School in central Illinois gets back in session this week and a local law enforcement official is offering up his annual reminders for safety around schools.

Clinton Police Department School Resource Officer Mike Bennett indicates the biggest change in Clinton will be the traffic around the various school buildings. He encourages motorists to either avoid the areas or allow for extra time during their daily commutes.

According to Officers Bennett, the pick-up list is one of the biggest issues the district encounters on a regular basis when it comes to dropping off/pick up. He encourages families to have that list updated before the first day of school.

If your child is on any medications that will need to be administered at school, Officer Bennett encourages parents to make sure the school is aware of those and if there are any changes from the previous school year.

In areas of the schools, motorists are asked to be aware of children walking or biking to school. Officer Bennett also encourages parents to go over the rules of the road and to encourage them to look both ways before crossing the street.

One of the most egregious offenses Officer Bennett says he encounters far too often is motorists that simply ignore the crossing guard signals on buses. He emphasizes the severe consequences this offense carries.

Officer Bennett encourages parents as much as possible, get kids to school on time, and for the general public to be aware of the increase in traffic that is inevitably going to come starting Wednesday in Clinton.