Cinnaminson Goes Back To School: Share Your Photos

CINNAMINSON, NJ — As the kids moan and the parents cheer, summer draws to a close and the first day of school is on the horizon. Patch wants to hear from you about what your kids are most excited about this year and your thoughts as your children enter the next stage of their educational adventure.

The first day of school for the Cinnaminson Public School District is Thursday, Sept. 6. Westfield Friends School goes back one day earlier, on Wednesday, Sept. 5. Share your back-to-school photos with Patch. Email a photo of your child's first day of school to anthony.bellano@patch.com and we'll share it right here.

Police in South Jersey are reminding residents that passing a school bus any time its red lights are activated brings 5 points on your license and a fine of $102-$252. Repeat offenders can also face a 30-day license suspension or a 15-day jail term.

Drivers must stop 25 feet away from the bus in either direction on any road not separated by a physical barrier. Drivers may pass school buses that are picking up or dropping off kids at a school, at a speed of 10 mph.

Police also provided the following safety tips for parents:

Safety Starts at the Bus Stop
Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Visit the bus stop and show your child where to wait for the bus: at least three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb. Remind your child that the bus stop is not a place to run or play.

Get On and Off Safely
When the school bus arrives, your child should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay before approaching the bus door. Your child should use the handrails to avoid falling.

Use Caution Around the Bus
Your child should never walk behind a school bus. If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, tell him/her to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least five giant steps (10 feet) in front of the bus before crossing. Your child should also make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing to make sure the driver can see him/her. If your child drops something near the school bus, like a ball or book, the safest thing is for your child to tell the bus driver right away. Your child should not try to pick up the item, because the driver might not be able to see him/her.

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