Every School is in Session!

All children are back to school! Last week the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Board of Education district schools opened to the sound of excited students. This week the Salmon River and Massena Central schools opened with buses running morning and afternoons.

Please exercise caution when driving near schools, bus stops, and anywhere children may be walking near a road. Pay attention to parking restrictions around schools and do not park in intersections.

Last week, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service provided us with the following safety tips:

• Plan ahead and leave a bit earlier for your commute to accommodate the school bus stops and traffic backups.

• Always wear your seat belt and ensure passengers are wearing seat belts before operating a motor vehicle.

• Motorist and cyclist need to watch for school buses and be sure to pay attention to their lights; overhead flashing yellow lights mean you should prepare to stop; overhead flashing red lights means stop.

• Keep an eye out for children crossing the street, especially during the early morning pick-up and late afternoon drop-off.

• Teach your children the rules of traffic safety and school bus etiquette.

• Avoid letting children walk to or from school alone.

• Remind youth that if waiting for a bus or walking to school, to never get in a car with a stranger, even if they offer a ride or ask for their help. Tell your kids that adults should only ask other adults for help, not children, and teach them to trust their instincts and get help when needed.