Students may cringe when they receive their first homework assignments, but parents dread the traffic that plagues many schools during the beginning of the year.

Rome and Floyd County public school students start classes this morning.

Return to RN-T.com for photos from the first day of school throughout the day.

“Many of our parents want to take their students to school and pick them up in the afternoons, ... but that will create traffic issues at schools,” said Rome City Superintendent Gayland Cooper, adding that it usually clears up by the end of the first week.

“I would ask the public, and parents, to drive very cautiously because many boys and girls are walking to school,” Cooper said. “Drive defensively, and watch out for the little people.”

Rome police Maj. Travis Goss echoed Cooper’s advice to watch out for children who might be using the streets or sidewalks to walk or bike to school.

“Be extra cautious and pay attention to school zones and school crossing guards,” said Goss.

“School crossing guards will handle all the traffic, and people need to pay attention to the speed limit.”

There should be police officers at all Floyd County schools to help direct traffic, according to Floyd County Police Chief Bill Shiflett.

“If parents will just bear with us, we will try to get everyone in and out as quickly and safely as possible,” said Shiflett, adding, “Parents should give themselves plenty of time and arrive as early as possible.”

He also said it is a good idea to let children ride the bus if that is part of their normal school schedule.

Because of ongoing construction on the new Model High School, all traffic entering the campus will be using the entrance on Barron Road beside the school, next to the football stadium. All parking will be in the rear of the school. 

Student drop-off and pickup points will be on the right side of the gym.  Those dropping off students will need to turn around in the parking area behind the school and exit on Barron Road. Only buses will be allowed to go around the back of the school and exit in front of the school. 

Construction at Model High will also obstruct the old exit from Model Elementary, so a new entrance and exit drive has been built for parent traffic. Parents are asked to use the new entrance located in the middle of the school property.  The old entrance to Model Elementary will now be used for bus traffic only.

Parking is always a problem, especially the first week, cautioned Floyd County Assistant Superintendent Bob Puckett.

“Be patient and understanding, and things will get settled down,” said Puckett. He said parents who have students attending schools in the Model district should anticipate extra traffic this year because of construction.

“We will have extra personnel out there to help direct traffic,” said Puckett. “The principals from both the elementary and high school will assign extra personnel to help people get to the right area, but with construction going on there is no easy way.”

When classes start

Today — Rome, Floyd County schools

Friday — Berry Elementary/Middle

Aug. 10 — GSD, St. Mary’s

Aug 13 — Unity Christian; Montessori School of Rome (new students)

Aug. 14 — Montessori School of Rome (returning students)

Aug. 17 — Darlington School