As the new school year begins, it’s a great time to revisit key safety practices—both on and off the road. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, commuter, or simply a concerned community member, your actions can help ensure a safer environment for students, families, and coworkers.
We encourage everyone to be especially mindful during this transitional season. Increased traffic, distracted routines, and evolving technology use mean we must stay vigilant in all areas of safety.
Road Safety Reminders:
- Slow down in school zones and residential neighborhoods. Be alert for children walking, biking, or crossing streets—often unexpectedly.
- Always stop for school buses when red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. Passing a stopped bus is illegal and extremely dangerous.
- Avoid distractions. Put your phone away and stay focused on the road. This is especially important during morning and afternoon school commute hours.
- Allow extra time in your daily schedule to accommodate increased traffic and school-related delays.
Personal Safety for Students & Families:
- Review safe routes to school or bus stops with your children. Encourage them to travel in groups whenever possible and remain aware of their surroundings.
- Teach children how to identify and avoid strangers, and establish clear rules for communication and emergency contacts.
- Ensure younger students know their full name, home address, phone number, and how to contact a trusted adult in an emergency.
- Remind children to never share personal information with people they do not know, whether in person or online.
Cyber Safety Tips:
With the increasing use of technology in education, now is also a great time to reinforce cyber safety at home and at work:
- Talk with children about responsible internet use, including social media, gaming, and online chats.
- Teach students to create strong passwords, avoid clicking on unknown links, and never share login credentials, even with friends.
- Be mindful of your own digital security habits. Keep personal and work devices secure, avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks, and report suspicious emails or activity to IT.
- Encourage open communication about any concerning online behavior or cyberbullying.
By staying aware and proactive, we can all contribute to a safe and healthy start to the school year for our families, our coworkers, and our communities.