NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Thousands of Middle Tennessee kids head back to school Monday after a long summer break.
In Davidson County, more than 150 schools will welcome back students today. There will be Metro Nashville Police crossing guards staffed around busy, school zone areas.
Metro Police say they currently have 125 crossing guards, which is enough to staff cross walks but they'd still like to hire 40 more.
The job is part time and starts at $12.44 an hour with a bonus at the end of the year. Sgt. Mark Denton says it's an important job to not only keep kids safe.
"Our crossing guards refer to these children as their kids and they really do take it that way," he said. " They'll take it serous when someone does anything silly that would jeopardize their safety."
Info for MNPS parents
For Metro parents, the family portal apps are new and improved. They allow both students and parents to see real-time class and assignment grades, test scores, due dates, attendance and discipline information.
They also allow teachers to message parents and send mobile alerts. There are different portals for students and parents so make sure you have the right one.
Download the apps called "Campus Student" or "Campus Parent" in the Google Play or Apple stores – just make sure you get an enrollment key from your school.
Back-to-school security
Some districts are also stepping up security with money from a school safety bill signed off by Governor Lee.
Public school districts all around the state can apply for the $40-million school safety proposal. If approved, the money can be used in several ways to improve school safety.
There are two options for the grants:
The first adds a school resource officer to schools that didn't have one last year. Districts had to apply for that over the summer.
The second grant would be used toward violence prevention and behavioral programs, along with school safety officers and training for employees. The state will divide up $20-million dollars for that grant.
Schools can apply for that second grant for the next month or so, and they'll find out if they get it at the end of September.
Related story: New Metro Schools director says better communication, literacy are goals for the year
