Today is the day tens of thousands of students return to the classrooms and with that comes reminders of what be aware of and thoughts to take with you.
School buses across the province starting this year, will now include new amber lights in addition to the traditional flashing red lights and stop sign arm.
Staff Sergent Scott Griffiths with the Waterloo Regional Police Service said the goal of the lights is to make it easier for road users to notice a stopping bus and by extension, students.
"I think in the past some people have looked for the red lights to go on as a symbol of when to slow down and stop, and now the amber lights will serve as an advanced warning for drivers that a bus is coming to a stop."
Griffiths added crossing guard signs should also be taken just as seriously by drivers and those caught disobeying school bus stop signs or crossing guards could be fined $365 and receive points on their licence.
In anticipation of today WRDSB Director of Education jeewan chanicka also shared a reminder by released a video asking families and students to start off the school year with kindness and understanding.
"Let's please remember to be kind to one another, to be considerate as we make choices that are best for us and our families."
chanicka said he hopes families and staff can focus on the start of a new school year by setting things up with the goal of allowing all students to reach their highest potential.
He also took time to make note of the return to normal start for students this year with no masks or COVID restrictions.
"I know this might be a little bit more of what we might consider routine in terms of how we're starting up, I know there is still a lot of challenges that we are all juggling."
