Elizabeth, N.J., August 16, 2023 – Eight schools within Elizabeth Public Schools received a gold designation from the New Jersey Safe Routes to School (SRTS) as part of the organization’s recognition program.
SRTS, created and supported by the New Jersey Department of Transportation with funding from the Federal Highway Administration, enables and encourages safer and more accessible walking and bicycling environments for children in New Jersey through education, training, and research.
Schools are required to meet various criteria to receive a gold, silver, or bronze designations, which may include participating in SRTS programs or events, implementing active transportation best practices, assessing walkability/ bikeability around the school, participation in pedestrian or bicycle safety education programs, organizing walk and bike to school events, completing a school travel plan, or adopting a SRTS district policy.
EPS was notified of the awards by a representative of EZ Ride, the Regional Safe Schools Coordinator for various school districts in Union, Essex, Bergen, and Passaic counties.
The eight EPS schools to be designated the gold award were Winfield Scott School No. 2, Joseph Battin School No. 4, William F. Halloran School No. 22, Sonia Sotomayor School No. 25, Juan Pablo Duarte – José Julián Martí School No. 28, John E. Dwyer Technology Academy, Elizabeth High School – Frank J. Cicarell Academy, and Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy.
EPS has been a leader in promoting safe walking and biking routes for students and families between homes and schools. Nearly half of the district’s 37 schools have been awarded a gold, silver, or bronze award since establishing its partnership with the SRTS program. Physical Education and Health Supervisor Joseph Przytula and Joseph Battin School No. 4 Physical Education Teacher and 2022-2023 Governor’s Educator of the Year recipient Nicole Tarallo-Greenwood are among those from EPS to receive the New Jersey Champion of Change Award for their work with SRTS. Przytula also gave the keynote remarks at the EZ Ride Annual Recognition Event in 2021.
The eight EPS schools that received gold awards will be recognized at this fall’s recognition event at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth on September 27.
“Part of Elizabeth Public Schools’ commitment to building safe and caring environments is promoting physical wellness and ensuring safety and security,” said Elizabeth Public Schools Superintendent Olga Hugelmeyer. “Our award-winning schools have managed to accomplish both of those things in promoting safe travels to school by our students and families who walk or ride bicycles. We will continue to seek out conventional and innovative ways to ensure a safe school experience for our students and all members of our learning communities.”
“The safety of our students is always our top priority, which includes their commute to and from our schools,” said Elizabeth Board of Education President Iliana Chevres. “In an urban environment, which often has significant traffic flow through large parts of the community, it is vital that we educate our students on the importance of taking safe routes to school as well as following the directions of crossing guards and traffic control devices. The SRTS awards reflect our schools’ exceptional ability of instilling these valuable lessons to keep our students and families safe between their homes and schools. The Board applauds our gold award receiving schools for their outstanding and dedicated efforts.”
