOTAL 93 ‐ $250,000


CortadaElementary

Please see Walk Audit Reportfor additional details

AHEAD

AHEAD

AHEAD

AHEAD

AHEAD

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

SCHOOLXING

ADE

LIA

AVE

POTR

ERO

AVE

RIOHONDO

PKWY

CORTADA ST

TOWNW

AY

DR

GARVEY AVE

SAST

REA

VE

WHITMOREST

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING

I


CORTADAELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Install 'Watch for Students' Sign




Install Crosswalk

Install Curb Extension

Install Curb Ramp

Install Embedded LED Stop Sign

Install SCHOOL XING Roadway Marking

Install Short-Term Parking Zone

Install Speed Humps

Install/Extend Red Curb

Expand Loading Zone

Extend Existing Walkway

Move Sta� Parking

Remove Assembly A Signage

Remove SCHOOL XING Roadway Markings

AHEAD

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOL

Not to scaleAppendix for Walk With Us El Monte - Learn more at: www.WalkElMonte.org

WALK WITH US EL MONTE AUDIT REPORT – DURFEE SCHOOL

Summer 2017

Summary Audit Date: June 1, 2017

Meet Time: 7:00am

Address: 12233 Star St, El Monte, CA 91732

Weather Conditions: Cloudy

Events/Unique Conditions: Presence of police,

graduation/promotion day for students

Principal: Juan Munoz

Enrollment: 950

Grades: 3‐8 at time of Audit (K‐8 fall 2017)

First Bell: 8:00am

Mode Share: approx. 60% walk



Walk Audit Report – Durfee‐Thompson School 2

Attendees: Ryan Taylor‐Gratzer – Alta Planning & Design

Hannah Day‐Kapell – Alta Planning & Design

Daisy Villafuerte – Alta Planning & Design

Andrew Pineda – Amigos de los Rios

Jeremy Munns – Amigos de los Rios

Sadie Meyer – Amigos de los Rios

Claire Robinson – Amigos de los Rios

Cesar Roldan – City of El Monte

Eric Stanley – El Monte Police Department


Department


Existing Conditions

SCHOOL LAYOUT

Durfee School is located in northeast El Monte, on Maxson Road. The school site is bounded by Maxson Road on the

west, Mulhall Street on the north, the San Gabriel River on the east, and Star Street on the south. All of the streets

are two‐lane local roads serving residential uses. Maxson Road is a two‐lane road in a residential neighborhood, which

runs north/south and includes speed humps in the vicinity of the school. The back of the school (to the east) abuts

the western bank of the San Gabriel River, which marks the border of the City of El Monte. Thus, the school’s

catchment area is north, south, and west of the school, and consists of largely single‐family residential homes, and

some multifamily homes. Many connect to Maxson Road via Emery Street on the northwest side of campus, and via

McGirk Avenue or Lambert Avenue to the southwest.

CIRCULATION

The entrance to the staff parking lot is on Star Road on the south side of the campus. Star Road currently has a barrier

on the east end of the road, near the river, preventing through vehicle traffic, and the school prohibits student drop‐

off on Star Road (according to Principal Munoz, Star was previously a drop‐off zone, but resulted in too many midblock

U‐turns and too much congestion). This barrier has been in place for at least 15 years, but it is scheduled to be

removed within the year. Once K‐2 grades join the Durfee campus in 2017, these younger students will have a primary

entrance on Star Road, east of the staff parking lot entrance. With the re‐opening of the Star Road barrier, traffic will

now circulate on Star Road and around to Lambert Avenue.

The bicycle and pedestrian access gate for the San Gabriel River Trail, which could provide access which runs adjacent

to the school, is currently locked, reportedly due to concerns about transients. Opening this gate on the southeast

side of the school could provide additional access for people walking and bicycling from the southern portion of the

community.

A north entrance to the school can be accessed via a walking path at the end of a cul‐de‐sac on Durfee Avenue. This

entrance is only accessible when the gate is unlocked during drop‐off and when school lets out. Principal Munoz stated

that the gate is unlocked every school day, but it remained locked during the walk audit.

Vehicle Circulation

The official drop‐off/pick‐up location is along Maxson Road. Of the curb space adjacent to the front of the school, the

southern portion is designated for parent/guardian use, and the northern portion is for buses only. The student

entrance to the school (which is located 30 feet north of the main school entrance) is directly adjacent to the bus

drop‐off zone.

The school bus zone on Maxson Road is a red curb, with a “Bus Zone” stencil. Officials noted that the red curb was

necessary to prevent parents/guardians from using it.


Walk Audit Report – Durfee School 3

A bus designated for special needs students utilizes a small turn‐around in the staff parking lot. This turn‐around was

observed to not be used by anyone else during drop‐off, so the bus was able to park for an extended period of time

without inhibiting flow.

Since the vehicle drop‐off zone remains on the street and does not cross over sidewalks, pedestrian traffic is rather

unimpeded by the vehicle traffic. Though, traffic did occasionally back up to the Star/Maxson intersection, causing

reduced visibility at the crosswalk.

Crossing Guard

A crossing guard assists students at the intersection of Emery

Street and Maxson Road. Most students who walked to

campus were observed passing through this intersection. This

three‐way intersection has a stop sign on Emery Street but no

stop signs on Maxson Road. There are yellow, ladder

crosswalks across Emery Street and one crosswalk on Maxson

Road on the north side of Emery Street. Parents and school

staff have repeatedly sung the praise of the current crossing

guard, who was highly attentive, and manages both students

and vehicles, as also seen during the audit. She generally

allows a group of students to amass at the curb, while also

directing turning movements of vehicles for maximum, but

safe throughput. When the amount of students is sufficient

(which generally takes very little time, given the volume of

students walking), she lets them cross.





STUDENT LOCATIONS

Figure 2 shows the approximate distances of Durfee students to school, using home addresses provided by the El

Monte City Unified School District. Almost half of students (45 percent) live within a half‐mile of school, 69 percent

are within three‐quarters of a mile, and 90 percent live within one mile.

Figure 1. The crossing guard at the corner of Emery

Street and Maxson Road helps students cross.



Figure 2. Student Distance from Durfee School

Walk Audit Observations On the morning of June 1, 2017, the Walk with Us El Monte consultant team conducted a walk audit at Durfee School

with staff from the City of El Monte Public Works Department and El Monte Police Department and the principal of

Durfee School. The sky was overcast, and the temperature was cool. June 1 was graduation/promotion day for

students, but participants noted that traffic was typical. A map featuring existing conditions and recommendations is

included in the appendix of this document for reference.

MAXSON ROAD

Maxson Road Parent Drop‐Off

On the day of the observation, drivers generally followed the

desired behavior: most used the drop‐off zone on Maxson

Road and did not use the bus zone; very few dropped off

students in the “no drop off zone” on Star Street.

Additionally, when parents/guardians parked or dropped off

midblock on the opposite side of Maxson Road, very few

students crossed mid‐block, but instead they walked to the

nearest crosswalk.

A few parents/guardians lingered in their vehicles in the

drop‐off zone after their kids exited the vehicles. Some parents/guardians parked in the drop‐off zone and then walked

their children to class (this may be due to the fact this was the final day before summer vacation, and several parents

were observed bringing treats for the classes).

