School is back in session which means school buses are out and children are walking or biking to school. Remember to be careful as you travel neighborhood streets. Keep your eye out for little ones at the bus stop and crossing the street. If you have a high schooler who is planning to drive to school, you must attend a safe driving presentation. Parents and young drivers must attend the meeting together and pay the $15.00 fee. Students must also comply with all school rules related to driving and parking on school property in order to retain this privilege. Sessions are being held a few different times and you can attend one at any Howard County high school. Sessions are on Sept. 1, at 6 p.m., at Wilde Lake; Sept. 8, at 7 p.m., at Atholton, and on Sept. 14, at 6:30 p.m., at Hammond. I recommend that you confirm all dates and times with the host school prior to attending.Fulton Elementary School Principal Sharon Lewandowski is happy to welcome new staff members to the school this year. Allison Kupiec is a kindergarten teacher. New first-grade teachers are Denise Stamper and Lisa Goldberg. Emily Ruffing joined the staff as a fourth-grade instructional team leader; John Marlowe is from New Hampshire and is teaching fifthgrade. The new band and strings teacher, Rick Twigg has transferred from Patuxent Valley Middle School.Sharon King is the new part-time physical education teacher from Forest Ridge Elementary School. Maggie Fischer is a part-time media teacher.The Howard County Bird Club that meets at the Robinson Nature Center is having two events in September. On Sept 8, at 7 p.m. "The Impact of Buildings on Birds" will be presented by Lindsay Jacks who is the director of Lights Out Baltimore, a non-profit bird club in Baltimore. The annual Fall Count for the bird club is scheduled for Sept. 17. The county co-coordinators are Mike McClure and Chuck Stirrat. Mike can be reached at 410-531-2780 and Chuck at 410-531-2417 if you have questions or need more information. Prior years have set an average of 125 species of birds identified on the count. Even if you are beginner you are invited to spend the day birding with the club and help raise the average of birds counted in our area. According to the Howard County Bird Club's latest newsletter, the Bird Count in May totaled 148 species. An amazing 14,732 total birds were counted at that time.The Savage Historical Society did not meet during the summer months but are ready to go for the fall. The next meeting will beMonday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m.,in the F&M Center at 9032 Baltimore St. in Savage. The topic of this meeting will be "Savage Factory: Company Town" and will be led by Galen Menne, the president of the SHS.Crafters and vendorsare needed for theSt.FrancisofAssisiChristmas Bazaar inFulton. The bazaar will take place onFriday, Nov. 11, from 5 to 9 p.m. and onSaturday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3p.m.The cost for an 8' by 8' space with a table is $65.You should contact Martie Nagle at MCLNagle01@verizon.net if you are interested.