Johns Creek Mayor Talks Back To School Readiness, Safety

JOHNS CREEK, GA — School is almost back in session. By mid- August, the majority of students in Georgia will be back in the classroom. Students attending Fulton County Schools begin on Monday, Aug. 12. As children head back, the city of Johns Creek and Mayor Mike Bodker want to remind citizens of a few tips to help keep kids safe and ready to learn.

"As I do each and every year, allow me to share a special message about students returning to school," Bodker said in his August message. "I offer you all best wishes for a successful school year full of achievement and accolades for your start students. But that’s only part of the message."

Bodker said he particularly asks that each and every parent, carpool driver, bus driver and caregiver take time and pay close attention to the kids as they move in and out of the schools.

"School is back in session mid- August and as children head back, let’s please remember to keep safety first," he said. "Let’s be mindful of a few easy steps we can all take: Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, watch for officers directing traffic and pay attention to the flashers placed in school zones to alert you to slower speeds and student activity."

Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children, he said. Additionally, if the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop. The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children, so stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus, Bodker said.

"While our children aren’t 100 percent of our population, they are 100 percent of our future," Bodker said. "Let’s work together to protect them. Be sure to make the most of your waning days of summer and get outside while the weather remains enjoyable. Public park space in the City of Johns Creek is a perfect place to stroll, unwind, or get active. Repeated exposure to nature and the outdoors has countless benefits and strengthens your overall health."

Bodker can be reached either by email mike.bodker@johnscreekga.gov or phone 678-451-3313.

Other tips to keeping students safe:

• If you walk to school, always walk on the sidewalk, if one is available; when on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic.
• If you ride your bike, always wear a helmet, ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and in a single file.
• If you ride the bus, always wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching. Your bus driver will signal you when it is safe to cross to or board the bus.
• Ask your children to use both straps when wearing their backpack to evenly distribute the weight on their shoulders.

• Don't overstuff a backpack; it should weigh no more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your child's body weight.
• Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children.
• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.
• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
• Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic.
• Watch for officers directing traffic.