Summer vacation ending, schools re-opening
Nick Bertrand, a St. Edmund's fifth-grader, looks over his box of school supplies, not sure how he will carry them to class on Friday's first day. Public schools open Aug 13. Photo by Myra Miller
While the dispute over Common Core standards is getting most of the attention as public schools prepare to open for the 2014-15 year, a new law involving something near and dear to students and adults alike may have more immediate effect.
The Legislature decreed this year that effective this month the use of cell phones and other hand-held wireless devices is prohibited by drivers in school zones during posted hours.
The prohibition includes use of a cellular/wireless device for engaging in a voice call, accessing, reading or posting to a social networking site and/or writing, sending or reading a text-based communication.
It applies to adults and to driving-age students heading to or from school.
The idea behind it is much like the well-meaning but widely ignored law banning texting while driving -- it’s best to keep your eyes on the road while driving, and in busy school zones it’s even more crucial.
But weaning many adult and teen drivers from their phone calls, text messages and photos for even a little while is easier said than done.
Law enforcement, while issuing their normal back-to-school motoring safety messages, say also that they will enforce the new law if they spot a driver violating it, much the way the seat-belt law is enforced.
The law does include exemptions for reporting emergencies and criminal activity, and for using wireless devices in lawfully parked vehicles.
For high school students, and their parents, teachers, and counselors the state education department has published a guide for high school student planning, to highlight state policies and programs for counselors, teachers and parents.
It is designed to help assure students are on track for a college degree or professional career after graduation.
The 28-page booklet includes information about planning for struggling students, the state’s accountability system, counseling programs for students and ways to receive skills training and advanced college credit.
Print copies of the booklet will be distributed and it is available online at the department’s web site: louisianabelieves.com
- Log in to post comments
