Chowchilla area schools have begun the 2009-2010 year. After the long, hot, lazy days of summer most students and parents are excited to get back to a regular routine.</p><p>Seeing their friends, new teachers, for some a new campus, along with new challenges and new adventures await each student.</p><p>Providing a quality education in a safe environment is the goal of each of the school districts and their board of trustees.</p><p>"Safety is the number one priority of the Chowchilla Police Department," stated Sergeant Dave Riviere.</p><p>Riviere reminds motorist to take extra precautions around schools. "Children are excited and might run in and out of traffic," Riviere said.</p><p>To ensure students have a safe and productive year, Sgt. Riviere encourages motorists to follow the basic traffic laws.</p><p>When dropping off a student at school it is not acceptable to double park or to park in the middle of the street to let children out.</p><p>Riviere said it is also not acceptable to let children out of a vehicle when the drivers stops at a stop sign. "It impedes the flow of traffic which causes a traffic hazard.</p><p>Parking in the RED ZONE will not be tolerated, not even for a short period. Parking in an unauthorized parking space or a handicapped space is also a violation.</p><p>Riviere noted that Robertson Boulevard is a state highway, State Route 233. Not only is it a main thoroughfare through the city of Chowchilla, the speed limit is 30 miles an hour. Often times motorist stop in the middle of the street or double park in front of Wilson Middle School causing a huge traffic hazard.</p><p>Each of the school sights has a designated dropping students off and picking students up area. Parents are asked to use those areas to help prevent a tragedy.</p><p>Riviere said motorist need to remember, "When you park you remove your vehicle from the roadway and it remains stationary on the right side of the street."</p><p>Motorist are urged to use extreme caution where school buses are concerned. The buses have a designated parking space at each campus. Don't park along side buses to let children out," Riviere stated. Children should not be walking in between the buses. Remember to stop when a bus has the red lights flashing.</p><p>Parents of children that walk to and from school should remind them of the safety rules:</p><p>* Stop at the edge of a parked car, curb or vehicle.</p><p>* Look left and right for moving vehicles.</p><p>* Cross only when it is clear and keep on looking.</p><p>* Walk, not run or dash into the street.</p><p>* Look for signs that a car is about to move.</p><p>* Use your eyes and ears; cross only at a corner.</p><p>* Obey all traffic signals.</p><p>Sgt. Riviere noted that police will closely be monitoring school areas and issuing citations for traffic violations. "Slow down!" he stated.</p><p>"The number one goal of the Chowchilla Police Department is for our children to get to and from school safely," Riviere stated.