Traffic Safety
Ensuring our students get to school safely is everyone’s responsibility. Please be mindful of crosswalks, parking rules and speed limits when you are near our schools, especially during the morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal times.
Traffic Safety Reminders from The City of Calgary
The City wants to remind and encourage anyone who is driving children to school to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. Parents and guardians are reminded not to park where it’s prohibited during drop off and pick up times, such as blocking crosswalks, laneways and private driveways.
Pick up and drop off times can get quite busy. Give yourself extra time to navigate safely around schools, whether you are walking, wheeling, or driving. For those who drive, help alleviate congestion by parking a block or two away and walking in, wherever possible.
Talk to your kids about safe travel practices like using crosswalks with patrols, looking all ways before crossing the street and not jaywalking across the roadways as a shortcut.
Learn more by visiting Calgary.ca/BeSafe.
Use the Hug and Go Lane
The staff parking lot is reserved for Citadel Park Staff and Calgary Board of Education personnel. Since all parking spots have been assigned and paid for, we request your cooperation in not parking in this lot. Please note, when dropping off and/or picking up children at the front of the school (Citadel Drive), be extremely careful of all our students as this area tends to become very congested and visibility is often difficult. Because of this, parents who drive their children are encouraged to use the “Hug and Go” lane directly in front of the playground area. This is a no park zone where children can be safely dropped off.
Our primary reason for having the Hug and Go is for children’s safety. In the past, parents, staff and community members have reported several near collisions with students and vehicles. Jaywalking and the avoidance of crosswalks is also a concern. We feel it is in the best interest of our school to implement these important protocols for the drop off and pick up of children.
In the morning and again after school, it can get particularly hectic so the following times are in effect for picking up your children.
- 8:53 - 9:08 AM Grade K-4 drop off (Monday – Friday)
- 3:50 - 4:00 PM Grade K-4 pick-up (Monday – Thursday)
- 1:20 - 1:40 PM Grade 1-4 pick-up in front of school (Friday)
Parents who use the Hug and Go area are requested to stay in their vehicles at all times. Please be aware of signage in front of our school to identify the Hug and Go area. When using the Hug and Go area, it is very important that the driver is available to move the car at any time.
The busing lanes in front of the school are also areas restricted to buses and emergency vehicles only and may only be used for dropping off students when buses are not present. Parents are asked to exercise patience when dropping off their children and are reminded to obey the no U-Turn signs and four-way stops. It is expected that parents will also adhere to our policy of respecting other parents and school administration when bringing their children to and from school. Thank you for making this a safe and positive experience for one and all.
In summary:
- fenced parking lot is for staff only
- gravel parking lot is city property
- parking on grassed areas could result in a parking ticket by police or by-law officers
- do not use the busing lanes at the front of the school before 9:30 AM (as there may be late buses) or at dismissal time
