What to know about school bus safety, immunizations, bullying, shopping lists and more | #schoolsaftey

Students across the Piedmont Triad are going back to school. Make sure you keep reading to find out about school bus safety, school bus law, when to stop for a school bus, immunizations, school calendars, shopping lists, helpful sites and numbers, bullying resources, suicide prevention, high school football and what’s new with schools.Bus Stop ForecastMake sure you check the weather forecast every day for conditions at the bus stop. ►Check Bus Stop Forecast Traffic Conditions Keep up with the latest traffic conditions before you hit the road for school or when dropping off the kids. ►Check traffic conditions School System Start Dates Alamance Burlington Schools – Aug. 28 Alleghany County Schools – Aug. 21Asheboro City Schools – Aug. 28Caswell County Schools – Aug. 28Davidson County Schools – Aug. 28Davie County Schools – Aug. 28Elkin City Schools – Aug. 16 Guilford County Schools – Aug. 28Lexington City Schools – Aug. 28Montgomery County Schools – Aug. 28Mount Airy City Schools – Aug. 14Patrick County Schools – Aug. 9Randolph County Schools – Aug. 28Rockingham County Schools – Aug. 28Stokes County Schools – Aug. 28Surry County Schools – Aug. 10Thomasville City Schools – Aug. 28Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools – Aug. 28Wilkes County Schools – Aug. 28Yadkin County Schools – Aug. 16School System Calendars Alamance Burlington Schools Alleghany County Schools Asheboro City Schools Caswell County Schools Davidson County Schools Davie County Schools Elkin City Schools Guilford County Schools Lexington City SchoolsMontgomery County Schools Mount Airy City Schools Patrick County SchoolsRandolph County Schools Rockingham County Schools Stokes County Schools Surry County Schools Thomasville City Schools Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Wilkes County Schools Yadkin County Schools School System Sites, Phone Numbers Alamance Burlington Schools – 336-570-6060Alleghany County Schools – 336-372-4345Asheboro City Schools – 336-625-5104Caswell County Schools – 336-694-4116Davidson County Schools – 336-249-8182 Davie County Schools – 336-751-5921Elkin City Schools – 336-835-3135Guilford County Schools – 336-370-8100Lexington City Schools – 336-242-1527Montgomery County Schools – 910-576-6511Mount Airy City Schools – 336-786-8355Patrick County Schools – 276-694-3163Randolph County Schools – 336-633-5000Rockingham County Schools – 336-627-2600 Stokes County Schools – 336-593-8146 Surry County Schools – 336-386-8211Thomasville City Schools – 336-474-4200 Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools – 336-727-2816Wilkes County Schools – 336-667-1121Yadkin County Schools – 336-551-1100 School SuppliesIt can be stressful trying to find everything your student needs before they get back to the classroom. Below are some links for stores with back-to-school deals and lists.Walmart | Shopping ListTarget | Shopping ListAmazon | Shopping ListKohl’s | Shopping ListSchool Bus SafetyMore than 3,000 drivers pass stopped school buses in North Carolina every day — that’s according to a study by the state Department of Public Instruction.That’s why it’s important to know the rules of the road when it comes to stopping for a school bus.When to Stop for a School Bus:Two-lane roadway – All traffic from both directions must stopTwo-lane with a center turning lane – All traffic from both directions must stopFour-lane roadway – All traffic from both directions must stopFour-lane roadway with a median – Only traffic following the bus must stopFour or more lanes with a center turning lane – Only traffic following the bus must stopThere are three blind spots where the bus driver can lose sight of a child:FRONT – It’s never safe to walk close to the front of the bus. Children should walk five giant steps ahead of the bus before crossing in front of it.SIDE – Children should always stay three giant steps away from the side of the bus.REAR – NEVER walk behind the school bus.Bus safety tips for children:Be cautious of strangers. When the bus approaches, step back from the curb at least three giant steps.Never run to catch the bus.If you have to walk on road where there’s no sidewalk, walk against traffic and out of the road.Make sure you see the bus driver’s eyes when boarding or crossing in front of the bus. If you drop something under or near the bus, don’t pick it up until you tell the bus driver.If you must cross the street to get to the bus, always look left, then right, then left again.Wait for the bus to stop before you get on or off. If you leave something on the bus, don’t run after the bus to get it. School Bus Stop LawNorth Carolina’s School Bus Stop law makes it illegal to pass a stopped school bus.Penalties A driver could be fined a $500 penalty for passing a stopped school bus plus a five-point penalty on their driver’s license. A driver who passes a stopped school bus and hits someone will face a minimum of a $1,000 fine as it’s a Class I felony. The penalty increases to a Class H felony and a fine of $2,500 if someone is killed.Find out more by visiting NC Bus Safety. Immunizations North Carolina law requires all children in the state to receive certain immunizations. In order to be fully protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, children should receive all age-appropriate