Westport Police Increase Enforcement Ahead of School Start
Westport Police Department: With the start of Westport’s schools on Tuesday, August 30, the police department will be increasing its traffic enforcement in school zones with a “Back to School” enforcement and education campaign. Officers will be looking out for drivers who are using cell phones, speeding, and disregarding school bus signals.
The Westport Police Department is committed to protecting children from motorists who disregard Connecticut’s traffic safety laws, especially around school zones and bus stops where students congregate. We urge commuters to allow for extra time, as they will be sharing the roads with school buses making frequent stops, as well as children who will be walking and/or biking to school. Please remain vigilant around school zones, bus stops and school buses. Obey the school bus laws, which include slowing down and preparing to stop for yellow flashing school bus lights and stopping for red flashing school bus lights.
A list of suggestions for drivers, students and parents are listed below. Parents are encouraged to discuss these safety tips with their children and with young or inexperienced drivers in their home.
Drivers:
When driving in neighborhoods with school zones or backing into a roadway, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there safely.
Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.
Be alert! Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
Learn and obey the school bus laws.
Learn the "flashing signal light system" used by school bus drivers to alert motorists of pending actions:
Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists on both sides of the roadway must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.
Children:
Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it is okay before stepping onto the bus.
If you must cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
Use the handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps are not caught in the handrails or doors.
Never walk behind the bus.
Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.
If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.
Follow instructions given by school crossing guards. Do not cross until they have stopped traffic completely and have advised it is safe to cross.
We all have a responsibility to make sure children make it to and from school safely. Let us work together to have a safe back to school season!
Dawn Divers hit the Sound
A group of open water swimmers continue a local tradition of diving into the Sound before sunrise as they embark on their morning swim. WestportLocal.com photo
Serene Sunrise over Compo Beach
This morning’s fiery sunrise gave heat and light to the kayakers who made their way through crisp, calm waters along Westport’s Compo Beach. WestportLocal.com photo
Help Wanted: Center Director for Local Learning Center
Huntington Learning Center: Huntington Learning Center in Westport has reopened its doors under new management. Since 1977, Huntington has been positively impacting and changing the lives of children. Huntington is the leader in the tutoring and test prep industry and our success is directly attributed to our highly acclaimed instructional programs and the amazing teams of devoted professionals who commit themselves to help students achieve success in school.
We are seeking a Center Director to operate and manage the center. The Director will be responsible for operations, administration, marketing, communications and customer service. The Director will also help to grow the center from a startup to a thriving school over the next several years. Our goal is to open multiple schools in the area, so this position has the opportunity for greater responsibility. If you are interested in guiding and enriching the lives of children in our community, and have business experience, this is the right environment for you to succeed.
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Requirements for the Center Director:
• A 4-year college degree
• 2-3 years of management, customer service, sales or education leadership
• Familiarity and facility with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint • Familiarity with Quickbooks and experience with financial reporting (P&L oversight) • An ability to work a 40-hour work week Monday through Thursday.
• An enthusiastic, outgoing and team-oriented personality
• A growth-oriented mindset and personal drive necessary to manage and build a business operation
• Outstanding communication skills and an ability to interface with customers (parents)
• A confident and flexible demeanor
The Center Director is responsible for meeting revenue, operations, and marketing goals at the center through marketing, generating new business, retaining existing business, and managing and developing full-time staff. The Center Director is a leader, manager, trainer, marketer, and student retention specialist. The Directorʼs typical day includes, but is not limited to:
• Acting as the “face” of the center by greeting all students and parents as they arrive for appointments
• Conducting initial student evaluations and working with new students
• Managing front end administrative office, including scheduling and payroll
• Interacting with parents regarding program, scheduling, and tuition questions • Hiring, training, managing, scheduling, and supervising teachers and other staff • Working with students in an instructional capacity as needed
• Participating in local marketing activities to help grow the center’s tutoring and test prep business, including event-focused school visits, PTA and parent workshops, and visits to merchants, community groups, and libraries
• Building the center's personal referral base through strong customer service.
Benefits:
The compensation package will include a competitive base salary and bonus program based on growth and profitability of the center. Other benefits include:
• Extensive career growth (including potentially managing several centers)
• On the job paid training
• Comprehensive benefits plan
• 401K package
• Vacation/paid time off
If you have a passion for education and appreciate the immediate gratification from making a difference in a child's life, Huntington Learning Center is the place for you. If you are a self-motivated leader with a proven record of excellence in your past endeavors, then you will be a successful partner for us. Please send your CV and cover letter to Brian Rivel at rivelb@hlcmail.com