Although it might feel like just last week when schools let out for the summer, county students will be slinging backpacks and boarding buses again starting Wednesday.

Lomega students will be the first to hang up their beach towels, with classes starting there Wednesday.

Dover, Hennessey, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School and Crescent students follow close behind on Thursday.

Holy Trinity Catholic School begins classes on Monday, Kingfisher on Wednesday, Aug. 14, and Okarche and Cashion on Thursday, Aug. 15.

See Section B of this edition to find out what’s ahead for every county school.

Kingfisher Police Chief Dennis Baker reminds motorists to be aware of school zones and the additional challenges caused by ongoing construction on U.S. 81.

“The Main Street and Will Rogers intersection is always especially busy during the school year and it’s compounded again this year by the one-lane traffic pattern,” he said.

“Parents and student drivers can save some time if they will avoid that intersection before and after school.”

Those who have to pass through the construction zone to get to work or school are asked to give themselves some extra travel time to accommodate the increased school traffic.

“Everyone will save themselves some headaches and keep their families and other drivers safe by not getting in such a rush,” he said.

Traffic also continues to be heavy on 13^th Street from Victory Lane north as a popular route around the U.S. 81 construction zone.

“We are continuing to patrol that route and will be even more diligent mornings and afternoons along the 13^th Street school zones as much as our other calls for service will allow us,” he said.

Motorists also need to be aware of bus, pedestrian and bicycle traffic, Baker said.

“When a bus is unloading with emergency lights and stop sign activated, it’s illegal to pass it from either direction,” he said. “Officers will also be doing their best to watch for motorists who fail to yield to students in marked school crossings.

“Please be extra cautious in school zones as students may run into the streets and may not always use a marked crosswalk when crossing.”

Baker asked parents of walking or biking students to encourage their students to use marked crosswalks and walk the route with their students ahead of time to make sure they are familiar with the safest route.“

We also encourage students to walk to and from school in groups rather than alone if possible,” Baker said.

Baker also reminds parents and other motorists that Oak Street in front of Gilmour Elementary School is one-way from 7-9 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. while school is in session and Werner Street on the south side of the school is a no-parking zone between Oak Street and 10th Street.

“That section of street will also be closed each day as Gilmour dismisses to ensure student safety,” he said.