Although it felt more like July than September, a new school year began this week for students in the Cape Henlopen School District, and at Sussex Academy and many other schools in Delaware. 

The roads are noticeably busier in the mornings and early afternoons, so drivers need to be more alert. School zones and bus stops are bustling hubs of activity. Youngsters, often excited and distracted, may not always be aware of their surroundings. With their often-unpredictable behavior, it is our duty as responsible drivers to anticipate and adapt. 

Drivers need to respect posted speed limits in school zones and be ready to slow down at a moment's notice.

This shouldn't have to be said, but: Stop for buses. Drivers not stopping, despite flashing red lights, mark a disturbing trend in recent years. The beginning of the school year is a good time to limit possible distractions and improve focus on the road ahead. 

Road safety is a shared responsibility, and by staying vigilant, we can help ensure our children arrive safely at their destinations. 

Keeping students safe also applies to the school day, and we applaud local schools for beefing up security. Cape Henlopen School District recently announced a new team of constables and school resource officers. Sussex Tech made a similar announcement. 

For Cape, in particular, the new team gives each of the district’s nine schools more coverage that will hopefully provide staff and students with a stronger sense of safety and security. And that should limit distraction and improve the learning environment. 

The start of a new school year brings with it excitement, anticipation and possibly dread, feelings that were well captured in Cape Gazette coverage of the Cape district’s first day Sept. 6, and in photographs submitted by readers and our own staff. We hope the excitement and anticipation – hopefully not the dread – continue throughout the year as students work on assignments and presentations, prepare for performances or get ready for a big game. Only 277 days left until summer vacation!