Overall, due to the large percent of students walking rather than being driven to school, there was little congestion

on Maxson Road in front of the school. Still, some parents seeking to avoid driving past the school, were observed to

drop off their children on Maxson Road north of the school (north of Emery Street). To do so, they would not pull to

0%

10%

20%

30%

Within 1/4 mile Between 1/4 and 1/2mile

Between 1/2 and 3/4mile

Between 3/4 and 1mile

Greater than 1 mile

Figure 3. School fence used as bicycle parking for a

visiting parent.



the curb, but would stop in the middle of the lane, allow their

child to exit, and then would pull into a driveway and make a

3‐point turn, creating traffic delays and encroaching on the

sidewalks. There was no ‘valet’ present on the day of the

audit.

At least one caregiver was observed locking their bike to the

exterior fence (Figure 3). There are bicycle racks on campus

for students, but no bicycle racks for visitors. Given that the

school entrance nearest the student bike cage is locked while

class is in session, visitors must like their bikes to the fence.

Star Street

At the stop‐controlled intersection of Star Street and

Maxson, most drivers were observed to make complete

stops. Along Maxson Road, the signs include solar‐powered flashing lights, which may increase compliance. However,

the presence of police officers at the audit may have had an influence on our observations – and parents and staff

have expressed concern around compliance. Despite the stop control, some students were wary of crossing the street,

and would not cross until a driver honked or otherwise indicated that it was safe to cross.

Star Street contains entrances to the staff parking lot and a guest parking lot, as well as the entrance to the section of

campus used by Kindergarten and 1st grade, starting in 2017 school year. Presently, prominent large signs stating “No

drop off zone” discourage parents from Star Street. This walk audit was completed before this section of the school

was opened, so additional observations should be conducted in the future.

When the K‐1 students enroll at Durfee School, we recommend re‐opening a Star Street drop off zone only if the

barrier on Star Street has been removed. Removing the barrier will allow vehicles to flow through Star Street without

the need to make 3‐point turns.

Parents and school staff stated that the crossing guard used to be positioned at Star and Maxson, but was moved to

Star and Emery a few years earlier. They felt that a second crossing guard stationed at Star Street could be helpful for

pedestrian flow.

EMERY STREET

Emery Street is a 40‐foot‐wide, two lane neighborhood street. There are

high volumes of students walking along Emery Street to Durfee School

and some complaints of speeding.

At the intersection of Emery Street and Maxson Road, the white limit line

is painted in the middle of the crosswalk, rather than before it (Figure 6).

Officials noted that crosswalks at two intersection legs, rather than

three, enable more efficient management of crossing students, and this

was observed during the audit. Officials also noted that the lack of stop Figure 5. Stop bar located in the middle of

the crosswalk. (Photo: Google)

Figure 4. A parked car obstructs the view of the

crosswalk.



signs on Maxson Road enable efficient movement of vehicles, so they can more quickly leave the area after dropping

off students.

A City engineer noted that funneling students to the single crosswalk on Maxson Road at Emery Street, and the

absence of stop signs at this intersection on Maxson Road, helped maintain an efficient flow of vehicles. While it is

generally understood that more crosswalks and stop signs can improve pedestrian safety, an additional crosswalk and

stop signs could create additional vehicle delays and cause a cascading effect that could reduce the safety of students.

The crossing guard at this intersection plays a critical role in controlling the movement of both vehicles and students

and is very appreciated by the students, caregivers, and staff.

Along the eastern side of Maxson Road, within the intersection at Emery Street, the white loading zone paint ends

approximately 15 feet south of the crosswalk, inside the T‐intersection. During the audit, a vehicle was parked in this

unpainted zone, impeding a clear view of the crosswalk (Figure 4).


A. Maxson Road Recommendations: 1. Institute a ‘valet’ to maintain the flow of drop‐offs and to welcome students.

2. Install visitor bicycle parking.

3. Station a second Crossing Guard at Maxson Road & Star Road intersection.

4. Prohibit parking in the Emery Street intersection to improve pedestrian visibility by adding a 20’ red zone on

all sides of intersection

5. Install Assembly D signage on Maxson Road north and south of crosswalk

6. Remove and replace “School Xing” roadway markings, move 100 feet north of crosswalk at Emery

7. Remove and replace “School Xing” roadway markings north of Star Street

8. Install Assembly B signage at crosswalk on Maxson Road and Emery, both sides of the street

9. Killian Street/Maxson Road – yellow high visibility crosswalk (north to south)

10. Install Assembly A signage north and south of campus

B. Star Street Recommendations: 1. Replace or remove defaced “No drop off zone” signs.

2. Re‐open Star Street drop off zone only if street closure is removed, and explore traffic calming along Star

Street/Bannister Ave/Lambert Street

3. Place signage and conduct outreach encouraging parents to use Lambert Street and travel counterclockwise

to Star Street entrance.

4. Institute a ‘valet’ to maintain the flow of drop‐offs and to welcome students.

5. Star Street/Maxson Road – Install curb ramps at western side

6. Install sidewalk on south side of Star Street between Maxson Road and Standell Avenue



C. Emery Street Recommendations: 1. Install speed humps on Emery Street, between Cogswell Road and Maxson Road, to discourage speeding

2. Re‐paint limit line at Emery Street and Maxson Road so it precedes the crosswalk

3. Install Assembly A signage eastbound on Emery Street between Cogswell Road and Maxson Road




families to try walking and bicycling, and education components can provide safety information. The Durfee Walking

School Bus program will organize pedestrian travel around the school, in order to provide encouragement and

improve the safety of students walking to school.

Walking School Bus program. The Walking School Bus program will identify five safe routes to school, and

supply guidance and support for students using these routes. In a Walking school bus, a group of children

walks together to school, accompanied by one or two adults (usually parents or guardians of the children on

the “bus”). As the walking school bus continues on the route to school they pick up students at designated


with adults.




Transportation safety announcements via the Durfee School app. The school app is widely used by parents,






Durfee School, El Monte Engineering Cost Estimate, 2018

Type of Improvement


Unit Cost Estimate


Implement Parent/Teacher 'Valet' 2 $1,000 $2,000




Install Bicycle Parking 1 $500 $500

Install Crosswalk 1 $800 $800


Install Informational Signage 1 $800 $800

Install 'No Drop Off' Signage 1 $800 $800



$200,000 / mile


Install Speed Hump 4 ‐ ‐

Remove Roadway Markings 2 ‐ ‐

Re‐open Closed ROW 1 ‐ ‐

Station Crossing Guard 1 ‐ ‐

TOTAL 26 ‐ $88,900


SCHOOL

SCHOOL

AHEAD

AHEAD

AHEAD

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING


Not to scale

DurfeeElementary

LAMBERT AVE

DURF

EE A

VE

EMERY ST

PENN

MAR

AVE

STAR ST

INST

AR

BANN

ISTE

R AV

E

MULHALL ST

MC GIRK AVE

KILLIAN ST

I


DURFEEELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Add Bicycle Parking

Implement Parent/Teacher 'Valet'

Install 'No Drop O�' Signage




Install Crosswalk

Install Curb Ramp

Install Informational Signage

Install Red Curb

Install Roadway Marking

Install Sidewalk

Install Speed Humps

Re-open Closed ROW

Replace SCHOOL XING Marking

Station Crossing Guard

AHEAD

SCHOOL

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING


WALK WITH US EL MONTE AUDIT REPORT – R IO V ISTA SCHOOL

Winter 2018


Meet Time: 7:15am

Address: 4300 Esto Avenue , El Monte, CA 91731

Weather Conditions: Sunny but cold

Events/Unique Conditions: None

Principal: Joella Richenberger

Enrollment: 414

Grades: K‐6

First Bell: 8:00 am

Mode Share: approx. 20‐30% walk



Walk Audit Report – Rio Vista School 2




Department


Existing Conditions

SCHOOL LAYOUT

Rio Vista School is a K‐6 school located on Esto Avenue in northwest El Monte. The school site is bounded by Esto

