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Getting Ready for Back-to-School 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

News Highlights School starts Tuesday, Sept. 4. Immunizations available at county Health Department clinics. Remember to be alert around school buses. Homework help resources available online through the Library.

 

The 2012-2013 school year begins in Fairfax County on Tuesday, Sept. 4.  To help households prepare for the upcoming school year, the county offers the following information and tips: 

Safety Reminders from the Fairfax County Police Department
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, riding a bus to school is 13 times safer than riding in a passenger vehicle and 10 times safer than walking to school.  The Fairfax County Police Department urges motorists to play it safe by remembering the following:

• It is illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped to load and unload children.
• When bus lights and stop signs are activated, vehicles must stop in both directions, unless they are separated from the bus by a median.
• The area of 10 feet around a bus is where children are in the most danger of being struck.  Stop your car far enough from the bus to allow children the necessary space to enter and exit the bus.
• Be alert. Children are unpredictable.  Children walking or biking may appear suddenly and quickly; pay attention at all times.
• Be patient. There will be additional vehicles on our roadways; some motorists may be learning new routes to schools and this may temporarily impact traffic flows on various roadways.
• Drivers should not block crosswalks.  Allow pedestrians ample space to walk safely.
• Always stop when directed to do so by a police officer or crossing guard.
• Children may be difficult to see.  Take extra care to look out for children near schools, neighborhoods, playgrounds and parks.
• Don't honk your horn or rev your engine to "scare" pedestrians.  

After School Programs

• Neighborhood and Community Services After School Programs
• School Age Child Care Program 

Back-to-School Immunizations

• Immunizations for Back-to-School Available at Health Department Clinics 

Homework Support

• Resources for Help with Homework Through the Fairfax County Public Library 

Safety Tips

• Tips to Help Kids be Safe Socially Online 

School Supplies

• Consumer Affairs: Still Time for Back-to-School Savings
• Buy Into A Better Environment: Green Purchasing Tips 

News and General Information

• Fact Sheets About Teens Based on the Youth Survey
• Video: Firefighters and Partners Provide Free School Haircuts
• Traffic Data Helps Explain "Back-to-School" Increase in Traffic Delays
• Fairfax County Public Schools website 

Parktakes

Make life-long learning a priority for the whole family through the Fairfax County Park Authority! Fitness classes, swimming lessons, camps, nature programs, events, historic sites, golf courses, lake and riverfront parks, RECenters and hundred of miles of trails offer leisure opportunities for everyone.  See what's happening in your neighborhood by browsing Parktakes magazine, your quarterly quide to parks and recreation in Fairfax County and register now for fall activities. Pick up Parktakes at any Fairfax County RECenter, golf course, nature center or public library or browse and register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes.  Get your free subscription to Parktakes and receive it electronically or by U.S. mail.  Subscribe online or call 703-222-4664.

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