Ask the Chief

Next week, on August 23, school begins in Minneota.

Are you ready?

I’m not talking about school supplies and new clothes ... I’m talking about your morning and afternoon routine.

Are you planning to leave home 15 minutes earlier this year so you don't have to speed to get to school on time?

Do you know where to drop your kids off at so you don't have to double park in the street or risk a ticket by parking in the bus lane?

Do your kids have locks for their bikes and do they know where the bike racks are?

Have you discussed bus etiquette with your kids with focus on respect and manners?

What about walking home or riding bikes? Do your kids know and understand the rules of the road and how to cross the street safely?

If you have a student driver who will be driving to school, have you talked with them about safety, slowing down and being responsible?

How about money and expensive items like cell phones or headphones?

Do they really need them at school to the point of risking them being broken, lost or stolen?

Going back to school is an exciting time of the year but all of us need to do our part to ensure that everyone makes it safely to school and home again.