Last Friday, a sixth-grade Holyoke STEM Academy student was hit by a car on Main Street while walking to school. She has been receiving medical care at an area hospital. While she continues to improve, her journey to recovery will take considerable time.
The incident remains under investigation by the district attorney’s office with assistance from Holyoke and State Police. Please be mindful that their work may take some time, and additional information will be shared publicly when these agencies are ready to do so.
“Until then, please avoid speculating about what may have caused this incident to occur, who may have been at fault, or what specific individuals could have done to prevent it from happening,” Superintendent Anthony Soto has cautioned. “Those findings will be determined during the course of the investigation.”
Instead, Mayor Joshua A. Garcia is encouraging everyone “to focus on what we can all do going forward to help ensure safety for pedestrians and motorists in our city and elsewhere.” His guidance includes:
Anyone operating a motor vehicle should do so with care while always complying with state driving laws and posted street signs. Be vigilant always, and especially so in areas where there could be pedestrians and/or road hazards. Avoid distractions of any kind within vehicles to ensure drivers can pay full attention to their surroundings and driving conditions.
Anyone walking along streets and sidewalks should be mindful of their surroundings and pay full attention to their environment, including vehicles driving nearby. Only cross the street in designated areas, avoid distractions, and wait for traffic lights (if applicable) to indicate when it is safe to cross.
Families and school staff are encouraged to speak with children about how to be a safe pedestrian.
“Over the next week, HPS will review all infrastructure surrounding our schools to ensure everything is properly functioning. We will then make recommendations to our city officials where we think improvements need to be made,” Superintendent Soto said.
The Holyoke Police Department is also taking additional steps to support pedestrian safety during school hours. Police cars will be stationed in proximity to the following schools, with their blue lights turned on to encourage drivers’ vigilance at these locations:
Donahue School, Whiting Farms Road area
E.N. White School, Jefferson Street area
Kelly School, West Street area
Lawrence School, Cabot Street area
McMahon School, Kane Road area
Metcalf School, Northampton Street area
Morgan School, South Bridge Street area
HHS Dean Campus/Holyoke STEM Academy, Main Street area
HHS North Campus, Beech Street area
Transitions Academy, Open Square area
For anyone who wishes to offer support to the student and her family, the Mayor’s Office has started an emergency relief fund. Donations can be sent via:
Venmo @growholyoke
PayPal to Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce
By check to the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, 177 High Street, Holyoke MA 01040
In addition, STEM Principal Kevin McGrath has organized a fund-raising effort through the sale of STEM Strong t-shirts, which can be purchased online through Saturday, October 5.
“Our staff continues to provide support to the student and her family—and all of the students in our schools,” Superintendent Soto said. “We have been working collaboratively to provide a stable, welcoming, and comforting place of learning and belonging within our schools, while ensuring students and staff are provided support as they process their emotions and the effects of trauma. Providing these human connections, especially during crucial times, helps reaffirm our students’ sense of belonging and trust.”