Safety Procedures in Place as School Begins in Melrose

The Melrose Police Department has several safety procedures in place as the city prepares for a new academic calendar, Chief Michael Lyle says. The first day of school for students in the Melrose Public Schools District is Sept. 1.

Melrose police will be visiting the Horace Mann, Hoover, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Winthrop elementary schools during the first week of classes to meet students and talk about best safety practices, according to the department.

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“We certainly want to take the time to speak with our younger community members to educate them on how they can remain safe while in school and away from home,” Chief Lyle said. “Safety is a our number one priority and we hope students have a smooth transition come September.”

Police officers will also be present around the elementary schools during the first few days of school and will be available to answer parents or guardians’ questions, the department says. Additionally, traffic supervisors will be out to ensure students safely cross the street.

School Resource Officer Jim Applegate will be out interacting at Melrose High School and Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School. He’ll be permanently stationed at those schools all year to provide assistance as needed.

Chief Lyle recommends parents and guardians take a moment to review several procedures outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) to prevent accidents this school season.

Here are some tips to stay safe while riding the bus:

• Educate children on safe bus riding and walking behaviors when getting on and off the bus.
• Before crossing the street, teach young children to take five giant steps (10 feet) in front of the bus and to wait for the driver’s signal before walking.
• Develop appropriate bus pick-up/drop-off policies.
• Closely supervise children under age 10 who must cross the street after exiting the bus.

If walking to school, or when exiting the bus, parents and guardians should educate students about safely crossing the street, Chief Lyle says.

Here are some tips to stay safe while walking to school:

• Be aware of pedestrian hazards and how to avoid them
• Know traffic signs and signals, and safe walking zones
• Wait for the “walk” signal at a crosswalk, or for a crossing guard to signal the OK to proceed into the street