As summer comes to a close, students throughout Mission Bend Municipal Utility District No. 1 are preparing to head back to the classroom. The first day of school for Fort Bend ISD is Tuesday, August 11, and Alief ISD students return on Wednesday, August 12. With the new school year comes increased traffic, school buses, student pedestrians, bicyclists, and e-bike riders throughout the community.
Whether you're driving through the neighborhood, walking to school, riding an e-bike, or waiting for the bus, everyone plays a role in keeping our streets safe.
Drivers: Slow Down and Stay Alert
The first few weeks of school are often the busiest on neighborhood roads. Please help protect students by:
- Obeying all posted school zone speed limits.
- Watching carefully for children crossing streets or walking between parked vehicles.
- Eliminating distractions, including texting or using handheld devices while driving.
- Allowing extra travel time during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods.
- Yielding to crossing guards and pedestrians at marked crosswalks.
- Stopping for school buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, as required by Texas law.
Remember, children can be unpredictable, especially during the excitement of a new school year.
Students and Families: Practice Safe Habits
Parents and caregivers can help children build safe routines before school begins.
Encourage students to:
- Walk on sidewalks whenever possible.
- Cross streets only at designated crosswalks or intersections.
- Look left, right, and left again before crossing.
- Stay alert by keeping phones and headphones put away while walking.
- Follow directions from crossing guards and school staff.
- Travel with a friend whenever possible.
- Follow safe riding practices when using bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, or skateboards.
Taking a few minutes to review these safety habits can help children feel confident and prepared for the school year.
E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety
Electric bicycles and scooters have become a popular way for many students to travel to and from school. Riders should remember that these vehicles require the same attention and responsibility as any other mode of transportation.
To help keep everyone safe:
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
- Ride at a safe speed and stay in control at all times.
- Obey traffic signs, traffic signals, and crossing guards.
- Yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and shared-use paths.
- Avoid using a phone or wearing headphones while riding.
- Ride predictably and use hand signals when turning, when possible.
- Make sure lights and reflectors are working when riding in low-light conditions.
- Never carry passengers unless the e-bike or scooter is designed to do so.
Parents are encouraged to review local laws and school policies regarding e-bikes and e-scooters and ensure their child's equipment is appropriate for their age and experience level.
School Bus Safety
School buses are one of the safest ways for students to travel, but everyone plays a role in keeping bus stops safe.
Students should:
- Arrive at the bus stop several minutes early.
- Stand well back from the curb while waiting.
- Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching.
- Cross the street only when instructed by the bus driver and always stay where the driver can see you.
Drivers should never pass a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing and stop arm is extended unless permitted by Texas law.
Don't Forget Tax-Free Weekend
Families can save on back-to-school shopping during the Texas Sales Tax Holiday, taking place Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9.
During the tax-free weekend, qualifying clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced under \$100 per item are exempt from state and local sales taxes. It's a great opportunity to stock up on school essentials before classes begin.
For a complete list of qualifying items, visit the Texas Comptroller's website:
Here's to a Safe School Year
The Board of Directors of Mission Bend Municipal Utility District No. 1 wishes all students, teachers, school staff, and families a safe and successful school year.
Whether walking, biking, riding an e-bike, taking the bus, or driving, everyone has a role in keeping our community safe. By slowing down, staying alert, and looking out for one another, we can help every student arrive safely—not just on the first day of school, but every day of the year.