I have been thinking a lot about the school closure issue over these past several months as our neighborhood school, Hawthorne, is on the list for further study. As I have pondered the metrics and data that may be driving these decisions, I keep coming back to why I value my neighborhood school. Many of the things I love about Hawthorne might be found in the other schools in our district. But there is one thing that will disappear if Hawthorne, and its neighboring school Emerson, closes: a walkable school.
I grew up taking hour-long bus rides to and from my elementary school. My parents only came to school when we missed the bus, had doctor’s appointments, had field trips, and for conferences. My experience has been different with my 3 kids. I am at the school almost daily. When we walk around our neighborhood, we see families that we recognize from school. By being at school, I have connected with families that I wouldn’t have otherwise met. I see teachers and other staff interacting with students — something that they all do wonderfully well. And the staff had gotten to know me. A walkable school has made it easier for me to feel part of our school community. It has also given my kids a chance for independence as they have started walking home by themselves.
Sadly, walkable schools may disappear for many in the central part of our city if the district closes Hawthorne, Emerson, Bennion and Wasatch. Closing these schools guts the central corridor, leaving a school desert in the heart of our city. I hope as the district moves forward with closures, they recognize the value of walkable neighborhood schools for our communities and our kids.
Jenny Makosky, Salt Lake City
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