Breckenridge Texan

Last week, Breckenridge students had a chance to pick up their schedules and/or meet their teachers for the upcoming 2023-24 school year. Teachers, administrators and other staff members have been back at work for several days, and the students will start school on Tuesday, Aug. 8.

Breckenridge parents and children attended Meet the Teacher events at East Elementary and South Elementary last week. They’ll be back for the first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 8. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

For more information about the 2023-24 school year, including the daily start and end times, as well as the official calendar, meal prices, bus routes and more, click the following links: Breckenridge ISD announces start, end times for 2023-24 school days, supply lists and other info and BISD Board approves new meal prices, takes care of other business.

The start of school also means the official School Zones around town and various state laws regarding those zones, as well as laws about driving in the vicinity of school buses, will be applicable again.

The Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Public Safety urge everyone to drive safely and be aware that school kids might be crossing streets around schools and buses.

There are several laws that drivers need to keep in mind as school starts to help keep Breckenridge children safe:

• Speed limits are reduced in school zones in the mornings and afternoons, and fines for speeding in a school zone might be greater than typical speeding tickets.
• The use of wireless devices — including cell phones — is prohibited in school zones (except when the vehicle is stopped or the device is being used in “hands-free” mode), and violators may be fined up to $200.
• Drivers must stop for flashing red lights or a stop sign on a school bus, regardless of which direction you’re headed. You may continue your trip once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing or the bus driver signals it’s OK to pass. Violations can lead to a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense. (See the graphic below for examples of when drivers must stop for school buses.)

TxDOT urges drivers to slow down, pay attention and follow all traffic laws to keep children safe and avoid costly fines and tickets.

Information graphic courtesy of the Texas Department of Public Safety

Tips for Driving in School Zones

• Be aware that traffic patterns around schools may have changed since last school year.
• Stay alert and put your phone away. Using a handheld electronic device while driving in an active school zone is against the law.
• Stop and yield for people in crosswalks.
• 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.

Tips for Drivers Sharing the Road with School Buses

• Follow at a safe distance, keeping in mind that school buses make frequent stops.
• Always stay alert for children around buses and remember that they may not always look for vehicles before crossing the street.
• Always observe posted speed limits and do not use cell phones (for calling or texting) when driving in a school zone.

Tips for Children Walking or Biking to School

• Use sidewalks. If there’s not a sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street, facing traffic.
• Cross the street only 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 vehicles.
• 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.

Students at East Elementary’s Meet the Teacher Night had the opportunity to take home a book donated to the school by Toys for Tots. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Cutline top photo: First-grade teacher Kassidy Doggett welcomed her students to the colorfully-decorated classroom during the East Elementary Meet the Teacher night. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)