As the new school year approaches, Canyons School District is putting student safety in the spotlight with a renewed campaign to help ensure every child gets to and from school safely.
With thousands of students walking, biking, riding buses, and being dropped off by parents each day, the District is urging families to revisit and reinforce key safety habits at home.
This year, Canyons is proud to introduce the Canyons Safety Squad, a group of dedicated teachers, staff members, school administrators, and city employees committed to creating a culture of safety. Through social media tips, and educational outreach, the Safety Squad aims to partner with families to teach students how to travel to school safely.
“Safety can’t just be something we talk about during emergencies. It needs to be part of our everyday routine,” said Canyons District’s Public Engagement Coordinator Susan Edwards. “Whether you’re walking, biking, or behind the wheel, everyone plays a role in keeping our school zones safe zones.”
The Pillars of School Safety
The Canyons Safety Initiative is built on six key “Safety Zone Pillars”
Driver Awareness
Drivers are reminded to slow down in school zones and on school grounds, obey crossing guards, and stay off cell phones. Speed limits are reduced near schools for a reason — because children are present.
Pedestrian Safety
Students and families are encouraged to use marked crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street. Always listen to the instructions of crossing guards.
Bus Safety
It’s not only illegal but incredibly risky to pass a school bus with red flashing lights. Drivers must stop completely and wait until the red flashing lights turn off and the bus begins to move again.
E-Bike & Scooter Safety
As electric scooters and bikes become more popular, students and families should know their city’s laws about helmet usage, age limits, and sidewalk restrictions. Parents are asked to “know the code” and teach it to their children.
Group Safety
Students are safer when they walk in groups and stay visible. Families can create “walking school buses” or coordinate bike groups to help kids travel together.
Drop-Off Rules
Each school has specific instructions for morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups. Parents should follow signs, pull forward when instructed, and avoid parking on crosswalks or double parking. The smoother the flow, the safer the students.
Real Safety Starts at Home
While school staff and crossing guards are part of the safety equation, the District is reminding parents that lasting safety habits start at home. From choosing the safest walking route to reinforcing the importance of being alert near traffic, families are being asked to practice safety together and talk through what safe travel looks like.
“Kids are watching what adults do,” Edwards said. “If we run crosswalks, ignore signs, or drop off outside of school zones, they’re likely to think it’s OK to cut corners. But when we model patience and safety, they follow our lead.”
How to Get Involved
Parents and community members are encouraged to visit the District’s Think Safe portal for more detailed information and links to each school’s Safe Walking Routes.
School leaders are also always looking for volunteers to assist with school drop off and pick up, safety education, and community outreach efforts. If you’re interested in joining the effort, reach out to your school’s front office.
A Communitywide Effort
Ultimately, the success of the safety initiative depends on collaboration between students, parents, teachers, and the broader community. The District hopes this campaign will do more than share rules. We hope this will start conversations, inspire better habits, and remind everyone that when it comes to our kids, safety is non-negotiable.