Avenue on the west, Bixby and Shasta Place on the north, the Rio Hondo River on the east, and Dilo Street on the

south. All four are two‐lane local roads serving residential uses and the school is situated in a neighborhood with

limited through‐traffic. Esto Avenue is a two‐lane road in a residential neighborhood, which runs north/south and

includes speed humps within the vicinity of the school. The back of the school (to the east) abuts the Rio Vista Veterans

Memorial Park and the Rio Hondo River, so there are no students who live to the east of the school. To the south of

the school the neighborhood abuts an industrial area and a railroad. Thus, the school’s catchment area is to the north

and west of the school and consists of largely single‐family residential homes, and some multi‐family homes. Many

residential streets connect to Rio Vista School, with Esto Avenue, Venita Street, Gidley Street, and Bisby Street being

the most direct and most used during student drop‐off and pick‐up.

CIRCULATION

Students have a total of three entrances onto campus. The main drop‐off location is on Esto Avenue directly adjacent

to the main entrance.

The secondary entrance and school bus loading zone is located on Bisby Street. This area has a total of three access

gates with the east gate servicing students arriving by bus.

The final entrance is located in the northeast corner of the large surface parking lot off of Esto Avenue. This entrance

serves the Head Start program, while the parking lot provides staff and visitor parking.

Vehicle Circulation

Due to the school’s siting near the river, most traffic

to/from the school comes from the west along Venita

Street, Gidley Street, Bisby Street, and north to south

along Esto Avenue. Drivers connect to these residential

streets from Arden Drive, a major arterial, which runs

parallel to Esto Avenue. Esto Avenue dead ends to the

south at Hickson Street where the land uses change

from residential to industrial.

The official drop‐off/pick‐up locations are along Esto

Avenue and Bisby Street. The main passenger drop‐off

location is on Esto Avenue directly adjacent to the

school’s main entrance. The school has converted its

surface parking lot into a two‐lane loading zone with Figure 1: Main loading zone on Esto Ave.



marked walkways and a teacher acting as a crossing guard to promote safe passage of students.

Staff and visitor parking is located in a parking lot at the southwest corner of the school. This parking lot also serves

as an entry point for Head Start students. The school entry gate is located on the east side of the parking lot. Due to

the size of the parking lot and the location of the entrance, traffic along Esto Street was not affecting vehicles entering

or exiting the parking lot.

The school bus zone is on the north side of campus, along Bisby Street. This is a red curb with a “Bus Zone” sign and

posted parking restrictions for no parking anytime. Officials noted that the red curb was necessary to prevent drivers

from parking and walking students onto campus. The bus zone serves a unique population: Rio Vista is home to a large

number of students with autism and students across the region (including outside of El Monte) are bussed to Rio Vista

from other school districts.

In addition to the school bus, the City of El Monte’s “Red Route” Commuter Shuttle stops at the corner of Esto Avenue

and Bisby Street This shuttle only provides service Monday through Friday during peak morning commute periods and

at mid‐day, providing connections between the El Monte Metrolink Station, the Flair Park Business District, the Civic

Center, and the El Monte Bus Station. The consultant team only noticed the bus arrive once picking up adults and

junior high/high school students during the morning drop off period.

Crossing Guard

There are no official crossing guards that service Rio Vista Elementary.





Walk Audit Observations On the morning of January 25, 2018, the Walk with Us El Monte consultant team conducted a walk audit at Rio Vista

Elementary School with two officers from the City of El Monte Police Department. The sky was clear but the

temperature was cool in the morning. A map featuring existing conditions and recommendations is included in the

appendix of this document for reference.



Esto Avenue

The main entrance to the school is on Esto Avenue. There

are speed humps along the street adjacent to the school.

The yellow markings resemble a high visibility crosswalk,

and may be confusing to pedestrians and drivers and should

be re‐painted with a different pattern.

The school has converted a surface parking lot into a two‐

lane loading zone with marked walkways and a teacher

volunteer to help students cross and direct traffic. During

observations, drivers did follow the desired behaviors. Due

to the off‐street location and two lanes for loading, drivers

queued with minimal congestion on Esto Avenue. The only

observed negative behaviors that affected traffic and

pedestrian access came from drivers turning left into the

loading zone off of Esto Avenue. This action caused some congestion as cars backed up (north) towards Bisby Street.

Additionally, while the queuing line did move efficiently, there were a few instances where vehicles pulled into the

queuing line before there was enough room, blocking the sidewalk, forcing pedestrians to maneuver around the

vehicles and into the roadway.

To improve traffic flow and safety, left turns from the loading zone onto Esto Avenue are prohibited. This is identified

with a temporary sign that is placed at the exit in the

morning. This restriction reduces potential traffic

congestion along Esto Avenue and keeps the loading zone

que moves efficiently.

Staff and visitor parking are located in a parking lot at the

southwest corner of the school. This parking lot also serves

as the entry point for Head Start students. Principal

Richenberger informed the team that on Monday’s, the

parking lot sees increased traffic and in some cases it is

unclear where parents should park. The parking lot is one‐

way, with its entrance on the south and exit on the north.

This allows drivers to queue within the parking lot when

dropping off students.

Unfortunately, there is no dedicated pedestrian access from

Esto Street to the Head Start entrance. If entering on foot,

pedestrians must use the northern driveway, walking through the parking lot to access the entry gate. Encouraging

pedestrians to enter through the driveway creates obstacles and conflicts for both the driver and pedestrians.

Additionally, the wall surrounding the dumpster limits visibility of people exiting the parking lot, endangering

pedestrians on the sidewalk. Parents were observed peeking around the wall before crossing, so it is clearly a known

issue in the community. Since there is no ‘Stop’ sign at the exit, many drivers rolled onto the sidewalk and apron upon

exiting, causing additional blockage on the sidewalk.

Figure 2: Loading zone queuing blocking sidewalk

Figure 3: Esto Ave. Parking lot exit



North of the school, there are intermittent sidewalks along Esto Avenue. During the audit, students and teachers were

observed walking in the street along Esto Avenue due to the lack of sidewalks.

Bisby Street

A second entrance located on Bisby Street services both school bus

loading and pedestrians. This area has three separate gates, with

one gate mainly used by passengers of the school bus. The other

two gates are open to students and guardians. These gates mostly

service students with autism by providing them with direct access

to their classrooms. Principal Richenberger informed the

consultant team that 20% of Rio Vista School’s students are

categorized as ‘special needs’ and many arrive by bus.

The school bus zone on Bisby Street is a red curb, with a “Bus Zone”

sign and posted 24‐hour parking restrictions. Officials noted that

the red curb was necessary to prevent drivers from parking and

walking students onto campus. However, during the audit, multiple

drivers were observed parking in the red zone to drop‐off students

at the Bisby Street entrances. School officials posted homemade

signs at the entrances informing drivers of the potential for a ticket.

However, Officer Pitts informed the consultant team that they will

only ticket the driver if they leave their vehicle unattended.

