Arlington Students Head Back to School Today

With the passing of Labor Day weekend, summer is officially coming to a close and Arlington students will head back to school this morning. Send us pictures of your child's first day of school to abigail@patch.com . 

Police will have a high presence around the county this week, especially in school zones, reminding drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians to be particularly careful.  

Whether your student will walk, bike or drive to school, they should leave plenty of time to arrive on schedule. The 2011-2012 school times are:

Elementary School:

8 a.m. – 2:41 p.m.: Abingdon, Campbell, Carlin Springs and Claremont

8:25 a.m. – 3:06 p.m.: Arlington Traditional, Barrett, Long Branch and Randolph

9 a.m. – 3:41 p.m.: Arlington Science Focus, Ashlawn, Barcroft, Drew, Glebe, Henry, Hoffman-Boston, Jamestown, Key, McKinley, Nottingham, Oakridge, Taylor and Tuckahoe

Note: There is no early release on Wed, Sept. 7 for Arlington Science Focus School, Arlington TraditionalSchool, Long Branch, Nottingham, Oakridge, Taylor and Tuckahoe elementary schools.

Middle School: 7:50 a.m. – 2:24 p.m.

High School: 8:19 a.m. – 3:01 p.m.

H-B Woodlawn Secondary: 9:24 a.m. – 4:06 p.m.

Stratford Program: 9:15 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Although parents will still receive the paper first day packets for students, this year they have the option to complete the packet online. The forms will be active starting today and can be found at www.apsva.us/formscenter. 

It's not too late for students to apply for free or reduced lunches, for more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the APS website here. 

In addition to the start of school, this week is also the 3rd Annual Virginia Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Week to highlight the need to share the road with vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. 

With the start of school, Arlington County Police are reminding drivers to:

• Obey speed limits which may change during school zone times.
• Avoid distracted driving and keep your attention on the road.
• Watch for students walking and riding bikes to school.  Remember, we all share the road.
• Don’t pass a stopped school bus loading or unloading passengers.
• Have all occupants wear their seatbelts.

 Students, bicyclist, and pedestrians are reminded to:

• Cross the street at marked crosswalks and never against a red light.
• Look before you cross and follow the direction of the school crossing guards.
• Dismount from your bicycle and walk it in a crosswalk when crossing a street.
• Always walk on designated sidewalks or paths never along the side of a road.