WEYBURN - Students, teachers and staff will return to the classrooms for the first day of the 2023-2024 school year on Tuesday, September 5. It can be quite chaotic for families, as they get back into a school schedule after the summer holidays.
Safety is very important as students return back to school. Always obey the speed limit when you are in a school zone and stay mindful of excited students who might be crossing the street. On the other end of things, parents and guardians who are dropping off their children for school should remind them of the importance of using crosswalks (instead of jaywalking), to look both ways before crossing a street, and of course be vigilant to their surroundings.
As school buses return to their regular routes, drivers are reminded that it is illegal to pass a bus when their lights are flashing. Many schools do have bus loops and it important that other vehicles avoid parking near the entrance of these bus loops.
It is very popular to post a back to school photo on the first day of school, and there are ways to still celebrate the milestone - without posting key identifiers to the child, or to the information of which they school they attend. Unfortunately, there are still predators out there that will use social media for key words or phrases, and it is important to talk to your child about keeping an eye out for strangers, and where to go or who to trust when they sense danger.
The upcoming school year will be full of opportunities to learn, play and socialize. Attending school is a great way for young minds to develop. There are lots of extra-curricular activities that students will have the opportunity to attend.
Students learn better when they have a structured schedule, including time for homework, chores, and other activities. It is highly recommended to include ‘no media’ time for the entire family. Many schools have cell phone receptacles in the classroom these days, and encourage students to shut off or silence their phones while at school.
It is also important to talk to your children about how to prevent bullying. Review the school policy on bullying and harassment with your child, and make sure they understand the consequences. Students are expected to display respect, tolerance, care and compassion for other students while at school. Supports are provided in the school for those students who are impacted by bullying and harassment.
For those families who prepare lunches for their students, it is also important to be mindful of any food items that are restricted, due to allergies in the classroom. Students who walk home for lunch should use crosswalks, and be mindful of traffic and other pedestrians.
Our youth are the future of the community, we can all do our part to keep them safe!
