Schools around the Ozarks will open for the new school year next week!  Springfield Public schools begin their 23/24 school year on Tuesday, August 22.  Willard, Strafford, Ozark, Nixa and Republic begins their school year on Monday, August 21.

Now is the time to be aware of school crossings and crosswalks, slow down when you see the flashing light near school zones.

Springfield police will be monitoring school traffic and will be handing out tickets if you are caught speeding in those areas.

School buses will be hitting the roads. Here are some bus rules to remember.  If a  bus is moving on a two-lane road, you have to stop when the school bus has its lights flashing. This applies for BOTH directions.  If traveling on a four-lane road, only the drivers behind the bus must stop.  Do watch for kids hopping on and off the bus.