If your child is walking or biking to Naperville North, Naperville Central or any District 203 school for the first time this fall, the Naperville Police Department wants you to do one thing before Thursday, Aug. 13: walk the route together.

That's the lead recommendation in the department's back-to-school safety advisory, released Monday, Aug. 3, ahead of District 203's first day on Aug. 13 and District 204's start on Monday, Aug. 17. The guidance covers student pedestrian safety, motorist school-zone rules and crime prevention tips for middle and high schoolers.

What students need to know

NPD's core rule for younger students is simple: "Say NO, GO and TELL." If anyone approaches a child, offers a ride, asks for directions or makes them uncomfortable, the child should refuse, leave and tell a trusted adult.

Beyond that, the department advises students to:

  • Use the buddy system. Walk with a friend or stay in a group at the bus stop.
  • Stick to well-lit routes and never take shortcuts.
  • Wear a helmet when biking and lock the bike to a rack or stationary object at school.
  • Obey crossing guards, crosswalks and traffic signals.
  • Memorize a home address, home phone number and a parent's cell number before the first day.
  • Never leave school with anyone a parent hasn't approved. If someone claims there's an emergency, check with school staff first.

The city publishes recommended safe walk routes for every elementary and middle school in Naperville.

What drivers need to know

School zones drop to 20 mph the moment classes resume. Passing a school bus with its stop arm engaged is illegal in Illinois, and all hand-held device use while driving is banned statewide.

NPD Sgt. Eric Muska said on July 22 during the department's speed-awareness campaign: "Speed greatly reduces a driver's ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object or an unexpected curve."

According to AAA data cited by the department, nearly one in four fatal crashes involving teen drivers occurs between 3 and 7 p.m. after school. NPD asks parents to talk to teen drivers about speed, distractions and awareness during those hours.

The department also warns parents doing drop-off and pickup to lock car doors and remove valuables, even for brief stops. NPD's mid-year crime report, released Tuesday, Aug. 4, found that 84% of vehicle burglaries in the first half of 2026 involved unlocked cars.

Crime prevention at school

Each of Naperville's public middle and high schools has a designated School Resource Officer. NPD tells students to lock lockers, never share combinations, keep valuables secured and report suspicious activity to the SRO or school staff.

Safety Town social on Tuesday

Before school starts, the Naperville Police Foundation hosts a free end-of-summer social from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Safety Town, 1320 Aurora Ave. Kids can ride bikes through Safety Town's miniature streets and check out police vehicles. Police Chief Jason Arres and department officers plan to attend.

School Week Ahead

  • Tuesday, Aug. 11 — Naperville Police Foundation end-of-summer social, 5-7 p.m., Safety Town, 1320 Aurora Ave. Free. (Both districts)
  • Wednesday, Aug. 12 — District 203 Institute Day (staff only, no students)
  • Thursday, Aug. 13 — First day of school, District 203 (all schools including Naperville North, Naperville Central, Lincoln Junior High, Jefferson Junior High, Washington Junior High and all elementary schools)
  • Monday, Aug. 17 — First day of school, District 204 (Neuqua Valley, Metea Valley, Still Middle School, Scullen Middle School and all elementary schools)