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As summer begins to wind down, our community is preparing for another exciting school year. In doing so, the Marshalltown Police Department's top priority is ensuring that every student, parent, and teacher returns to school in a safe, secure, and conducive-to-learning environment. As our department does our best to help make this happen, safety is a shared responsibility, and by working together, we can make this academic year one of the safest ones yet.
Traffic safety around our schools requires our immediate and undivided attention. School zones will once again be active and congested at times, especially before and after school hours. Drivers must be prepared to be patient during these busy times as families begin to adjust to their new school year pickup and drop-off routines. We must be aware of reduced speeds through school areas, the importance of following parking rules, the unpredictable nature of children as pedestrians, and ensuring drivers are aware of school bus traffic safety measures. Officers will be watching for a variety of traffic violations, including motorists speeding through school zones, vehicles driving through school bus warning devices, and non-compliance with seat belt and other traffic safety laws.
It is also important for parents and students to take proper safety precautions when students travel on their own to and from school. Parents are encouraged to teach their children a safe and secure route utilizing sidewalks when available. To safely use crosswalks and designated school crossings whenever possible and to obey all traffic laws and wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Knowing where your child's designated bus stop is and teaching your child which bus they should get on before school starts is very important. Children need to be instructed not to go home with anyone without prior parental knowledge and approval. This includes people who your child may know.
Our department is fully committed to doing our part. You will see an increased police presence in and around school zones during arrival and departure times throughout the opening weeks and periodically within schools while sessions are open. I want to thank our community for your continued partnership in keeping our children safe as we all look forward to a very positive new school year.