ORLANDO, Fla. — School starts Monday for most students across Central Florida, and families are adjusting to new schedules, busy roads, and the excitement, and sometimes nerves, that come with a new school year.
10:30 a.m. update:
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office helped give away backpacks and school supplies as the county prepares for its first day of school on Tuesday.
10 a.m. update:
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office shared a group photo showing all the school resource officers working inside the schools to help keep students safe.
9:30 a.m. update:
Ocala police were out on the streets to remind drivers to stay safe and use extra caution in school zones.
9 a.m. update:
Crossing guards in Osceola County were out in full force Monday morning to help keep families safe on their way to school.
8:30 a.m. update:
Poinciana High School in Osceola County shared an image of a picture-perfect sunrise for the first day of school.
8 a.m. update:
The Better Business Bureau is warning parents to be careful about what they share online.
Scammers may use back-to-school photos posted on social media to gather personal information about children and their families, according to the BBB.
Photos that include details about a child’s school, grade level, teacher, or daily routine could provide clues that scammers can use to create convincing scams or fake online profiles.
7:30 a.m. update:
Channel 9’s Eyewitness News This Morning team will continue to cover everything you need to know as students head back to school.
7 a.m. update:
The first week of school is shaping up to be a hot and steamy one across Central Florida, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the low to mid-90s and feels-like temperatures topping 100 degrees.
For students heading back to the classroom, Monday offers the best chance of rain during the first week of school.
There is a 30% chance for isolated showers and thunderstorms, with the greatest opportunity for rain developing inland during the afternoon.
Watch Channel 9’s Kassandra Crimi’s full forecast here.
6:30 a.m. update:
Flagler County Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore shared a video as bus drivers prepare to pick up students.
Moore said more than 6,000 students will be picked up by school buses in Flagler County.
6 a.m. update:
Not all of Central Florida heads back to school at once.
Students are returning to the classroom in Seminole, Osceola, Marion, Lake, Flagler, Volusia and Brevard counties on Monday.
Orange and Sumter counties have their first day of school on Tuesday.
Channel 9’s back-to-school coverage will continue all week as local families adjust to new routines and leave the summer break days behind them.
Original report:
As students head back to the classroom, local law enforcement is reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert and give themselves extra time during the morning commute.
Know the Rules Around School Buses
Before you hit the road, it’s a good time to brush up on Florida’s school bus safety rules.
• Two-lane road: Drivers in both directions must stop when a school bus is stopped with its stop signal displayed.
• Multi-lane road without a physical barrier: Drivers in both directions must stop.
• Roadway with a physical barrier or raised median: Drivers traveling in the opposite direction of the bus generally do not have to stop, but they should proceed with caution and watch carefully for students.
Drivers should always remain alert in school zones and be prepared for sudden stops, pedestrians and children crossing the road.
Deputies Urge Drivers to Be Patient
Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma says the first few weeks of school can create especially busy conditions around campuses.
Parents should expect longer drop-off lines and heavier traffic and resist the temptation to cut corners to save time.
“But we’re asking parents to be patient as they’re dropping their students off... follow the rules.”
Deputies and crossing guards will be positioned throughout the area to help manage traffic and keep students safe.
Lemma also highlighted the extensive preparation crossing guards have completed ahead of the school year.
The program has received statewide recognition, with guards undergoing intensive training not only on safely crossing students, but also on safety awareness and identifying potential concerns.
“Pretty intensive training as well, not only on safely crossing kids, but looking at safety tips and awareness...”
The sheriff says crossing guards can serve as extra eyes and ears for law enforcement, particularly in areas where deputies may not always be present.
Bicycle Safety Reminder
Students who ride bicycles to school should always wear a properly fitted helmet and obey traffic laws.
Parents can also review the route to school with their children before the first day and remind them to stay alert around driveways, intersections and school entrances.
Anyone who notices something suspicious near a school zone is encouraged to report it through the Central Florida Crime Line or Speak Out Hotline.
Tips for a Smooth Start to the School Year
The transition back to school can be easier when families prepare ahead of time.
Here are some simple ways to get children ready:
• Start the routine early. Shift bedtimes, wake-up times and meal schedules before school begins to make the transition less stressful.
• Practice the morning routine. Have children do a practice “morning run,” including getting dressed, eating breakfast and leaving the house on time.
• Use calendars and checklists. Posting schedules where children can see them can reduce uncertainty and help them feel more in control of their day.
• Normalize first-day nerves. Let children know it is normal to feel nervous about new teachers, classmates and routines. Those feelings often fade as they become comfortable with the new school year.
• Talk through the next day. Spend a few minutes each evening discussing what is coming the following day. Limiting screens before bedtime can also help children wind down and get the sleep they need.
• Make time for breaks. Recess and other breaks give students an opportunity to move, recharge and reset during the school day.
Give Yourself Extra Time
For parents and students heading out this morning, the best advice is simple: slow down and plan ahead.
Expect more traffic around schools, watch for buses and crossing guards, obey posted signs and give yourself extra time to get where you need to go.
A few extra minutes could make all the difference in helping Central Florida students get to school safely.
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