The buses uses the eastern gate as the drop‐off zone. The bus pulls

up to the curb next to a grass covered right‐of‐way between the

curb and sidewalk. No students need wheelchair access at this

time; therefore the grass does not affect ADA access. However, the

multiple bus drivers, parents, and the principal mentioned that

many residents use the grass area for walking dogs and fail to clean

up their dog defecation. In doing so, animal waste is often an issue

for students entering and exiting the bus – and sometimes causes

additional anxiety for some of the students with autism.

Pedestrian access leading up to the entrances on Bisby Street is

challenging. There is no sidewalk on the north side of Bisby, and the

sidewalk ends at the school’s property line to the east. Further

down the block, at Bisby and Shasta Place, there are yellow transverse crosswalk markings – however, there are no

sidewalks on any of the corners connecting to the marked crosswalks. From the Rio Vista Memorial Park, there is a

dedicated pedestrian walkway that connects to the sidewalk at the northeast corner of the school. However, this

walkway’s gate is locked regularly. The walkway also has limited visibility from the street and surrounding residences,

giving it the appearance of being unsafe.

Figure 4: School issued signage at Bisby gates

Figure 5: Students walking in the street due to lack of sidewalk



Surrounding Neighborhood Streets

Gidley Street, Venita Street, and Hickson Street run east to west from Arden Drive to Esto Avenue. These streets

provide direct pedestrian and vehicle connections to the school. Additionally, Halifax Rd., Frankmont Street, Glenfair

Street, and Marsen Street, provide secondary connections to Rio Vista. However, nearly all of these streets do not

have sidewalks or curb ramps.


A. Esto School Entrance Recommendations: 1. Replace temporary “no left turn” sign at loading zone exit with a permanent sign

2. Esto Avenue/Bisby Street

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk in all directions and curb ramps at two northern corners

o Paint 20’ red‐zone approaching stop signs on all corners of intersection

o Install embedded LED Stop Signs (4) at intersection

3. Install Assembly A signage southbound between Bisby Street and Frankmont Street

4. Install sidewalks on Esto Avenue from Emery Street to Bisby Street on both sides of street

5. Esto Avenue/Gidley Street

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk (south side of intersection crossing Esto Avenue and

north/south crossing Gidley)

o Embedded LED Stop Signs (1) on Gidley

o Install Assembly B signage (2) near crosswalk on Esto Avenue

o Install Assembly D signage (2) near crosswalk on Esto Avenue

6. Esto Avenue/Venita Street

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk (north to south crossing Venita Street), repaint existing yellow

high visibility crosswalk crossing Esto Avenue

o Install embedded LED Stop Signs (1) on Venita Street

o Replace existing sign with Assembly B signage on the east side of Esto Avenue at the south parking

lot entrance

o Install Assembly B signage to west side of Esto Avenue at Venita Street

o Remove and repaint “School Xing” roadway marking north and south of crosswalk

o Install Assembly D signs on both sides of Esto Avenue at updated roadway markings (between

parking lot entrance and Hickson Street)

o Install curb ramp on southwest corner

7. Esto Avenue/Dilo Street

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk from north to south crossing Dilo Street

o Install 20’ red curbs at all corners of intersection for increased visibility



8. Review speed humps consistency and size, and associated markings to indicate they are not crosswalks

9. Staff/Visitor parking lot:

o Install red curbs on either side of the parking lot entrance/exit to increase visibility for vehicles and

pedestrians entering/exiting the parking lot. Optionally, this could be a no parking curb during the

hours of school operations to reduce any conflicts with residential parking

o Create a pedestrian gate on the north side of the northern driveway. There is an existing sidewalk

that runs from east to west that abruptly ends at the fence line. This would allow pedestrians to

avoid walking through the parking lot and negotiating space around cars

o Extend existing sidewalk towards the east and create a seamless connection with the entry gate.

This may require moving the disabled parking spaces west by one space and repainting.

o Install stop sign or “look for children” sign at northern exit of parking lot

B. Bisby Street Recommendations: 1. Install sidewalks along Bisby Street (north side) between Arden Drive and Shasta Place

2. Extend sidewalk on south side of Bisby from school property line to Shasta Place

3. Change red curb to white curb and implement limited parking restrictions. Additionally, change bus loading

zone parking restriction to apply only during school hours

4. Remove grass in right‐of‐way near bus stop and replace with hard surfaces to reduce chance of dog

defecation and improve bus access

5. Bisby Street/Shasta Place

o Replace existing crosswalks with yellow high visibility crosswalk (north/south crossing Bisby Street

and east/west crossing Shasta Place on the south side of intersection)

o Install sidewalks on Bisby to Shasta Place and on Shasta Place from Ranger Avenue to Marsen Street

to provide a continuous pedestrian connection to the Bisby Street entrance.

o Install curb ramps (3) at intersection

o Install Assembly B signage on Shasta Place, on both sides of street at the crosswalk

o Install Assembly D signage on Shasta Place between Bisby Street and Ranger Avenue (northbound)

and between Marsen Street and Bisby Street (southbound).

o Install “School Xing” roadway markings on Shasta Place north and southbound approaching to Bisby

Street

o Install 20’ red curb approaching stop signs on all corners of Bisby Street/Shasta Place to increase

visibility

o Replace existing Assembly A signage with current version west of Shasta Place (westbound)

C. Neighborhood Street Recommendations: 1. Install sidewalks on both sides of Frankmont Street, Glenfair Street, Marsen Street, Shasta Place, and Halifax

Rd.

2. Install Assembly A signage eastbound on Venita from Arden

3. Install Assembly A signage eastbound on Gidley from Arden

4. Install Assembly A signage eastbound on Bisbee from Arden




Beyond infrastructure that improve safety and convenience of walking and bicycling, communities can enact activities

and events to complement infrastructure improvements. These events can help empower students and their families

to try walking and bicycling, and education components can provide safety information.






with adults.




Transportation safety announcements via the Rio Vista School app. The school app is widely used by parents,






Rio Vista School, El Monte Engineering Cost Estimate, 2018

Type of Improvement


Unit Cost Estimate








Install No Left Turn Signage 1 $800 $800

install Pedestrian Gate 1 $1,500 $1,500




$200,000 / mile

Install White Curb 1 $500 $500

Remove Roadway Markings 3 $1,500 $4,500

TOTAL 79 ‐ $139,800


SCHOOL

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

AHEAD

AHEAD

AHEAD

AHEAD

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING

Rio VistaElementary

ARDE

N DR

SHASTA

PLES

TO A

VE

BISBY ST

RANG

ER A

VE

FRANKMONT ST RAN

GER

AVE

MARSEN ST

HALIF

AX R

D

DILO ST

HICKSON ST

GLENFAIR ST

VENITA ST

GIDLEY ST

I


RIO VISTAELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Add Pedestrian Gate




Install Crosswalk

Install Curb Ramp


Install 'No Left Turn' Signage

Install Red Curb

Install Roadway Markings

Install Sidewalk

Install Stop Sign

Install White Curb & Widen Sidewalk

Remove Roadway Marking

SCHOOLXING

SCHOOLXING

AHEAD

SCHOOL


Not to scaleAppendix for Walk With Us El Monte - Learn more at: www.WalkElMonte.org

WALK WITH US EL MONTE AUDIT REPORT – SHIRPSER SCHOOL

Winter 2018

Summary Audit Date: February 1, 2018

Meet Time: 7:15am

Address: 4020 Gibson Rd., El Monte, CA 91731

Weather Conditions: Sunny and cool

Events/Unique Conditions: El Monte Police

Department on site and issuing citations

Principal: Mrs. Torres

Enrollment: 600

Grades: TK‐6

First Bell: 8:00 am



Walk Audit Report – Shirpser School 2




Department


Existing Conditions

SCHOOL LAYOUT

Shirpser Elementary School is a TK‐6 school located on Gibson Road in El Monte. The school site is bound by Gibson

Road on the west, Rose Avenue on the north, Velma Avenue on the east, and Valley Boulevard on the south. Gibson

Road, Rose Avenue, and Velma are two‐lane road in a residential neighborhood. Valley Boulevard is a 4‐lane arterial.

