It’s back to school for thousands of students across Northeast Georgia. Today, schools open in Elbert, Habersham, Stephens, and White counties. Next week, students will return to class in Rabun (Aug. 6), Madison (Aug. 7), and Towns and Union (Aug. 9) counties.
Schools opened Thursday, August 1, in Athens-Clarke County, Banks, Hart, Jackson, and Madison counties.
7,200 students are returning to the classroom in Habersham County. The sheriff’s office urges drivers to use extreme caution.
“There will be a LOT of traffic around schools on Friday, as well as students waiting on our roadsides to be picked up by the bus,” the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office warns in a social media post. “Slow down, leave a little earlier, put down the phone, and PLEASE pay attention to officers directing traffic.”
SRO injured
On Thursday, August 1, a vehicle struck and injured a Jackson County school resource officer as he was directing traffic in a school zone. He was treated and released from a local hospital, according to Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum.
That incident is a stark reminder of how dangerous morning school commutes can be and why people need to pay close attention when they’re behind the wheel.
“I’m asking all you drivers that bring your kids to school to be mindful, be cautious, slow down — because we’re very blessed that this deputy has not got any serious, serious injuries,” said Sheriff Mangum in a social media livestream following Thursday’s incident.
The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office echoed that, saying, “Our deputies will be out working to ensure safety around our schools, so drivers, please do your part.”
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