The Maumelle Police Department would like to remind you that the beginning of the school year is a busy time for the entire community when students head back to school. 

During this time, students return to class, teachers implement new lesson plans for the school year, and administrators address school budgets, bus routes, staffing, and safety concerns. Parents coordinate work and school schedules, carpool, and support their student's activities and studies. Additionally, businesses are equipping families, teachers, and administrators with the supplies they need for a successful school year.

Be extra cautious and mindful of our school traffic zones when driving, especially in the morning and early afternoons. Please slow down and increase your stopping distances for potential hazards around our schools and neighborhoods where children play.

As school buses are back on the road, be aware of school bus routes in your neighborhood and throughout your daily travel; allow plenty of time and leave space for buses. With school traffic, anticipate delays in your trip and leave early so you're not in a rush. As always, when approaching a school zone or school bus on the road, be prepared to stop for bus and pedestrian traffic.

Healthy Children from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has the following tips to help ensure your child has a safe, healthy, and happy school year:

• Build good homework and study habits: create a homework-friendly environment (e.g., a quiet workspace promoting study), schedule homework time around after-school activities, establish household rules to ensure completion, and monitor or assist with homework as needed.
• Consider backpack safety: choose a backpack with a padded back and straps, remind your child to use both shoulder straps, and check the backpack weekly to ensure it does not weigh more than 10% to 20% of your child's body weight.
• Develop a healthy sleep routine: turn off electronic devices well before bedtime and create a consistent bedtime routine by helping your child adjust to earlier times a week or two before the new school year.
• Make the first day of school easier for kids: take your child to visit their new classroom before the first day and point out the positive aspects.
• Plan for safe travel to and from school: review the school's rules for your child's mode of transportation (school bus, driving or carpooling, biking, or walking) and practice any new routes if needed.
• Prevent bullying at school: encourage your child to make new friends, remind your child that bullying is never okay, and to promote your child to join others in telling bullies to stop.
• Provide healthy eating options: start your child's day with a nutritious breakfast, look into what is offered inside and outside of the cafeteria, and ensure that your child's daily meal plan is determined.

For more back-to-school tips, please visit Healthy Children from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Thank all of you who help make our education system an integral, positive force in our community!