Pennridge School District Returns to Class

Summertime offers a reprieve from school-year activities, but once fall rolls around again life becomes much more hectic. Parents and kids have a lot of new distractions to deal with: carpools, early schedules, after-school activities, bus traffic and more. 

As your children march out the door on that first day of school Monday, August 31, 2026 – and every day – there is really only one priority: Making sure they get home safe.

Cell Phones: A Deadly Distraction 

The National Safety Council is focused on efforts to eliminate distracted walking – specifically walking while using a mobile device. 

• Never walk while texting or talking on the phone
• If texting, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk 
• Never cross the street while using an electronic device 
• Do not walk with headphones in your ears 
• Be aware of your surroundings 
• Always walk on the sidewalk if available; if you must walk on the street, face oncoming traffic 
• Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street 
• Cross only at crosswalks
  

Kids Aren't the Only Ones Distracted 

Drivers have a lot to pay attention to in school zones, too, and there is never an occasion that justifies using a phone while driving. One call or text can change everything. 

A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and prevention reveals that the most common form of travel to school for students age 5 to 14 is the family car. That translates into a lot of cars in school zones at the same time. Eliminating all distractions is key to keeping children safe. Learn more about motorist safety around schools.  

Buses Safest Transportation for School Children 

Some 25 million students nationwide begin and end their day with a trip on a school bus. Designed for safety, with flashing lights, giant mirrors, stop-sign arms and that bright yellow color, students are far more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus than traveling by car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  See tips for a safe ride. 

source: National Safety Council