Now that we’re officially headed into the first full week of school, I thought it would be the perfect time to cover some back-to-school basics that’ll help make this school year one worth remembering.

So without further ado, let’s get started.

I’m probably not the only one who’s noticed Geneva’s finest patrolling the school zones, so it might behoove you to bear in mind that those 20 mph speed limits are back in effect. Granted, the GPD is great about passing out warnings, but why tempt the fates?

And the same thing applies to school busses. Thankfully, I haven’t seen anyone pass one of them in awhile. I just know how frustrating it can be to be caught behind one of them, but should you be tempted, please consider that most of them carry cameras these days.

The bottom line is, whether it’s a school speed zone or a big yellow bus with flashing red lights, exercising caution and patience is always the better part of valor.

Moving on!

Though it really oughtta be a year-round endeavor, it’s time to start paying a little closer attention to our children’s Facebook accounts, Internet meanderings, and texts. Sadly, that’s where the bullying starts these days, and being proactive is the best way to nip it in the bud.

You know I’m not a big fan of this type of surveillance, but it goes way beyond bullying. The sheer number of virtual predators out there that make this kind of vigilance a necessity.

We’ve already discussed the plethora of programs and apps that make Internet and text tracking easy.

Next!

I understand that teachers have become the Rodney Dangerfields of the working world, but let’s give them the respect they deserve. It’s a tough job that starts early in the morning with pre-class preparation and finally ends with grading homework, tests and papers well into the evening hours.

I have yet to meet a teacher who would refuse any student who asks for a little after-school help either.

But why not take it a step further? Whether it’s career day or some other school event, plan on sharing your area of expertise with your son or daughter’s class. Not only will they benefit from your wisdom, but you’ll get a firsthand idea of just how difficult it is to hold 30 students’ attention for even a short time.

Along those same lines, while pondering the contents of this column as I roamed the streets of beautiful downtown Geneva, I happened to run into a District 304 principal. So I asked him, “If there were one thing you could say to all those parents out there, what would it be?”

He thought about it for awhile and replied, “I would want parents to know that we really have the best interest of their child in mind. Are we perfect? No. But if we have a disagreement, I would ask that parents to keep that thought in mind. Being adversarial for its own sake gets us nowhere.”

Point well taken.

If we start the academic conversation from a common goal, we’re much more likely to avoid that unnecessary rancor.

And lastly, Geneva High School has implemented a new program that I really love. This year they asked upper classmen to volunteer to help nervous incoming freshmen make the transition from the middle schools. And I’m thrilled to be able to report that 116 students signed on to become those two-week mentors.

I would encourage even more high schoolers to take them up on it next year.

But then I had another thought. Much like that highly heralded St. Charles high school Peer Leadership program, why not make it a full-time thing? And why not offer it to more than just incoming freshmen?

As you may recall, during my GHS football tryout last year, I was utterly impressed with the caliber of the young men under Coach Rob Wicinski’s care. What if, as part of the regular responsibilities of a high school athlete, they were encouraged to mentor students who have a difficult time fitting in?

A full-time program like this (not limited to athletes) would have an amazing effect on that difficult high school dynamic. I believe it would go a long way toward mitigating the bullying problem.

So there you have it. Short and sweet. Now go out there and have a great school year!