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Congratulations on successfully navigating the first two weeks of school! I know it’s challenging, whether you are a returning RHS community member or new to our school. It will get easier!
I wanted to write a quick note about transportation and parking lot issues that have already surfaced. I understand there have been many issues with late and overcrowded buses and confusing communications about routes. Please be patient while the Transportation Department sorts through the routes and issues. It always takes time to assess the routes and get into a workable routine. But I want to acknowledge the added stress this uncertainty places on students and their families.
Next, I also know the parking lot during drop-off and pick-up (especially pick-up!) is very busy, crowded, and slow-moving. We have almost 2,300 students in a facility that was built for 1,700 and it is challenging to get them to and from school at the same time, regardless of their transportation method. It’s even more complicated in the afternoon when parents, student drivers, staff, buses, and pedestrians are leaving the school at the same time onto a street with no traffic controls. If you are picking your student up from the school, please understand that it can take 20 minutes to exit the parking lot.
The PTSA has been discussing this with the school admin for the last few years. A couple of years ago the District commissioned a traffic study to evaluate the situation, but is limited in what it can do to remedy the situation because the City of Redmond is responsible for the road and traffic controls. The District has been in talks with the City of Redmond about this issue, but it would help to have parents, students, staff, and community members who get stuck in this logjam each day to reach out to the City to weigh in. If you’re interested in doing so, you can email City Council at council@redmond.gov or info@redmond.gov to reach the Traffic Operations and Safety Engineering division of the Public Works department at the City.
In the meantime, please exercise patience and be courteous and respectful to all those entering and exiting the lot.
Have a great week!
Branda Andrade
RHS PTSA President, 2022-2024
president@redmondhsptsa.org
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