It's Back to School Time

August 23, 2022


 
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Dear Neighbor,

The sound of beeping buses breaking and laughing learners on the lawn means one thing: It’s back to school season! East Hartford is up first, kicking things off tomorrow with their First Day of School. Parents are stocking up on school supplies, teachers are getting their classrooms ready to welcome students back from summer vacation, and students are prepared to continue on their lifelong journey of learning.
 
For those folks and everyone else, this also means thinking about your post-summer/new-school-year commute. First and foremost, safety for all involved, especially our children, should be at the forefront of those plans. Make sure you give yourself enough travel time so you don't feel the need to illegally zoom by a bus. Did you know that passing a standing school bus with its red lights flashing could cost you? The penalty for the first offense costs $450, and subsequent offenses come with a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000 and possible jail time. If you have a teen driver, make sure they know to stop for school buses when the red lights are flashing. And a quick refresher that a stop sign actually means to stop and don't roll through it. Especially if there are people crossing the road.

If you witness a driver pass a school bus with its red lights flashing, safely take down the license plate number, color, and type of vehicle and note the date, time, and location. You can provide this information to the bus driver or bus company and they can report the incident to the police.

Once students arrive, they are entrusted to some of the most dedicated professionals we have – educators. Our teachers have spent years investing in their careers to be able to provide a high quality learning experience for every child, every day, in every community. Our teachers, paraprofessionals, tutors, behavior managers, guidance counselors, and so many more take on numerous roles to help students succeed beyond the classroom. They have the skills and the training that will set students up for future success, professionally, emotionally, and socially.

As the adults in our community, we must trust that educators are going to do right by our students, and we must give them the respect and collaboration necessary for students to thrive. And if and when matters arise where there is a difference of opinion, do us all a favor and reach out to the teacher and/or principal instead of keyboard crusading and blanket-blasting these hard-working heroes on social media. That helps no one.
 
I wish all the families, school staff, and administrators a positive and productive new year.

Below is a town-by-town look at bus schedules, lunch menus, and a few helpful resources on making the first day back a success. 

 
East Hartford Public Schools' 2022-2023 school year starts on Wednesday, August 24! 
2022-23 School Year Calendar
School Breakfast & Lunch Menu
2022-23 Bus Routes
Manchester Public Schools' 2022-2023 school year starts:
  • Tuesday, September 6 for students in Grades K-4, 5, 7, and 9
  • Wednesday, September 7 for students in Grades 6, 8, 10-12
2022-23 School Year Calendar
Kindergarten Registration
School Breakfast & Lunch Menu
2022-23 Bus Routes
 
First Student Manchester is hiring school bus drivers and monitors. Click here to learn more about the school bus monitor position. Click here for more about bus driver positions. 
 
South Windsor Public Schools' 2022-2023 school year starts on Wednesday, August 31. 
2022-23 School Year Calendar
2022-23 School Registration
School Breakfast & Lunch Menu
2022-23 Bus Routes
 
Sincerely,

Jeff Currey
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