The school’s catchment areas are to the east, west, and south and consist of largely single family homes to the

east/west of the school, and multi‐family homes to the south. Many residential streets connect to Shirpser, with

Gibson Road and Rose Avenue being the most direct and used during school drop‐off and pick‐up.

CIRCULATION

Students have a total of four entrances to campus, three of which are located off the Rose Avenue parking lot and

provide direct access to specific classrooms and facilitates, such as the preschool and Head Start, access to students

arriving by bus, and to the bicycle racks. The main gate and entry point for student drop‐off is along Gibson Road.

The school is bound by residential streets. Vehicular traffic tends to flow from north to south along Gibson Road.

Drivers connect to Valley Boulevard, a major arterial that bisects the neighborhood from east to west, and to Arden

Drive and Baldwin Avenue via Rose Avenue.

Vehicle Circulation

Due to the school’s siting, most vehicle and pedestrian traffic to/from the school comes from the south along Gibson

Road and from the east/west along Rose Avenue. Drivers connect to these residential streets from Valley Boulevard

and Arden Drive, both major arterials.

The official drop‐off/pick‐up location is along Gibson Road just

north of Valley Boulevard. The passenger drop‐off location is

directly south to the school’s main entrance. The school has

converted one of its two surface parking lots into a one‐lane

loading zone with marked walkways. This loading zone is a

one‐way with the vehicle entrance to the south and exit to the

north. This loading zone is off street; however, traffic is

affected by drivers parking in the loading, drivers attempting

to go around other vehicles parked in the loading zone. This

ultimately affects traffic approaching the loading zone from

the south as vehicles queue along Gibson Road to enter the

loading zone. When the loading zone backs up, it often blocks

the sidewalk along Gibson, creating obstacles for pedestrians.

However, many pedestrians walk along the painted markings, avoiding the need to cross the entrance and exits of the

loading zone. Additionally, drivers turning left into and out of the loading zone cause additional congestion for drivers

approaching from the north.

Figure 1: Student loading zone on Gibson Road



Staff parking is located in a surface parking lot located directly north of the student loading zone on Gibson Road. This

parking lot, like the student loading zone, is a one‐way parking lot with the entrance on the south and exit to the

north. However, due to the design of the parking lot drivers tend to pull into the driveways, sometimes in the wrong

direction, to drop‐off students and avoid waiting in the queue.

The school bus zone is to the north of campus, on Rose Avenue, this is a red curb with a “Bus Stop” sign and posted

parking restrictions for Monday street sweeping. There is no other signage prohibiting parking. The red zone is from

the corner of Gibson Road west, to the parking lot driveway. The bus unloads students at the east end of the red zone

near the parking lot exit.

A secondary parking lot is located on Rose Avenue and services preschool and Head Start students. The parking lot

has a central entrance with two exits, one the east and to the west.

Crossing Guard

Shirpser Elementary School has one crossing guard located at Valley Boulevard and Gibson Road. The crossing guard

assists students and parents crossing Valley Boulevard on the east side of the intersection.







Walk Audit Observations On the morning of February 1, 2018, Walk with Us El Monte consultant team conducted a walk audit at Shirpser

Elementary School with two representatives from El Monte Police Department and a few parents and neighbors. The

sky was clear but the temperature was cool in the morning. A map featuring existing conditions and recommendations

is included in the appendix of this document for reference.

GIBSON ROAD SCHOOL ENTRANCE

Gibson Road

On the day of the observation, many drivers did not follow the desired behaviors in or around the school’s dedicated

loading zone. The school has converted a surface parking lot into a one‐lane loading zone with marked walkways. This

loading zone is a one‐way with the vehicle entrance to the south and exit to the north. This off street loading zone is

not efficient in moving vehicles through due to drivers not pulling all the way forward, double‐parking to drop off their

students, parking and walking in with their students, or waiting until their child is through the gates. When the loading

zone is backed up, it tends to block the sidewalks. All of these actions and behaviors combined cause traffic congestion

along Gibson Road and create an unsafe pedestrian environment for students and guardians as they walk to school.

The consultant team observed the following in and around the loading zone:

Drivers in the loading zone parking within the

pedestrian walkway (as indicated by the

white paint)

Drivers stopping and parking in the loading

zone cause queuing to back up onto Gibson

Road in both directions

Drivers trying to pass other vehicles towards

the exit. This is possible because the exit

driveway is wide and stopped drivers tend to

pull towards the east curb (on top of the

pedestrian walkway) allowing space for a

vehicle passing

Drivers entering and exiting the loading zone

blocking the sidewalk to pedestrian access

Drivers turning left into and out of the

loading zone cause additional congestion for

drivers approaching from the north and

south along Gibson Road

Drivers illegally parking and letting students

out at the red curb near the exit of the

loading zone. This causes additional

congestion as these vehicles block drivers

leaving the loading zone. On the day or our Figure 3: Pedestrians walking through loading zone

Figure 2: Cars parked loading zone while other vehicles try to pass to exit



observations, the El Monte Police Department issued citations to drivers who dropped off in the red zone

and who double‐parked while dropping off their student.

It was observed that many pedestrians are arriving from Valley Boulevard, and tend cut across the strip mall

on the northwest corner and continue across Gibson, to the loading zone entrance (southern driveway) to

reach the internal sidewalk that leads to the school entrance. This keeps pedestrians from having to

maneuver across the exit driveway which is often blocked by the queuing drivers.

The staff parking lot which is located directly north of the

student loading zone on Gibson Road played host too

additional behaviors that negatively affect pedestrian safety

and access. Similar to the school loading zone, this parking lot

is a one‐way with the entrance on the south and exit to the

north. During school drop‐off times, staff cone off the parking

lot entrance (south driveway) to prevent drivers from using

this space as an additional drop‐off area. This does prevent

use of the parking lot, however the consultant team

observed, and received feedback from parents that drivers

tend to pull into the parking lot exit instead. The consultant

team observed the following in and around the loading zone:

Drivers illegally parking and letting students out at

the red curb near the parking lot entrance. This

blocks access to the parking lot and causes

additional congestion as these vehicles block drivers

leaving the loading zone. On the day of our

observations, the El Monte Police Department

issued citations to drivers who dropped off in the

red zone

Drivers pulling onto the apron of the coned‐off staff

parking lot driveway to drop‐off students. This

blocks the sidewalk and lowers the driver’s visibility

as many backup to exit the driveway and continue

along Gibson Road

Drivers pulling into the exit only (north driveway)

the wrong direction. Due to the design of the

parking lot there is ample room for cars to pull in

and park and make turns at the north end of the

parking lot.

Figure 4: Parents and residents expressing traffic concerns to the consultant team

Figure 5: Parked vehicle blocking pedestrian visibility



Many of these actions encouraged students and guardians to navigate the sidewalks by weaving between vehicles

with low visibility. Community members informed the consultant team that fairly recently a student was almost hit by

a vehicle at the parking lot entrance.

