As students across Carol Stream return to the classroom, the Carol Stream Police Department is launching Operation Safe Start 2026, an initiative focused on student safety, traffic safety and supporting the school community at the beginning of the new school year.

Back-to-School Dates

Schools serving Carol Stream begin the new year on different dates:

• Community Consolidated School District 93: August 19
• Benjamin School District 25: August 25
• School District U-46: August 27

What to Expect

As students return, residents can expect to see Carol Stream Police officers around schools, crosswalks, pick-up and drop-off areas, roadways and surrounding neighborhoods. The increased police presence is intended to help students arrive at and leave school safely while reminding motorists to use extra caution in areas with increased pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic.

Parents, students and drivers all play an important role in a safe start to the school year. Motorists are reminded to:

• Slow down and obey posted school-zone speed limits.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions while driving.
• Watch carefully for students walking or biking to school.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Use extra caution around school buses and pick-up and drop-off areas.
• Allow additional travel time as school traffic returns.

With students returning on different dates throughout August, drivers should expect changing traffic patterns and increased activity around local schools over the next several weeks.

The Village of Carol Stream and Carol Stream Police Department wish students, families, teachers and school staff a safe and successful school year.