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School is now in session here in Fairbanks! It is always heartening to see our future leaders head back into classrooms to continue their long journey of enlightenment. I had the pleasure of attending our school's open houses (and eating a lot of ice cream) to talk with our teachers, parents and children about the year ahead. I am committed to giving our students the education they deserve, and though we passed some great legislation this session to help our teachers do the job, there is still a lot more to be done to give Alaska teachers the tools they need to succeed.
On a different note, I would like to once again remind everyone to stay safe in our school zones. We all have a part to play in keeping our community safe. With our kids now out-and-about, I urge you all to pay attention and drive safely, attentively and responsibly. Here are some tips from the Fairbanks Daily News Miner to ensure we all make it home safe:
· Obey reduced speed limits—keep an eye out for signage indicating reduced speed in school zones.
· Stop for school buses—buses tend to stop frequently. Please keep a safe distance to allow children time and space to board and disembark safely.
· No texting/phone use—distracted driving is never a smart idea!
· Watch for crosswalks—always yield to pedestrians when approaching a crosswalk. Children often are not as cautious about crossing the road as adults are.
· Follow parking rules—these rules designate specific zones for dropping off and picking up students to create a flow in traffic patterns and to prevent accidents.
· Stay patient—school traffic can be hectic, but patience is necessary in preventing accidents. Plan your morning routine to allow extra time for delays.
· Set a positive example—children watch and learn from our behavior, so set an example they can follow!
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