Last year, Nicholas Sheran Elementary School participated in a year-long School Travel Planning process that was led by staff from The City of Lethbridge.
The initiative involved volunteers from the school community, parent community, the surrounding neighbourhood, local agencies (Alberta Motor Association, Lethbridge Police Service, Alberta Health Services, etc.), and even neighbourhood childcare providers.
Many hours were spent considering safety concerns near and around the school, how students travel to and from school, parking and traffic within the vicinity of the school.
In the fall of 2023, Nicholas Sheran staff noticed parking lot safety, student drop-off and pick-up, and access to school, were all ongoing issues.
"Our staff and parent community were expressing the same concerns during school council meetings and staff meetings," said principal Aaron Fitchett. "Together with the Division maintenance department, our school team conducted facility walkabouts and discussed potential solutions. We had conversations with the community-at-large. Fortuitously, we were also contacted by the City of Lethbridge Travel Planning Committee with the opportunity to engage in co-creating a School Travel Plan."
Stakeholder groups were involved in the process through a spring walkabout, a parent/family survey, student surveys, a Student Safety Poster Contest and Competition and through visibility and awareness.
Please see the video below for more details.