Additionally, the consultant team observed many vehicles speeding along Gibson Road after the congestion of the

morning drop‐off dissipated. Community members informed the team that they had previously requested speed

humps along Gibson Road but were told by the City that they

could not be implemented due to emergency vehicle access

concerns. Neighbors (who do not have students who attend the

school) reiterated that in general, drivers tend to not obey the

rules of the road, both parking in front of driveways and speeding.

Many residents and parents constantly struggle with high speeds,

low visibility, illegal parking, vehicles parked at intersections

blocking crosswalks and visibility of pedestrians, and drivers

using/blocking residential driveways.

Rose Avenue

While Gibson Road is the official student drop off, the parking lot

on Rose Avenue operates as an unofficial secondary loading zone.

This parking lot caters to the preschool, Head Start, and students

arriving by bus. It also has a gate that connects students arriving

by bike to the bicycle parking area; however, no children were

observed arriving by bicycle on the day of the audit. The Rose

Avenue parking lot has a single entrance and two exits. This is the

largest of the three parking lots. Most drivers enter the parking lot

then head west to form a drop‐off queue located near the gate in

the northwest corner. Within the parking lot, drivers illegally

parked in designated disabled spots, double parked, parked

perpendicular, blocked vehicles in parking spaces, and vehicles

queueing would block vehicles from entering and exiting.

Due to the single entry to the parking lot, vehicles entering and

exiting caused additional traffic congestion along Rose Avenue.

This congestion also affected residents as they attempted to exit

their driveways, often backing up with little or no visibility and

additionally blocking through traffic.

Additionally, along Rose Avenue, drivers were observed making

mid‐block U‐turns to quickly park in on‐street parking spots on the

south side of Rose Avenue, parking within the parking lot driveways, and double parking on the street to drop off

students. Because most of the students who access the classrooms from Rose Avenue are younger, they require an

escort, therefore, there were several pedestrians in this area. Due to the parking behaviors along both Rose Avenue

Figure 6: Drivers double parked in Rose Avenue parking lot

Figure 7: Walkway gap from sidewalk to preschool entrance



and within the parking lot, pedestrian and driver visibility were greatly

affected. As with Gibson Road, high speed travel along Rose Avenue was

observed by the consultant team.

Because this parking lot also acts as a campus entrance and the only

entrance to the preschool which is located in separate stand‐alone

building in the parking lot, many guardians and students walking enter

through the parking lot. Due to low visibility caused by parked vehicles

near the driveways on Rose Avenue, drivers leaving must pull out

beyond the parking lot and often stop in the sidewalk. This creates

unsafe conditions as students must then maneuver around vehicles

blocking the sidewalk or driveway access.

Surrounding Neighborhood Street

Valley Boulevard and Arden Drive are arterial streets, which provide

secondary access to Shirpser Elementary School via several

neighborhood streets. There are sidewalks and curb ramps on many of

the neighborhood streets around Shirpser, however, parking close to

the curbs tend to reduce visibility and walkability.


A. Gibson Road Recommendations: 1. Gibson Road/Rose Avenue (North leg)

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk (N to S) across Rose Avenue

o Repair southwest corner ramp

o Replace existing stop sign with embedded LED stop sign on Rose eastbound with W4‐4P

o Install 20’ red curbs at all intersection corners

2. Gibson Road/Rose Avenue (South leg)

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk (N to S) across Rose Avenue

o Repair mid‐block crossing ramp hydrology issues

o Install W4‐4P sign to existing embedded LED stop sign on Rose Avenue

o Replace existing signage with Assembly B signs on both sides of crosswalks

3. Replace signage with Assembly D sign in front of 4133 Gibson Road

4. Gibson Road (from Valley Boulevard to Rose Avenue)

o Replace existing sign with Assembly D sign in front of drop off zone

o Install Assembly A sign at south school boundary heading northbound on Gibson Road

o Remove Assembly A sign in southbound direction

5. Gibson Road (from Valley Boulevard to Bessie Avenue)

Figure 8: Pedestrian view approaching the east driveway



o Install speed humps to calm traffic

6. Staff Parking Lot:

o Install signage to prohibit left turns into staff parking lot from Gibson Road

o Install signage to prohibit left turns out of staff parking lot on to Gibson Road during school drop‐

off and pick‐up

o Install “do not enter” sign at exit of staff parking facing drivers in both directions

o Narrow driveway on north side (exit) to restrict wrong‐way traffic and reduce crossing distance for

pedestrians

7. Loading Zone:

o Install signage to prohibit left turns into loading zone from Gibson Road at entrance and exit

o Install signage to prohibit left turns out of loading zone on to Gibson Road during school drop‐off

and pick‐up

o Install “do not enter” sign at exit of loading zone facing drivers in both directions

o Work with schools to identify parent or teacher volunteers to act as a ‘valet’ to maintain the flow of

drop‐offs, assist in students crossing to the school entrance.

o Improve pedestrian access at southern end of loading zone with marked crossing and ramp

B. Rose Avenue Recommendations: 1. Install Assembly A signage midblock eastbound (between Shirley and Gibson)

2. Rose Avenue/Velma Avenue

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalks (4) all directions


3. Install Assembly A signage (westbound) at 10167 Rose Avenue

4. Rose Avenue/De Garmo Avenue

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalks (4) all directions


5. Rose Avenue/Shirley Avenue Install yellow high visibility crosswalks (4) all directions


6. Rose Avenue (from Shirley Avenue to Velma Avenue)

o Install speed humps to calm traffic

o Fill in gaps of sidewalks on north side of Rose Avenue

7. Rose Avenue Parking Lot:

o Install 20’ red curbs on each side of all three parking lot driveways

o Install convex mirror at east driveway exit. Drivers are unable to see pedestrians approaching from

the east, pedestrians are unable to see vehicles exiting

o Install stop sign or “watch for children” sign at east exit to emphasize the use of the convex mirror

o Extend pedestrian walkway (north) in front of preschool to connect with sidewalk on Rose Avenue.

The consultant team observed several parents and students arriving on foot using this path,

however, those with strollers had to walk through the parking lot

o Consider recruiting parent or teacher volunteers to act as a ‘valet’ to maintain the flow of drop‐offs,

and assist in students crossing to the school entrance

o Install fence or barrier element along parking lot border to help encourage pedestrians to use the

sidewalk to reach the school entrance rather than walking through the parking lot



o Interior traffic flow should be evaluated by the school and school district to maximize the efficiency

of student loading

C. Surrounding Neighborhood Street Recommendations:

8. Valley Boulevard/De Garmo Avenue

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk (east to west) crossing De Garmo Avenue


9. Valley Boulevard/Velma Avenue

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk (east to west) crossing Velma Avenue


10. Valley Boulevard/ Shirley Avenue o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk (east to west) crossing Shirley Avenue


11. Railroad Drive/Arden Drive o Install white crosswalk (north to south) crossing Railroad


12. Railroad Drive/Velma Avenue

o Install yellow high visibility crosswalk (east to west) crossing Velma Avenue, and (north to south)

crossing on the west side Railroad Drive and corresponding ramps


13. Railroad Drive/De Garmo Avenue
















Transportation safety announcements via the Shirpser School app. The school app is widely used by parents,






Shirpser School, El Monte Engineering Cost Estimate, 2018

Type of Improvement


Unit Cost Estimate





Install Cross Traffic Does Not Stop Signage 2 $1,000 $2,000



Install Curb Ramp and Marked Crossing 1 $12,000 $12,000

Install Do Not Enter Signage 2 $1,000 $200,000 / mile


Install No Left Turn Signage 9 $800 $7,200



$200,000 / mile

Install Speed Hump 2 $5,000 $10,000

Narrow Driveway 1 $8,000 $8,000

Remove Assembly A Signage 1 $500 $500

Evaluate Traffic Flow 1 ‐ ‐

Implement Parent/Teacher 'Valet' 2 ‐ ‐

Install Convex Mirror 1 ‐ ‐

Install Fence/Barrier 1 ‐ ‐

Install 'Watch For Students' Signage 1 ‐ ‐

TOTAL 72 ‐ $144,700


SCHOOL

!

