Let us have a safe and fun school year

You are right. It seems that summer just started last week but here we are with school classes starting on Aug. 16 for both Worland and Ten Sleep and some neighboring communities.

It is hard to believe that summer is basically over, although as I write this we still have two major summer celebrations left — this weekend’s Nowoodstock in Ten Sleep and next weekend’s Wyoming State BBQ Championship and Bluegrass Festival.

Worland kindergarteners get a head start on the school year before everyone else, as Washakie County School District No. 1 has its Eagles First Flight again with two half days of school before the first-year students have to deal with the influx of the first graders.

It should and has in the past made for easier transition for the students.

Drivers are encouraged to heed the 20 mph school zones around all the schools, not just here in Worland or Ten Sleep, but consider school is in session when traveling through other communities and be mindful of those school zones.

As should always be the case, watch out for pedestrians, especially young children. Yes, children should be taught to use designated crosswalks and to watch out for traffic, but we were all young once and sometimes if a child is in a hurry they may forget some of the rules. As a driver it is your responsibility to be mindful of your surroundings.

Distracted driving is dangerous no matter what time or where you are driving, but it is especially so in and around schools.

Drivers should also remember to heed flashing red lights and the stop signs when buses are loading or unloading children. According to the Red Cross, motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. This includes two and four-lane highways.

Do not get upset if you are driving behind a school bus making several stops. You can adjust your schedule and routine, the school bus driver cannot.

I know if I leave my house at a certain time I will be behind a school bus so I usually plan to leave earlier, or later, depending on the day of the week.

Red Cross offers some tips as well, suggesting students get to the bus stops early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive; board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed them to get on; stay in clear view of the driver, never walk behind the bus; do not dart out into the street or cross between parked cars; make sure you are visible to drivers.

Additionally, “There are some special steps parents of younger kids should take, especially if they have youngsters going to school for the first time,” said Janet Lewis, executive director, Red Cross of Wyoming. “They should make sure the child knows their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 911. And teach them not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.”

We can make this a great school year if we all watch out for one another.

Have a great year everyone.