This year is the very first year that I didn't have to get any of my children ready for school. My youngest graduated last year. However, I just want to share 3 important tips with you and hope that maybe you will pass this on so others can also be reminded. So, let me begin.
1) Children and Teenagers are on the side of the road waiting for their bus to arrive. (Example: 2 Teenage boys tossing a ball back and forth while they are waiting). It is important that vehicles are taking notice of the children waiting for the bus and not assume they will notice you.. but you will as a driver will assume the worst, slow down, and predict what they children will do and how you will react to make sure there isn't a tragedy. **There has been numerous hit and runs in Oconee County already this year**
Then after school, especially for the younger children they are excited wanting to share their day with whomever may be waiting for them. Pay attention to the children.. there is only one bus driver, they do the best they can do to pick the children up and drop them off safely.
So remember that the "RED STOP" sign that the bus uses.. respect it.. Don't get impatient and go around the bus even though the sign is out like I witness some doing last year.
2) Unfortunately time has changed.. our world seems to have gotten a little more crazy. For the safety of your child, write their names inside their book bags, and do not let them wear a shirt with their name on it. Some children are still learning the meaning of "STRANGER DANGER," and if the person says their name, the child might think they are a safe person.
Don't make it easy for a "STRANGER" to identify with your child.. And teach your child they are never to get into a vehicle with anyone that they don't know. Including people that look like the police, fire fighter, etc.. let the child know if a police officer, etc needs them that they will come inside the school to speak with them. Teach your child, no matter who it is.. where they say they are from.. they are NEVER, EVER, to go with them in their vehicle.
3) Have a buddy system for your middle and high school children if they are to walk home from school. Route them on one path that is to get them to and from school. Remind them not to go a different route ever unless they have made previous arrangements with you. Let your child know that they are on a time limit to get to school and back home before you go and look for them. Remind them that after they get home they can play, but until they check in, they are to come directly home.
Remember everyone.. children from elementary to high school are just that.. they are children. Let's keep them safe as possible and help them have a successful 2018-2019 school year!
1) Children and Teenagers are on the side of the road waiting for their bus to arrive. (Example: 2 Teenage boys tossing a ball back and forth while they are waiting). It is important that vehicles are taking notice of the children waiting for the bus and not assume they will notice you.. but you will as a driver will assume the worst, slow down, and predict what they children will do and how you will react to make sure there isn't a tragedy. **There has been numerous hit and runs in Oconee County already this year**
Then after school, especially for the younger children they are excited wanting to share their day with whomever may be waiting for them. Pay attention to the children.. there is only one bus driver, they do the best they can do to pick the children up and drop them off safely.
So remember that the "RED STOP" sign that the bus uses.. respect it.. Don't get impatient and go around the bus even though the sign is out like I witness some doing last year.
2) Unfortunately time has changed.. our world seems to have gotten a little more crazy. For the safety of your child, write their names inside their book bags, and do not let them wear a shirt with their name on it. Some children are still learning the meaning of "STRANGER DANGER," and if the person says their name, the child might think they are a safe person.
Don't make it easy for a "STRANGER" to identify with your child.. And teach your child they are never to get into a vehicle with anyone that they don't know. Including people that look like the police, fire fighter, etc.. let the child know if a police officer, etc needs them that they will come inside the school to speak with them. Teach your child, no matter who it is.. where they say they are from.. they are NEVER, EVER, to go with them in their vehicle.
3) Have a buddy system for your middle and high school children if they are to walk home from school. Route them on one path that is to get them to and from school. Remind them not to go a different route ever unless they have made previous arrangements with you. Let your child know that they are on a time limit to get to school and back home before you go and look for them. Remind them that after they get home they can play, but until they check in, they are to come directly home.
Remember everyone.. children from elementary to high school are just that.. they are children. Let's keep them safe as possible and help them have a successful 2018-2019 school year!