If you follow social media and know people with students attending Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools, you likely were lit-up with lots of photos showing students and teachers reporting for the first day of classes Wednesday.

HSE Schools spokesperson Emily Abbots says the first day of school locally was a good day overall, but there were some glitches with the bus transportation system.

The HSE District flipped their start times for classes.  In the 2021-2022 school year, the elementary grades started classes earliest.  In past years, it was the upper grade levels that had the earlier start.

“Having elementary go first in the morning and afternoon did result in late bus pick-ups and drop-offs for the secondary students,” Abbots tells LarryInFishers.

There were the usual issues of parents taking pictures of their students entering the school bus, and the usual confusion about where to catch the bus taking you home at the end of the school day.  That resulted in some delays.

Meanwhile, with classes back in session, the Fishers Police Department reminds motorists to keep these driving tips in mind:

• Be prepared for a longer commute. School buses and teenage drivers will add to the traffic congestion in the mornings and afternoons.
• Expect the unexpected. Watch for slowing or stopped traffic and the possibility of children darting out into the street.
• Be patient and observe the law when approaching or following a school bus.
• Be very aware of intersections where children are waiting for the bus.
• Be mindful of reduced speed limits in designated school zones.
• Police officers will provide increased patrols in neighborhoods and school zones. Officers in marked and unmarked police cars will be enforcing school bus stop arm violations and speeding in school zones.
• Residents should report suspicious activity and dangerous drivers by calling the Hamilton County Dispatch Center at 911 or 317-773-1282.