SCHOOL

AHEAD

AHEAD

SCHOOL

ShirpserElementary

DE G

ARM

O A

VE

ROSE AVE

VALLEY BLVD

GIB

SON

RD

BALD

WIN

AVE

RAILROAD DR

ROSE AVE

VELM

A A

VE

ARD

EN D

R

SHIR

LEY

AVE

ROC

KWEL

L AVE

GIB

SON

RD

I


SHIRPSERELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Evaluate Tra�c Flow

Implement Parent/Teacher 'Valet'

Install 'Watch For Students' Signage




Install Convex Mirror

Install 'Cross Tra�c Does Not Stop' Signage

Install Crosswalk

Install Crosswalk (white)

Install Curb Ramp

Install Curb Ramp and Marked Crossing

Install 'Do Not Enter' Signage


Install Fence/Barrier

Install 'No Left Turn' Signage

Install Red Curb

Install Sidewalk

Install Speed Hump

Narrow Driveway

Remove Assembly A Signage

AHEAD

SCHOOL

Not to scale



Student Travel Tally Report: One School in One Data Collection Period

School Name: Durfee School Set ID: 23721

School Group: El Monte City School District Month and Year Collected: June 2017

School Enrollment: 0 Date Report Generated: 07/10/2017

% of Students reached by SRTS activities: Tags:

Number of ClassroomsIncluded in Report: 45

This report contains information from your school's classrooms about students' trip to and from school. The data used in this

report were collected using the in-class Student Travel Tally questionnaire from the National Center for Safe Routes to School.

Morning and Afternoon Travel Mode Comparison


Numberof Trips Walk Bike School

BusFamilyVehicle Carpool Transit Other

Morning 2563 24% 0.4% 3% 64% 5% 0.4% 3%

Afternoon 2491 35% 0.7% 4% 48% 6% 0.7% 7%

Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.

Page 1 of 3Appendix for Walk With Us El Monte - Learn more at: www.WalkElMonte.org

Morning and Afternoon Travel Mode Comparison by Day


Number ofTrips Walk Bike School Bus Family

Vehicle Carpool Transit Other

Tuesday AM 860 25% 0.7% 4% 62% 5% 0.6% 3%

Tuesday PM 838 35% 0.8% 4% 47% 6% 0.7% 6%

Wednesday AM 864 24% 0.3% 3% 65% 5% 0% 3%

Wednesday PM 838 36% 0.6% 3% 47% 6% 0.6% 7%

Thursday AM 839 23% 0.2% 3% 65% 5% 0.5% 3%

Thursday PM 815 34% 0.7% 3% 49% 5% 0.7% 7%



Travel Mode by Weather Conditions

Travel Mode by Weather Condition

WeatherCondition



Sunny 2448 35% 0.7% 4% 48% 6% 0.7% 6%

Rainy 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Overcast 2606 24% 0.4% 3% 64% 5% 0.3% 3%

Snow 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%




School Name: Durfee Elementary Set ID: 26688

School Group: El Monte City School District Month and Year Collected: August 2018










Morning 1201 29% 0.2% 0% 71% 0% 0% 0%

Afternoon 1035 28% 0.2% 0% 72% 0% 0% 0%







Tuesday AM 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Tuesday PM 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Wednesday AM 600 31% 0.2% 0% 69% 0% 0% 0%

Wednesday PM 514 25% 0.2% 0% 74% 0% 0% 0%

Thursday AM 601 27% 0.2% 0% 73% 0% 0% 0%

Thursday PM 521 30% 0.2% 0% 70% 0% 0% 0%





WeatherCondition



Sunny 2236 28% 0.2% 0% 71% 0% 0% 0%

Rainy 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Overcast 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Snow 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%




School Name: Columbia School Set ID: 26330

School Group: Safe Routes To School Program Month and Year Collected: May 2018










Morning 1289 24% 2% 0% 67% 5% 0.9% 0.3%

Afternoon 1271 31% 3% 0% 60% 6% 1% 0.2%







Tuesday AM 630 23% 3% 0% 69% 4% 1% 0.5%

Tuesday PM 621 31% 2% 0% 60% 6% 1.0% 0.3%

Wednesday AM 634 25% 2% 0% 67% 6% 0.6% 0.2%

Wednesday PM 650 30% 3% 0% 60% 5% 1% 0.2%

Thursday AM 25 44% 0% 0% 48% 8% 0% 0%

Thursday PM 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%





WeatherCondition



Sunny 428 21% 4% 0% 70% 4% 0.5% 0.2%

Rainy 589 26% 3% 0% 64% 6% 0.7% 0%

Overcast 1295 31% 2% 0% 60% 6% 1% 0.4%

Snow 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%




School Name: Cortada Set ID: 26357

School Group: Safe Routes To School Program Month and Year Collected: June 2018










Morning 532 39% 1% 2% 50% 5% 0.4% 2%

Afternoon 514 41% 3% 3% 46% 4% 0.8% 3%







Tuesday AM 277 39% 1% 3% 51% 5% 0.4% 1%

Tuesday PM 260 40% 3% 3% 47% 5% 0% 3%

Wednesday AM 255 39% 1% 2% 49% 6% 0.4% 2%

Wednesday PM 254 43% 2% 3% 45% 3% 2% 2%

Thursday AM 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Thursday PM 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%





WeatherCondition



Sunny 537 39% 2% 3% 49% 5% 0.2% 2%

Rainy 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Overcast 509 41% 2% 3% 47% 5% 1.0% 2%

Snow 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%




School Name: Rio Vista School Set ID: 26332











Morning 604 20% 0.7% 0% 77% 1% 0.5% 0.2%

Afternoon 584 23% 0.5% 0% 72% 3% 0.2% 0.3%







Tuesday AM 301 19% 1.0% 0% 78% 2% 0.3% 0.3%

Tuesday PM 285 24% 0.7% 0% 72% 3% 0% 0.4%

Wednesday AM 303 21% 0.3% 0% 77% 0.7% 0.7% 0%

Wednesday PM 299 23% 0.3% 0% 73% 4% 0.3% 0.3%

Thursday AM 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Thursday PM 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%





WeatherCondition



Sunny 586 21% 0.9% 0% 75% 2% 0.2% 0.3%

Rainy 602 22% 0.3% 0% 75% 2% 0.5% 0.2%

Overcast 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Snow 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%




School Name: Shirpser School Set ID: 26360











Morning 835 38% 0.6% 0% 55% 4% 0.8% 1.0%

Afternoon 796 48% 0.9% 0% 45% 4% 2% 0.9%







Tuesday AM 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Tuesday PM 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Wednesday AM 413 37% 0.5% 0% 56% 4% 1.0% 1%

