Summer ends, school begins

  • Published
  • By School Liaison office
  • 48th Mission Support Group
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England - --  The new school year is right around the corner with the first day of classes for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools starting Aug. 29.

Kindergarten classes start the following week on Sept. 6 and Sure Start begins on Sept. 13. In preparation for the new academic year, the 48th Mission Support Group School Liaison office would like to remind the base community of some important safety concerns:

· Parents should talk with their children about safely walking to and from school. Children age 6 and younger should have a parent escort them to and from school. Children age 7 and older can walk to school alone but within eyesight of an adult. Students are encouraged to walk in groups and take extra caution when crossing streets in the crosswalks.

· Children should wear reflective belts or clothing when walking to school on dark or foggy mornings and afternoons.

· The Radcliffe gate connecting Lord's Walk housing with Liberty Village housing will be opened daily by security forces between 7:30 and 8:10 a.m. and between 2:45 and 3:45 p.m.

· All students age 10 and older must carry a base dependent identification card when they are accessing any of the bases in a privately-owned vehicle, school bus, walking or riding a bike.

· All students who ride the bus must be registered with the Lakenheath Bus Office (226-7013) and carry a valid bus pass.

· Students must exercise caution when waiting for the bus as well as entering and exiting the bus. U.K. traffic is not required to stop while school buses load and unload children.

· Local laws require mandatory seat belt usage while on school buses.

· Rough play will not be tolerated while riding the bus. Strict misconduct penalties will be enforced for disobedient behavior.

We need the entire community to help promote safety for a successful school year for our children. If you have any concerns or questions, contact the SLO at 226-5077/5078 or in email at 48msg.ccl@lakenheath.af.mil.