Police give tips for parents and kids

Summer vacation came to an end this morning as school children in Fairfield and throughout the region returned to the classroom.

The Fairfield Police Department has compiled a list of tips for parents and guardians that will make the school year run smoothly for them and their children.

Traffic

Vehicular traffic will increase significantly in the areas surrounding each school and bus stop. Drivers are encouraged to slow down in these heavily congested areas, obey temporary stop signs and be watchful of children crossing streets before and after school.

Parents should teach their children basic safety measures such as looking both ways before crossing the street and using sidewalks wherever possible. Children who are picked up from school should be taught to be cautious when walking between parked cars because they are too short for drivers to see them.

Children should be courteous of pedestrian traffic and cautious when around vehicles. If children ride a bicycle to school, they are encouraged to wear a helmet.

Routes and buses

The police recommend planning a specific route for children to follow to and from school. Children are encouraged to walk in groups since there is safety in numbers.

Children riding school buses are encouraged to wait in the designated pick up areas and should not be horse-playing near the road. Parents should ensure nothing is dangling from the children?s neck, backpack or shoes that could get caught in the bus doors.

When exiting the bus, children should cross in front of the bus while the crossing arm is out and the school bus lights are flashing. Drivers in both directions, including on Burlington Avenue in Fairfield, must stop when the bus drivers activate the bus crossing arm.

Conduct

Parents should encourage their children to be good citizens and be respectful of other children. Parents should tell their children bullying and fighting will not be tolerated.

The police suggest parents review the school conduct book to learn what items, such as guns and knives, are not permitted on school grounds. Children should immediately report seeing any of these items to a responsible adult.

Schedule

Fairfield Community School District parents are reminded school starts at 8 a.m. and dismisses at 1:30 p.m. this week. Classes will return to a normal schedule Monday.

Members of the Fairfield Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff?s Office will be increasing patrol around the schools before and after school.