It is time for all things Back-to-School, and Parsons USD 503 wants to remind folks about a few important things.
First, drivers are asked to be watchful, especially at street corners and crosswalks, as neighborhood children begin walking to and from school. The first day of school in Parsons is Aug.17.
Drivers are also encouraged to pay close attention to school crossings, especially during both the morning and afternoon hours. Students start arriving at schools around 7:30 a.m. and begin leaving around 3:20 p.m., though those times can vary with activities, events and early dismissals. Crossing guards at the middle school and elementary schools try to ensure safe crossing for students, but some students may attempt to cross unaccompanied. Students have been struck by inattentive drivers in the past. For both student and driver safety, please be aware of school zones, and children in and near them.
Drivers are also reminded that stopping for buses that have engaged their flashing lights and extended their STOP sign is mandated by law. Every year, in violation of the law, bus drivers attempt to pass stopped buses as they are letting children board and disembark, endangering children and bus drivers.
All motorists are required to stop for a school bus when its lights are flashing and its STOP arm is extended. Failure to do so can result in a fine and court costs exceeding $420, according to the Kansas Department of Education.
This law applies no matter how many lanes there are in each direction, unless the flows of traffic are separated by a median.