Newburyport Police Urge School Traffic Safety, Amid Several Changes to Schools This Year

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Newburyport Police Urge School Traffic Safety Amid Several Changes At City Schools This Year

Remember to Stop for School Buses!

NEWBURYPORT – City Marshal Thomas H. Howard is wishing all Newburyport children a safe back to school week, as schools are set to open citywide on Thursday, September 4.

“Our number one concern is for the safety of our children going to school and getting home in the afternoon,” Marshal Howard said. “With several changes in the system, there are a few things that officials remind residents to keep in mind.”

The new Bresnahan School will welcome students of the Brown School which closed last year. Students and parents will also notice changes at the Nock Molin Middle School,where a major renovation recently took place.

With all of these new changes, there are some new traffic advisories to be aware of around the schools.

At the Bresnahan School:

• Parent drop off and pick up is located on the North Atkinson Street side of the school.  
• It is recommended that parents living in the west end of the City exit the Bresnahan onto Murphy Ave and turn right onto Low St. Officials recommend that parents living in the middle and south end of Newburyport should exit by way of North Atkinson Street.
• Left turns will be prohibited onto Low St. from Murphy Ave. Parents are asked to be mindful of all signage and to obey crossing guards.
• High Street entrance to the school is restricted to buses only.

At the Nock Molin Middle School:

• There will no longer be a crossing guard on Low Street at the school.
• It is illegal to stop, park and drop off on the south side of Low Street across from the school.
• Parents should plan their trip so that they arrive on the school side of Low Street or use the Johnson Street driveway. This allows for more safety for students at the Middle School when walking to school.
• Officers and crossing guards will be assisting with enforcing these rules.

The Newburyport Police Department would also like to remind drivers about school bus safety now that schools will be back in session.

Use caution when operating your motor vehicle and remember to stop when you see the flashing lights and stop sign, as a child is not far away.

It is illegal to pass a school bus when the flashing lights have been activated.

It is also important to note that there may be more students riding their bicycles to school, so please share the road with them.

As parents and motorists in one community, we can all work together to ensure a safe and healthy school year!

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