School Safety
School Resource Officers
School Resource Officers are local police officers who work in the schools in a proactive capacity. Their jobs are three-fold; they are educators, counselors, and police officers. Working with students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, they help them learn about the legal system and personal safety, show positive alternatives to drugs and violence, and work to keep the schools a safe haven for everyone.
Garland Police Department
Rowlett Police Department
Sachse Police Department
Bus & School Zone Safety Reminders
What if you got "The Call"?
Your child has just been hit by a car after getting off the School Bus. We have had to make two of these calls because vehicle drivers have not stopped for the FLASHING REDS on our School Buses.
With the start of each school year and throughout the year, motorists need to remember school bus safety. Motorists must stay ALERT because school is in session!
Youngsters sometimes forget to look both ways before stepping into the street. It is up to us - the adults - to obey traffic laws and observe safety rules to keep our kids safe.
Keep in mind the following safety tips during the regular school year as well as during summer school.
- SCHOOL ZONES
Keep in mind that the speed in a school zone is 20 mph. School zones have a reduced speed limit so that drivers can stop if a child darts in front of them. You could be subject to a large fine if you ignore the signs. - CROSSWALKS
You should not block the crosswalk at any time with vehicles! Crossing Guards are located throughout Garland, Rowlett and Sachse. Be observant of children crossing the street when approaching an intersection. - FLASHING YELLOW LIGHTS
When you see a school bus with flashing yellow lights, drivers are expected to slow down to a speed that will allow for a sudden stop. - FLASHING RED LIGHTS
A school bus with flashing RED lights signals that students are either getting on or off the bus. Drivers must STOP and wait for the bus driver to turn the flashers off, no matter which direction they are traveling. Students crossing the street after exiting a school bus should cross in front of the bus. Please wait until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted before proceeding. Failure to do so could make you subject to fines of $200-$1,000. Subsequent offenses can result in loss of driver's license. - RAILROAD CROSSINGS
All school buses are required to stop at railroad crossings. Keep enough distance between your vehicle and the school bus to avoid a rear-end collision.
- SCHOOL DISMISSAL TIME
Be cautious of heavy bus traffic at school dismissal time, and children corssing the street.
- CROSSING GUARDS
The cities of Garland, Rowlett, and Sachse provide crossing guards for busy street crossings near elementary schools and some middle schools. Guards are on duty at elementary schools between 7:10 - 8:10 a.m., 10:50 a.m. - 12:20 p.m., and 3:00-4:00 p.m. At the locations near middle schools, the crossing guard times extend to 8:50 in the morning and 4:20 in the afternoon. Parents, please encourage your children to walk during these times.
Please share this information with every driver in your family. Let’s all work together to have a safe school year.