Do not be surprised if you encounter a little more traffic around school zones in Door and Kewaunee counties this fall. School Districts are encouraging parents to drive their kids to class if they want to reduce their risk of COVID-19. Assigned seating, faces masks, and reduced capacities are other ways school districts are mitigating the risks this fall. With possibly more students in cars and on sidewalks this fall, Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski says motorists need to be on an even higher alert than usual.
Joski reminds motorists they have to stop at least 20 feet away from buses with flashing lights and yield to pedestrians. For parents with questions about reopening procedures this fall at area schools, Door County Medical Center is hosting a Facebook Live forum on the subject Thursday at 6 p.m.
FROM SHERIFF MATT JOSKI
Every year around this time, I try to write an article related to “Back to School Safety”. It goes without saying that this year has been a challenge, and while we continue to march forward in our response to this latest virus, we must do our best to maintain a sense of stability and optimism. This is especially important in regards to our children and their return to school.
As in the past we will begin to see an increase in the amount of pedestrian traffic as those students living within proximity to the schools will begin their morning and afternoon pilgrimages to and from the centers of learning. For those of us operating motor vehicles during those peak times, we need to be aware of this activity and do all that we can to create a safe walking environment for them. For those of you students on foot eagerly making your way to the halls of learning, please do your part to abide by the rules which govern pedestrians. This means crossing at cross walks and looking both ways before crossing the street. Even though you may have right of way, it will mean little in the event of an accident.
For those out in the rural areas, please be mindful of the school buses and the precious cargo they are carrying. Just as a refresher, State Statute 346.48 “Vehicles to stop for school buses displaying flashing lights” states that any vehicle approaching from either the front or the back of a school bus with its flashing lights activated must stop not less than 20 feet from the bus and shall remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the operator of the bus has extinguished its flashing lights. I am sure that any of us who have traveled with our own children in the vehicle can appreciate the demands upon those who have chosen to transport our children to and from school every day. Let’s not add our driving behavior to the list of behaviors they already need to contend with.
With the challenges we face in keeping this virus at bay, there is no doubt that there will be changes at all levels in our school settings. Our students will be met with some new protocols and procedures and it is vital that we as parents support our schools and the enormous challenges they are facing in welcoming our children back to school. Please be patient and adhere to these changes as they are not meant to frustrate or challenge you, but rather to facilitate the balance between an effective learning environment and the minimization of community spread. We should all be grateful for the never ending vigilance which the school community maintains for the sake of our students.
Good Luck to all of our students this year. I hope each of you appreciate the support and resources this community provides, and know that we are all behind you in your efforts. I know you will make us proud!
