By Kelly Bell
The Tyler Independent School District (TISD) has implemented a new bell schedule for its middle and high schools during the 2010-2011 semester. Middle schools will be starting at 8:25 a.m. and let out at 3:40 p.m. High schools will start at 8:40 a.m. and release at 4:10 p.m. Elementary schools will run from 8:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.
School zone flashing lights will commence operation August 23 from 7:00 a.m. till 9:00 a.m. and from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. The following are exceptions:
1. West Loop 323 near John Tyler High School will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. till 4:45 p.m.
2. South Donnybrook near Robert E. Lee High School will also operate from 8:00 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. till 4:45 p.m.
3. Copeland Road at Hubbard Dr. will run from 7:30 a.m. till 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to buy drugs 4:30 p.m.
A new, 35 MPH school zone will operate on West Ford St. just east of West Loop 323 for newly opened Jones Boshears Elementary School.
Crossing guards will be on duty acomplia buy at all flashing school zones. Guards will brandish a hand-held stop paddle and precede students as they cross streets. Motorists must halt their vehicles while the crossing guards remain in the street, and wait until the guard has returned to the curb before proceeding. In order to avoid delays motorists are encouraged to review their commute routes. City of Tyler Traffic Engineer Peter Eng expects no problems with school zones after motorists become familiar with them.
“The first three weeks of a new school year are always very hectic as everyone adjusts to their new routines, especially when we have new schools opening,” he said. “Give yourself extra time to get where you need to go, and be patient with other drivers. Safety is more important than anything else. Each school has developed a traffic flow plan available to all parents to provide for the safe loading and unloading of students, and also to get cars in and out of the school property as efficiently as possible.”
Using hand-held communication devices like cell phones is strictly prohibited in school speed zones.
For more information such as lists of designated TISD school zones visit www.tylerisd.org or www.cityoftyler.org.
