ADAMS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The start of the school year brought a message to families from the Mars Area School District.
“They did let us know to be patient the first few days,” said Jessica Pierce, MASD parent.
That’s because part of the campus is an active construction zone, as work moves forward on the elementary expansion project. A district spokesperson told Channel 11 crews finished paving outside Mars Area Elementary School and expect to reopen the Doc’s Way Access Road on Thursday. It was closed on Tuesday and Wednesday for parents dropping off and picking up their students.
“It went pretty well, I think, considering how everyone is coming in and out of the same road,” Pierce said.
Buses used the road on Wednesday, but now that paving is complete, the road will fully reopen to traffic on Thursday, according to the superintendent. Dr. Mark Gross told Channel 11 they assigned extra security for the first few days to help direct traffic. Gross said once the access road opens Thursday, traffic flow will continue to improve, along with the bus schedule.
Channel 11 spoke with parents, who commended the district for keeping them informed.
“They sent us a very well-detailed email of exactly what to do,” said Alyssa Hayden.
“They did let us know ahead of time that there was going to be at least some delays,” Pierce said.
We also asked the district what recess will look like for elementary students this year, as construction continues. Dr. Gross said students can play in safe areas in front of the school and will also visit the playground at the primary center.
“I feel like it’s always going to be, kind of, like a work in progress with these things, so we’re pretty laid back. We’re just going to roll with it,” Hayden said.
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