Aug. 25. By Marco Wertheimer. Thousands of public school school children from across Cornelius will return to class Aug. 28. Cornelius Police are suggesting kids and parents alike get an early start to beat traffic and arrive safely.

Cpl. E.R Watts says to expect delays. Police will be directing traffic on Bailey Road, Westmoreland and on School Street next to Cornelius Elementary. Of course, the crossing guard will be back on Catawba next to the School of Rock.

Here are some driving tips from the Cornelius Police Department:

– Know when to stop for school buses.

– Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

– Obey all posted school zone speed limits.

– Never pass a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.

– Before turning, be sure the path is clear.

– Slow down near bus stops, schools and playgrounds.

– No drinking and driving.

– Buckle up.

– Avoid distractions such as food, passengers and using mobile devices.

– Texting while driving is illegal.

There will be literally thousands of students hitting the road one way or another on Monday, Cornelius Elementary has 640 students;students, JV Washam, 1,006 students; Bailey Middle, 1,572;  and Hough High, 2,453 students.

They all go back to school on Monday, according to the Charlotte Mecklenburg School calendar: http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/mediaroom/calendars/Documents/2017-2018_Calendar_Approved.pdf

The first break is Labor Day, Sept. 4. All told, the 2017-2018 CMS calendar is 180 days long. Not that we normally think this far ahead, but the last day of school is June 8, 2018.