Date: Fri 13-Mar-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Hawley-crossing-guard-police

Full Text:

Crossing Guard At Hawley Has Become A Sometimes Thing

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Hawley School is located on one of the busiest roads in town. Since January,

however, crossing guards in front of the school have been hard to come by.

There has not been a crossing guard to direct traffic in front of the school

all week, according to one parent. Since January, the officers from the

Newtown Police Department have been filling in for the school's regular

crossing guard, who broke his arm earlier this winter. They do not come

everyday, though.

"There hasn't been a crossing guard there more than once a week in the last

six weeks," said Noreen O'Connor, who drives her 10-year-old daughter to

Hawley each morning. "I just don't want a terrible thing to happen and have

everyone feel terrible."

Mrs O'Connor has been in contact with school system's transportation director,

Mary Kelly, who informed her that the safety issue is the responsibility of

the police department. According to the police department, there appears to

have been a lack of communication between the school system and the police

regarding the time that a traffic control officer is needed at the Hawley

School entrance.

The police say they are also trying to cover for the injured crossing guard at

a time that conflicts with shift changes. Also, the police will place an

officer at the school only when there is not a more urgent police matter to

deal with.

The busiest time at Hawley is between 8:15 and 8:25 am, when buses and cars

converge on the elementary school.

Mrs O'Connor has been informed that she is the only parent who has expressed

concern. She believes most parents are unaware of the problem.

"I believe that all parents should be aware of the `dodge-em car' mentality

that has prevailed as steady traffic from three directions negotiates its way

in and out of Hawley's lot during a brief, but critical period," she said.