The Safe Routes to School Task Force is hard at work mapping safe and fun routes for children to walk, bike and roll to school. There are so many benefits to walking, biking and rolling to school. Physically active kids are more likely to become healthy, physically active adults and walking, biking and rolling to school helps cut down air pollution from cars. In South Burlington, in particular, we have a goal to reduce miles traveled by vehicles 2.5 percent each year in order to meet the greenhouse gas reduction goals of our climate action plan. Developing safe, fun routes to school is one important component of helping us to achieve that goal. So, encourage your children to walk, bike and roll to school and, as you drive around, please be extra mindful of our kids as they try out these new routes!

– Andrew Chalnick, South Burlington City Councilor & Vice Chair

At the South Burlington School District, the first day of school for all students is Monday, August 26th. This year, all 5 schools have a 25 mph speed limit or established school zones with a 25 mph speed limit, including the newest zone on Dorset Street outside the middle and high school. Also, starting later in the fall, students can take advantage of the Safe Routes to School pilot program, offering walking and biking routes through neighborhoods, giving students alternative options for getting to school.

Several of our schools had upgrades this summer, including a new HVAC system at Rick Marcotte Central School and roof repairs at Chamberlin. All this so the schools will be safe and comfortable as our students return to school for the 2024-2025 year.  Visit www.sbschools.net/backtoschool for all the resources you'll need for the start of the year, including school start times, bus routes, menus and more!

Thursday, August 22 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. Kick off the school year with a Back-to-School Drive at SB Nite Out! Donate school supplies which will be distributed to the local South Burlington schools for the 2025 school year! Plus, the first 250 kids will receive a South Burlington Recreation and Parks lunch bag! Click to learn more.

BABYTIME: a lapsit storytime for infants and their caregivers. Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., for non-mobile infants and their adult caregivers. A gentle, slow storytime that features songs, rhymes, and lap play for our youngest patrons. Grown-up caregivers are welcome to socialize after storytime.

TODDLERTIME: a weekly storytime for toddlers and their caregivers! This lively, interactive storytime is just right for your wiggly toddler. Short stories and familiar songs, rhymes, and fingerplays are featured, with time to wiggle and dance. Sitting still is not a pre-requisite!  Grown-up caregivers are welcome to socialize after the storytime.