School Zones Back To School Safety Tips
School will be back in session for Garden City Public Schools on Wednesday, August 12th, and for students, this means the excitement of meeting new teachers, making new friends, and the opportunity to learn new things.
The district would like to remind drivers to be mindful and cautious as more students will be heading to and from school in the coming week. Drivers are reminded not to text or talk on cell phones; to slow down in school zones; to be aware of students; and to always pay attention to school buses and crossing guards.
Before classes begin, parents are encouraged to review the drop-off procedures for their child’s school. When you are in a school zone, remember:
·Don’t double-park – it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.
·Don’t load or unload children across the street from the school.
·Carpool – it reduces the number of vehicles at the school.
·Slow Down! All schools have reduced speed zones around them. The speed limit in all school zones is 20 MPH.
Remember to obey all traffic laws and speed limits, both in school zones and in neighborhoods around schools.
·Allow More Time. As the new school year begins, allow yourself enough time to get to your destination until you learn the effects of the increased traffic.
·Stop for School Buses. Stop when the red lights are flashing, and the stop arm is extended on school buses. It is against the law to pass a school bus when the lights are on. Do not proceed until the school bus resumes motion and the lights stop flashing. Never pass a bus from behind or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road.
Garden City Public Schools wants everyone to have a safe school year. The first day of school for the 2026-27 school year will be Wednesday, August 12th, with a half-day orientation for students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade, seventh grade, ninth and tenth grades, and all students new to Garden City Public Schools.
Abe Hubert Elementary School, Jennie Barker Elementary School, and Plymell Elementary School are also encouraging sixth graders to attend school on August 12th. This will help the students at those schools get prepared for the start of the school year.
The first full day of school for Garden City Public Schools will be Thursday, August 13, 2026. All classes will be in session for the start of the 2026-27 school year with normal starting and ending times.
Garfield Early Childhood Center will start school on Monday, August 17, 2026. The school will be holding screenings on Thursday, August 13th, and Friday, August 14, 2026. The screenings are for the start of school for the building.
The district is asking parents to update their contact information with the schools. The district needs this contact information so buildings can contact families on any updates as we progress through the school year.
For more information about the start of the school year, go to www.gckschools.com.