Going back to school Published Aug. 14, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Joanna M. Kresge 2 Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- School officials from 22 Bossier Parish Schools met with parents and children at the base Youth Center July 31st to prepare for the new school year. Parents had the opportunity to meet with their children's principals and learn about the changes made over summer vacation, including athletic programs, and dress codes with a fashion show for each of the area school uniforms. Ken Kruithof superintendent of schools was invited to be a guest speaker at the event. He started out the evening by thanking the military community for their service and school support. "We are delighted to be serving you and your families," he said, "thank you for choosing our schools and giving us the right to educate your children and our children." Dependents of military personnel from Barksdale total more than 1,800 of the students in Bossier Parish schools. Each of the school districts represented during the back-to-school night will also hold an orientation at their own facilities to acclimate students, and prepare parents for the coming school year. The event at the Youth Center held here was meant to do the same, but also to improve the relationship between Bossier Parish schools and Barksdale. "We are here to build a relationship between the base and Bossier schools through the Barksdale Community Education Partnership, and to improve mentorship with tutors and volunteers as a way of cementing that relationship," said Mr. Merryman. For more information about the Barksdale Community Education Partnership, or to volunteer, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 456-8400. With classes starting soon, parents are reminded to keep safety in mind when sending their children to school. Please follow the following safety tips: *Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before stepping off the curb and look both ways before crossing the street. *If your child's school bus has lap belts and shoulder straps, remind them to wear them at all times and to stay seated and in full view of the bus driver. *When purchasing your child's new backpack, make sure the shoulder straps are well padded and make sure weight is distributed evenly throughout all compartments. The most weight should be centered on your child's back. *If your child is riding their bicycle to school, make sure they know the rules of the road and ride on the right. Bicycles are required to stop at stop signs and stop lights. They should wear bright or reflective clothing at all times and use reflectors and a light on bikes when riding after dark. *If your child is walking to school make sure their route of travel has adult crossing guards at each intersection. Walk the route with them to make sure you know their path and any short cuts they may take. *Make sure you talk to your child about not talking to strangers and come up with a 'key word' to be used if you have to send an adult they do not know, to pick them up. *When your child is working on homework or studying, have them take a periodic break to alleviate eye strain, and neck fatigue this will help with concentration as well. For questions or to enroll a child, call the number below for the corresponding school. Airline High School - 318-549-5080 Apollo Elementary School 318-549-6010 Bellaire Elementary School - 318-549-6300 Benton Elementary School - 318-549-5170 Benton Middle School - 318-549-5310 Benton High School - 318-549-5240 Bossier Elementary School - 318-549-6350 Bossier High School - 318-549-6680 Bossier Parish Technical School - 318-676-7811 Butler Educational Complex - 318-549-7080 Carrie Martin Elementary School - 318-326-7800 Central Park Elementary School - 318-549-6400 Charlotte Ann Mitchell Education Center 318-549-6810 Cope Middle School - 318-549-5380 Curtis Elementary School - 318-549-6450 Elm Grove Middle School - 318-549-6500 Greenacres Middle School - 318-549-6210 Haughton High School - 318-549-5450 Haughton Middle School - 318-549-5560 Meadowview Elementary School - 318-549-5640 Parkway High School - 318-549-6910 Plain Dealing High School - 318-326-7700 Plain Dealing Middle School - 318-326-7780 Plantation Park Elementary School - 318-549-5700 Platt Elementary School - 318-549-5870 Princeton Elementary School - 318-549-5750 R.V. Kerr Elementary School - 318-549-6560 Rusheon Middle School - 318-549-6610 Stockwell Place Elementary School - 318-549-5820 Sun City Elementary School - 318-549-7000