School is Back in Session

All good things must come to an end, and for most children in St. Clair Shores, today is that day.

The school bell will be ringing for the first time for the 2011-12 year. Here are the starting times for local schools:

Public Schools admittance times:

• 7:50 a.m.
• 7:51 a.m.
• 8:10 a.m. and Rodgers elementary schools
• 8:28 a.m. 

Public Schools start times:

• 7:45 a.m.
• 8 a.m.
• 8:15 a.m. Lakeview elementary schools

South Lake Schools start times:

• 7:45 a.m.
• 7:50 a.m.
• 8:20 a.m. South Lake elementary schools

7:50 a.m. first bell

Important safety reminders

With school in session, St. Clair Shores Police Community Resource Officer Cherie Mascarello offers the following safety tips for parents, children and motorists:

• Parents need to pay attention when dropping and picking up children, and avoid stopping on main roads such as 11 Mile and Masonic.
• It is illegal to pass a school bus when students are loading and unloading. The lights will be illuminated and signs will be extended.
• Drivers need to watch for kids in intersections before the stop sign.
• Drivers should also reduce distractions such as talking on cell phones, other passengers or texting.
• Children should walk to school in pairs.
• Children should remember to not speak to strangers. They should also know their home addresses and phone numbers.
• When children walk to school on their own, they should cross at traffic signals in the crosswalk. They should also not cross in the middle of streets.
• If children are waiting for the school bus, they should stand three large steps back from the curb and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop.
• Children who are riding the bus should cross in front of the bus and make sure the bus driver sees them before they cross.

Special speaker for Lakeview students

Motivational speaker Joel Penton will address students Tuesday at Jefferson Middle School and Lakeview High School. The Ohio State University football player and graduate is a motivational speaker, and will discuss making positive decisions, according to Lakeview assistant principal Heather Huber.

Middle and high school parents can attend a special presentation by Penton and musician Ryan Holliday at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Lakeview High School Schaublin Auditorium.