NEW TOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

STUDENT SAFETY
SPOTLIGHT
SEPTEMBER | 2026
THIS INFORMATION IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAFE KIDS GRAND FORKS & OUR PARTNERS AT ND VISION ZERO.
September has a special “back in the groove” feel, which makes it a great month forsafety reminders that match school routines. As practices, playdates, and screen time pick up, everyday choices around sports gear, online rules, babysitting plans, and home fall prevention can make a big difference in keeping students safe. This month, we’re highlighting practical steps families can use right away.

September is packed with sports practices, games, and school activities - this is a smart month for injury prevention. Safe Kids helps support active youth by encouraging safe play, smart supervision, and practical steps that keep sports fun and safe.

For Families
Make sure gear fits and is used correctly. Safety equipment only works well when itmatches the student for size, fit, and the activity. Encourage hydration before, during, and after activity. A well-hydrated athlete is better prepared to play safely.

For Teachers and Staff
Report and treat injuries, especially head injuries, right away. It is always better to speak up early than to wait too long. Use proper warm-up and conditioning. Bodies do better when they are prepared before the action starts. Remind students that playing through pain is not safe. “Toughing it out” can turn a small injury into a bigger one. Sports are a great way to keep kids healthy and fit, but just like knowing the rules for the game, safety strategies should be a part of the plan for athletes, parents and coaches. For information geared to keep our young athletes safe and ‘in the game’, visit, safekidsgf.com/SportsSafety.html

Sports Safety Is No Coin Toss
Specialized Rides — Extra Safety for Special Needs
If your student uses an assistive device or has mobility needs, a standard seatbelt or car
seat might not fit them safely. Safe Kids experts recommend building a custom
transportation plan that protects both the child and their equipment.
Secure both pieces. Students using assistive devices need a plan where both the
student and the wheelchair are independently locked down during travel.
Know the two options. Depending on needs, they will either transfer to a vehicle
seat with a specialized restraint, or stay in their wheelchair secured by a crashtested
tie-down system.
Build your expert team. Work with a medical team, the equipment manufacturer, and
a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) with special-needs training.
Mix your resources. For the safest possible setup, combine CDC child passenger
safety guidelines with your vehicle’s manual and a local special-needs transit expert.
KEEPING KIDS SAFE AT HOME, AT SCHOOL, AT PLAY, AND ON THE WAY!!!
STUDENT SAFETY
SPOTLIGHT
SEPTEMBER | 2026
Walking to school is a great way to start the day, get
some fresh air, and hang out before class. Darker
mornings and busy traffic require smarter walker habits
including:
The One-Earbud Rule: Keep at least one earbud
completely out of your ear while walking so you can
hear sirens, electric car motors, and bicycle bells.
The Curb Pause: Make a habit to lock your phone
screens and put them completely away before
reaching any intersection or crosswalk.
The Eye-Contact Test: Never step into a crosswalk
just because the light is green; look directly at the
driver in the closest lane to make sure they see you
and have stopped.
As the school year kicks into gear, social media and
online spaces become a major part of daily life. Smart
boundaries are the best protection while navigating the
web. Smart habits for online spaces include:
Lock Down Privacy: Never share your home
address, passwords, school name, or private photos
with anyone online.
Follow Family Rules: Check in with parents about
apps, accounts, and posts before signing up.
Spot the Scams: Remember that people online are
often not who they say they are in real life.
Speak Up Early: Tell a trusted adult immediately if
someone makes you uncomfortable.
Use Common Spaces: Charge and use your devices
in shared family rooms - no hiding in your room.
Shifting weather, rushed morning schedules, and
messy entryways turn floors into major hazard zones.
Taking a few seconds to clear a path is a small fix that
makes a massive difference in preventing painful falls.
Quick trip tip fixes:
Clear the Floor: Keep walkways completely free of
loose cords and clutter to eliminate trip hazards.
Light Your Path: Turn on hallway lights or plug-ins
so you can clearly see your footing on stairs.
Secure Loose Rugs: Ensure mats and rugs have
non-slip backing so they do not slide around.
Choose Smart Footwear: Wear sturdy, closed-toe
shoes or grip socks to maintain your balance.
Designate Gear Spots: Put your sports gear, bags,
and other belongings away immediately instead of
leaving them on the stairs.

more information, visit visionzero.nd.gov or safekidsgf.com
KEEPING KIDS SAFE AT HOME, AT SCHOOL, AT PLAY, AND ON THE WAY!!!

Good afternoon NTPS parents,
We just got word that there is construction on the bridge going to Four Bears. If your child rides a bus on the Four Bears side, they might get home a little later than usual.

Homecoming Parade 2026

Line up starts at the conclusion of the mini Olympics at 2:45 pm on Friday, September 4th.

All floats line up on the east side of the school
- Color guard/eagle staff is first!
Horses (if any) are at the end
Senior float will be close to the front, followed by the football team (if they have one)
- We will break up classes to make sure other community members floats are in the parade
Route goes from the HS down eagle drive towards the Catholic Church, and then turn down Main Street (hwy 23) and turn down by sunset apartments, and head to the elementary school and then drive north in front of the main doors.