As The School Year Approaches, Morris Co. Officials Issue Safety Reminders

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The first day of school is right around the corner, and ahead of the 2025-26 school year, Morris County officials have issued a safety reminder.

Schools reopening means students and buses out and about once again, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department wants to make sure residents are aware of safe traffic practices.

“School safety is of the utmost importance at the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. The new back-to-school period lasts a few weeks,” Morris County Sheriff James Gannon said. “The public should be aware to watch out for children’s safety and have patience on the roadways during this time. Students walk to school or the bus stop, ride bikes, and sometimes wear headphones. We must be cautious and protect them from any accidents.”

The Sheriff's Office asks residents to keep the following in mind:

• Obey school zone speed limits.
• Never pass a bus loading or unloading children.
• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus.
• Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
• Head up, phone down, while driving.
• Allow extra driving time for buses and parental school traffic.

Most districts’ first day of school is Tuesday; however, some Morris County schools start later, and others have already begun.

“The Morris County Sheriff’s Office assists municipalities with traffic and school safety,” Gannon said. “One such program is the Responsible School Violence Prevention, Preparation, Protection (RSVP-3), which allows students, teachers, or anyone with a concern to anonymously report threats to school safety and behavior.”