When it comes to our children, keeping them safe from harm is top priority, and Powell's school leaders are continually working to do just that.This week, the district's transportation department has been observing School Bus Safety week, and a big part of that week is spending time with Powell's newest school students to make sure they know how to stay safe while waiting for the bus, getting on, riding and leaving a school bus. Last week, Southside Elementary students and staff, with the help of Powell police officers and Mayor Mangold, promoted safety by gathering at Southside Park and walking to school in observance of Walk to School Day.The district also is sponsoring Safe Routes to School, a study aimed at helping kids who walk or ride their bikes to school to do so safely. The study has been underway for several months, and next week a preliminary report will be presented at a public meeting. Parents and other community members are encouraged to attend the meeting and comment.Powell has a pretty good record of getting children to and from school safely, as have most communities in America. But accidents are always possible. Just a couple of years ago, a Powell High School student was injured while riding her bike to school, and before that, another PHS student was hit by a car as he left his own vehicle near the old high school. A few years ago, a younger student in Lovell died after being hit by a car in a school parking lot.Accidents such as these demonstrate the importance of continually instructing students about bus safety and justify the time and expense of conducting the Safe Routes to School project.Powell school officials are doing a commendable job of protecting our children through those activities.

When it comes to our children, keeping them safe from harm is top priority, and Powell's school leaders are continually working to do just that.

This week, the district's transportation department has been observing School Bus Safety week, and a big part of that week is spending time with Powell's newest school students to make sure they know how to stay safe while waiting for the bus, getting on, riding and leaving a school bus.

Last week, Southside Elementary students and staff, with the help of Powell police officers and Mayor Mangold, promoted safety by gathering at Southside Park and walking to school in observance of Walk to School Day.

The district also is sponsoring Safe Routes to School, a study aimed at helping kids who walk or ride their bikes to school to do so safely. The study has been underway for several months, and next week a preliminary report will be presented at a public meeting. Parents and other community members are encouraged to attend the meeting and comment.

Powell has a pretty good record of getting children to and from school safely, as have most communities in America. But accidents are always possible. Just a couple of years ago, a Powell High School student was injured while riding her bike to school, and before that, another PHS student was hit by a car as he left his own vehicle near the old high school. A few years ago, a younger student in Lovell died after being hit by a car in a school parking lot.

Accidents such as these demonstrate the importance of continually instructing students about bus safety and justify the time and expense of conducting the Safe Routes to School project.

Powell school officials are doing a commendable job of protecting our children through those activities.