CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — It is hard to believe it, but school is back for many districts starting this morning, including for students in Champaign. Kids were able to get on their school busses and head to their new classrooms to start the new school year.Â
Stacey Moore, a spokesperson for the Unit School District, said, "We are so excited to welcome back more than 10,000 students to 19 of our campuses."
One big change coming to the Unit 4 school district this year is their new policies when it comes to cellphone use by students. Starting today, cellphone and personal device use will be limited during instructional time. The goal of this new policy is to work towards the districts mission of positively transforming learning and life outcomes for their students.Â
"We have implemented new cell phone procedures, and we have let our families know the expectations for Kindergarten through High School."Â
Another way the district is working to better the lives of their students is by providing free meals again this year. Any student that wants a nutritious meal will have access to a free breakfast and lunch.Â
As for getting to school, bus drivers have been hard at work making sure they are prepared for pick up and drop off as they start the new year.
Unit 4 Transportation Director Bradley Carriveau said, "Our staff is fully excited. We were here all week doing dry runs and professional development, so I don't foresee any issues like we had last year."
He also passed along tips to make sure that your student has a smooth ride as they jump on the bus to head to their new classrooms.
"It's just like a classroom on the school bus. It's a section of the classroom, so we just ask that parents remind their children to pay attention to adults on the bus."
School officials are encouraging parents to download the Unit 4 app, and my ride K-12 bus app to stay updated on any changes to their bus routes.Â