Wednesday PM 409 46% 0.7% 0% 46% 3% 2% 1%

Thursday AM 422 40% 0.7% 0% 54% 4% 0.7% 0.7%

Thursday PM 387 50% 1% 0% 44% 4% 1% 0.5%





WeatherCondition



Sunny 387 50% 1% 0% 44% 4% 1% 0.5%

Rainy 835 38% 0.6% 0% 55% 4% 0.8% 1.0%

Overcast 409 46% 0.7% 0% 46% 3% 2% 1%

Snow 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%



Community Outreach Events WSB El Monte

Activity Description Date

Durfee School PTA Meeting March 21, 2017

Coffee with Principal at Durfee School March 22, 2017

El Monte Founders Day March 23, 2017

Coffee with Principal at Norwood School March 23, 2017

Norwood School Kindergarten Kick-off March 29, 2017

Durfee School ELAC Meeting March 30, 2017

Durfee School Kindergarten Kick- off April 5, 2017

Durfee School Open House April 11, 2017

Durfee School Open House April 12, 2017 Asian-American & Pacific Islander Parent Meeting at Rio

Vista School April 19, 2018

Asian-American & Pacific Islander Parent Meeting at Potrero School May 10, 2018

El Monte City School District Board Meeting May 14, 2018

Jeff Seymour Parent-school meeting May 17, 2018


Plan Your Route: ☐ Identify Starting Point (a corner near your house, or in front of an apartment building)

starting point:

☐ Plan the safest, easiest route possible:

• Plan a route with streets with sidewalks, if possible.

• Avoid crossing big, busy streets, if possible.

• If you have to cross a big, busy street, choose the intersection with:

→ A crossing guard

→ A traffic light with a Walk/Don’t Walk signal

☐ Walk the route with your student(s) one morning and consider some more questions:

• How long would it take with other students? Identify the best starting time. starting time:

• Are there any areas that route leaders will need to particularly focus on student safety?

• Are there loose dogs or other hazards you may not have noticed before?

• Is there enough shade to keep students from overheating?

How to Start a Walking School Bus at Your School

The Night Before Your First Walking School Bus:

☐ Review your route.

☐ Review Walking Safety Tips video at WalkElMonte.org.

☐ Bring materials (if available).

☐ Print a Sign-In List to keep track of parent names and where students live.

After Your First Week: ☐ Ask students and other parents if the schedule

works for them.

☐ Ask others to volunteer! You can’t do this alone!

☐ Ask your Principal if they want to support your route or promote it to the larger school if you’re ready to expand.

Get Others Involved: ☐ Check in with your Principal. Ask if they know anyone who has expressed interest in a

Walking School Bus.

☐ Consider attending a PTA meeting or other parent meeting to share your idea of a Walking School Bus.

☐ Ask other parents who live near you if they want to join you. Consider posting the Promotion Poster to see if anyone is interested.

☐ Call Arlene Bury at 626-453-3700 ext. 3693 from the El Monte City School District to see if they have materials for you to use. EMCSD has vests, clipboards, stickers, first aid kits, and more for you to use.

☐ If you’re ready to start your Walking School Bus, post your Bus Stop Sign and show up on-time!


Planeando tu ruta: ☐ Identifica el punto de inicio (una esquina cercana a su casa o frente a un edificio de apartamentos)

el punto de inicio:

☐ Planee la ruta más segura y fácil posible:

• Si es posible, planeé una ruta con calles con aceras.

• De ser posible, evite cruzar calles grandes y calles con mucho tráfico.

• Si necesitan cruzar una calle grande y con mucho tráfico, escoge la esquina que tenga:

→ Una guardia de cruce.

→ Un semáforo con la señal Camine/No Camine.

☐ Camine la ruta con su(s) estudiante(s) una mañana y considere algunas preguntas:

• ¿Cuánto tiempo tomaría con otros estudiantes?

• ¿Cuál es la mejor hora para empezar a caminar y llegar a tiempo? la hora de inicio:

• ¿Hay algún área donde los líderes necesitan llamar la atención a los estudiantes para su seguridad?

• ¿Hay perros sueltos u otros peligros que quizás no hayas notado antes?

• ¿Hay suficiente sombra para evitar que los estudiantes se insolen o quemen?

Cómo empezar un autobús escolar caminante en tu escuela

La noche antes de su primer autobús escolar caminante:

☐ Revise su ruta.

☐ Revise los Consejos de Seguridad para Caminar a WalkElMonte.org.

☐ Traiga los materiales (si están disponibles).

☐ Imprima la Hoja de Firmas para saber donde viven los estudiantes y los nombres de los padres.

Después de su primera semana: ☐ Pregunta a los estudiantes y otros padres si el

tiempo del programa funciona para ellos.

☐ ¡Pídeles a otros que sean voluntarios! ¡No puedes hacer esto solo/a!

☐ Pregúntale al director de la escuela si puede apoyar tu ruta o promover el programa en la escuela, si estás listo/a para tener más estudiantes.

Involucre a otros: ☐ Consulte con su el Director de la Escuela. Pregunte si conocen a alguien que haya expresado interés

en un programa de Autobús Escolar Caminante.

☐ Considere ir a una junta PTA u otra reunión de padres para compartir su idea de Autobús Escolar Caminante.

☐ Pregunta a otros padres que viven cerca de ti si quieren unirse al Autobús Escolar Caminante. Considere publicar el Póster de Promoción para ver si alguien más está interesado.

☐ Llame a Arlene Bury al 626-453-3700 ext. 3693 de El Monte City School District para ver si tienen materiales para usar. El distrito escolar tienen chalecos, portapapeles, pegatinas, el botiquín de primeros auxilios y más materiales que pueda usar.

☐ Si están listos para empezar su programa de Autobús Escolar Caminante, coloque su señal de parada de autobús y espere a los estudiantes a tiempo.


SCHOOL NAME

Walking School BusJoin other families and students walking to school.A Walking School Bus is a group of students walking to and from school with friends and trusted adults.

autobús escolar caminanteAcompaña a otras familias y estudiantes a caminar a la escuela.Un autobús escolar caminante es un grupo de estudiantes que caminan a y de escuela con padres y madres que sirven como guías.

Is your child interested in participating in the Walking School Bus?

Are you interested in being a leader?

¿Crees que tu hijo/a está interesado en participar en un Autobús Escolar Caminante?

¿Está interesado/a en ser un líder?

Parent Coordinator:

Coordinador de padres de familia:

NAME · NOMBRE

PHONE · TELÉFONO


Walkingschool bus

autobús escolar caminante

meets here at:se reúne a las:

SCHOOL NAME

Join other families and students walking to school.Acompaña a otras familias y estudiantes a caminar a la escuela.A Walking School Bus is a group of students walking to and from school with friends and trusted adults.

Un autobús escolar caminante es un grupo de estudiantes que caminan a y de escuela con padres y madres que sirven como guías.

Is your child interested in participating in the Walking School Bus?

Parent Coordinator:Coordinador de padres de familia:

NAME · NOMBRE PHONE · TELÉFONO

¿Crees que tu hijo/a está interesado en participar en un Autobús Escolar Caminante?


Walking school busautobús escolar caminante

Sign-in Sheet

STUDENT NAME

NOMBRE DEL ESTUDIANTE

PARENT FIRST NAME

PRIMER NOMBRE DEL PADRE

PHONE NUMBER

NÚMERO DE TELÉFONO

ADDRESS

DIRECCIÓN


walk with us el monte€¦ · follow directions from crossing guards and safety patrols. use a...

Documents