By Cheryl Owens
Mississippi Spirit
There’s something about seeing those big yellow school buses rolling through town that lets you know summer is winding down. Before long, students across the Scott County School District will be heading back to class, and here in Morton and surrounding areas, our roads will once again be filled with buses picking up and dropping off children each morning and afternoon.
It’s an exciting time for students who are looking forward to seeing friends, meeting new teachers, and starting a new school year. But it’s also a time when all of us can do our part to help keep those students safe.
For many children, especially the younger ones, the first week back can be filled with excitement and a few butterflies. They may not always remember to look both ways before crossing the road or may be more focused on waving to friends than watching for traffic. That’s why drivers need to be especially alert whenever school buses are on the road.
If you see a school bus with its stop arm extended and red lights flashing, come to a complete stop and wait until the bus begins moving again and the stop signals are turned off. Those few extra moments could make all the difference in protecting a child.
Drivers should also slow down in school zones, stay off their cell phones, and keep an eye out for children walking to bus stops or crossing the street. During the first few days of school, it may take a little longer to get where you’re going, but that’s a small price to pay to help make sure every child arrives safely at school and back home again.
Living in a small town like Morton means we look out for one another. Chances are the children climbing aboard those buses are our neighbors, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or the kids we see every week at church, the ball field, or the grocery store. Their safety belongs to all of us.
As another school year begins across the area, let’s show a little extra patience, slow down when those yellow buses are out, and help make this a safe and successful start for every student.