immunizations, according to NCDHHS. Find out more about required immunizations by visiting NCDHHS. KindergartenVaccination requirements for kindergarten-age children can be found below:VaccineNumber Doses Required Before School Entry*Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis5 dosesPolio4 dosesMeasles2 dosesMumps2 dosesRubella1 doseHaemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib)4 dosesHepatitis B (Hep B)3 dosesVaricella (chickenpox)2 dosesPneumococcal conjugate4 doses7th GradeVaccination requirements for 7th grade age children can be found below:VaccineNumber Doses Required Before School Entry*Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis5 dosesPolio4 dosesMeasles2 dosesMumps2 dosesRubella1 doseHaemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib)4 dosesHepatitis B (Hep B)3 dosesVaricella (chickenpox)1 doseTetanus/diphtheria/pertussis1 doseMeningococcal conjugate1 dose12th GradeVaccination requirements for 12th grade age children can be found below:VaccineNumber Doses Required Before School Entry*Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis5 dosesPolio4 dosesMeasles2 dosesMumps2 dosesRubella1 doseHaemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib)4 dosesHepatitis B (Hep B)3 dosesVaricella (chickenpox)1 doseTetanus/diphtheria/pertussis1 doseMeningococcal conjugate (Effective 2020-2021 School Year)2 dosesBullying With the return of the new school year, it’s important to keep in check with your child. There are several different types of bullying to know about. Plus, make sure you know the signs of bullying. Here’s a list of resources to find out more and to get help. Stomp Out BullyingNSCCStopbullying.govGet help now from bullying Be Strong Suicide Prevention Stopbullying.gov provides information for suicide prevention. If someone is feeling hopeless, helpless, or thinking of suicide they can text 988 and chat with Lifeline. Find out more, Stopbullying.gov High School FootballIt’s that time again for all things gridiron! Make sure you get the latest high school football highlights and scores.►Check out High School Football!Take Notes Tell us what’s new with your school system this year and we’ll add it here to our back-to-school guide. Send an email with details to [email protected] What’s New Lexington City Schools – Clear Backpack Policy The Lexington City Schools’ district announced an implementation of the Clear Backpack Policy for the new school year. The policy aims to enhance safety and security within schools by regulating the types of backpacks and bags allowed on school premises during the school day. Outlined below are the key specifics of the Clear Backpack Policy: Encouraging Transparent Backpacks: Students are required to utilize backpacks made of clear plastic, vinyl, mesh, or similar transparent materials, as determined by the Board of Education. Teachers and staff retain their discretion in choosing their bags. Embracing Design Variations: Backpacks with colored elements, stripes, colored straps, mesh pockets, or leather reinforced corners are permitted, as long as visibility through the backpack is maintained. Promoting Clear Visibility: Small company logos or branding on backpacks are acceptable, provided visibility through the backpack is not compromised. Including Additional Small Bags: Students may carry one additional small bag, not exceeding the dimensions of 6″ x 9″ x 5″. This bag can be carried within or outside the backpack and does not have to be clear or transparent. Addressing Medical Needs and Personal Care Items: Addressing Medical Needs and Personal Care Items: The Clear Backpack Policy recognizes that there may be circumstances requiring exceptions for medically necessary items and personal care items. After a thorough inspection by school administration, appropriate accommodations will be made to ensure the well-being and safety of the students. Students may bring necessary medical items and personal care items, such as hygiene products or medications, in accordance with school policies and procedures. It’s important to note that these items do not need to be in a clear or transparent bag. However, they must adhere to the specified dimensions of the additional small bag (6″ x 9″ x 5″) as mentioned above. Allowing Non-Clear Lunchboxes: Students may carry a non-clear lunchbox alongside their clear backpack, subject to search by school administration or staff. Addressing Athletic/Spirit Bags and Instrument Cases: Athletic/spirit bags and instrument cases are exempt from the clear backpack requirement. However, upon arrival at school, these items must be promptly stored in designated areas as directed by coaches, instructors, staff, and administration. Accommodating Diaper Bags: Diaper bags are allowed only when accompanied by an infant. Identifying Prohibited Items: Prohibited items include purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags, and camera bags. Additionally, bags larger than the permissible size for an additional bag are not permitted. The district wants to remind the public that attending large events held by Lexington City Schools requires compliance with our enhanced security procedures. These measures include a clear bag policy and security checks for all individuals attending the events, particularly athletic events. Keep up with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here.