Back to School in Franklin, NC: Safety First on the First Day

Today marks the first day of school for students across Franklin and Macon County—and with it comes excitement, nerves, and plenty of school buses on the road. As families settle into new routines, safety remains the top priority for students, parents, teachers, and our wider community.

A Fresh Start for Students

The first day of school is more than just meeting new teachers or finding your way around the building—it’s also about setting the tone for a safe and successful year. Franklin’s schools, from Franklin High to our elementary and middle schools, have strong safety policies in place to protect students, but safety also begins at home and in the community.

Road & Transportation Safety

With buses rolling out early this morning and kids walking, biking, and being dropped off at schools, drivers need to be extra alert.

• Slow down in school zones. Speeding not only breaks the law but endangers children crossing streets or exiting buses.

• Stop for school buses. In North Carolina, passing a stopped bus with flashing red lights is illegal and extremely dangerous.

• Practice walking and biking safety. Students should use sidewalks where available, cross at designated crosswalks, and wear helmets if biking.

Parents can help by practicing routes with younger students and reinforcing safe habits.

Health & Wellness Reminders

After summer break, it’s normal for kids to be around more germs. Parents should keep children home if they are running a fever, experiencing vomiting/diarrhea, or showing signs of contagious illness. A healthy start helps protect everyone in the classroom.

Bullying Prevention & Positive School Culture

The start of school is a perfect time to remind students about kindness, inclusion, and respect. North Carolina schools follow the School Violence Prevention Act, which ensures strong anti-bullying policies. Encourage your child to speak up if they feel unsafe or see another student being mistreated.

Emergency Preparedness

Throughout the school year, Franklin’s schools will conduct safety drills—whether fire, weather, or lockdowns—so students and staff are prepared. Talking to your child about these drills can make them feel more confident and less anxious if one happens.

A Community Effort

School safety doesn’t stop at the school doors—it’s something the whole community takes part in. From drivers yielding to buses, to parents encouraging healthy routines, to teachers fostering safe classrooms, Franklin is strongest when everyone looks out for our students.

Final Thought

The first day of school is filled with promise. By putting safety first, we ensure that students in Franklin, NC can focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and building memories that last a lifetime.

Here’s to a safe and successful school year! 🎒🍎✏️