Macon Reporter

Senator Sally Turner welcomed students to the new school year, saying, "As our students head back to the classrooms, let's ensure they do so safely." She made the statement in an Aug. 15 Facebook post.

"Welcome Back to School," said Sally Jo Turner, State Senator 44th District (D), according to Facebook. "As our students head back to the classrooms, let's ensure they do so safely. Wishing everyone a successful and safe school year ahead!"

Students across the 44th District have returned to school, and Senator Turner shared information that parents, the public, and students need to be mindful of during this time of year. In her Facebook post, Turner shared a link to a safety checklist from the American Red Cross. The checklist included tips for parents of young students and those attending school for the first time, as well as for those who walk to school, ride their bikes, or take the bus.

Screenshot of Sen. Sally Turner's Aug. 15 Facebook post | State Senator Sally Turner's Facebook page

Some of those tips included making sure young students and those attending for the first time know their phone number and address, as well as how to get in touch with parents, trusted adults, and 911.

For those who walk to school, according to the American Red Cross, adults should have children walk on the sidewalk or facing traffic if there is no sidewalk available. Children should look left, right, and left again to check for cars before crossing the street and avoid running out into the street or between parked cars.

For those who take the bus to school, parents are encouraged to teach their kids to arrive at the bus stop early and stay away from the curb while waiting; to get on their bus only; and to wait until it has come to a complete stop.

The checklist also encourages parents to make sure student athletes know always to wear protective gear, warm up and cool down properly, watch out for others, and know where automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and first aid kits are located. It also warns drivers to slow down and understand what yellow and red flashing lights on a school bus mean.

Senator Turner has represented the people of Illinois' 44th Senate District since 2021. She is a lifelong Illinois resident with a degree in legal studies from the University of Illinois. Her professional experience includes time as a juvenile probation officer and as a paralegal in the Office of the Logan County State’s Attorney. She was elected Logan County Clerk and Recorder and served in that position until deciding not to seek re-election in 2018.