Breckenridge Texan

Breckenridge students, teachers start school today

Breckenridge students, teachers start school today
August 17
05:00 2022

Today is the first day of school for Breckenridge Independent School District, and if all of the excitement of the past few days is any indication, everyone is in for a good 2022-23 school year.

First-grader Naomi Garza, center, checks out the new technology in her classroom, along with her dad, Joaquin, and her sister Aishah. The family, including mom Madelyn and youngest sister Elxena, attended Meet the Teacher on Monday. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Over the past couple of weeks, BISD has been hosting a variety of events, ranging from Meet the Bucks last week to Meet the Teacher on Monday.

As the Breckenridge children, along with millions of other Texas school kids go back to school, the Texas Department of Transportation reminds drivers to be extra cautious as school zones become more active, as well as to be aware of school bus safety.

Despite lower traffic levels around Texas schools due to the pandemic, there were still 400 vehicle crashes in school zones in 2020, resulting in 11 serious injuries. The most common causes of the crashes were entirely preventable: 1) failure to control speed, 2) driver inattention and 3) failure to yield the right-of-way at a stop sign or private drive.

Following these simple tips can help Texas children reach school safely and help drivers avoid costly fines and tickets.

Drivers are urged to slow down, pay attention and follow traffic laws in school zones.

According to Texas law, if a bus has alternating flashing red signals visible from the front or rear, drivers must stop before reaching the bus. Drivers can only proceed if the flashing lights are no longer activated, the driver signals you to proceed or the bus has resumed driving.

Parents and children walking to school should be alert at all times, and only cross the street at intersections and designated crosswalks.

Angela Saing and her younger brother, Maximillian, discovered some stuffed toys in the corner of first-grade teacher Brandi Vestal’s classroom. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Tips for Driving in School Zones

• Be aware that traffic patterns around school zones may have changed since the last school year.
• Stay alert and put your cell phone away. Using a handheld electronic device while driving in an active school zone is against the law.
• Always obey school zone speed limit signs. Remember, traffic fines increase in school zones.
• Drop off and pick up your children in your school’s designated areas, not the middle of the street.
• Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.
• Watch for children who might dart across the street or between vehicles.
• As always, stay away from alcohol and other drugs that may impair driving. They affect your ability to remain alert, decision-making, reflexes, and reaction time.

Tips for Children Walking or Biking to School

• Always use sidewalks. If there’s not a sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic.
• Cross the street at intersections or marked crosswalks. Look left, right and left again before proceeding.
• Always obey crossing guards.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Never assume a driver sees you.
• Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked cars.
• Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
• Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
• Follow all traffic rules, signs and signals.

First-grader Izabella Davila, center, and her mom, Laura Davila, go over paperwork with teacher Brandi Vestal at Monday’s Meet the Teacher event. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Kindergarten teacher Angela Maya talks to one of her new students, Camille Martinez, at Monday’s Meet the Teacher event. Camille was there with her mom, Natalie Martinez. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Owen Griffith poses for picture in Angela Maya’s kindergarten classroom on Monday during the Meet the Teacher event. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Cutline, top photo: Second-grader Alexia Zermeno poses for a picture with her teacher, Sonia Saucedo, during East Elementary School’s Meet the Teacher event on Monday afternoon. Alexia was there with her family, dropping off school supplies and getting acquainted with her new classroom. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

 


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