Students across Westport climbed onto yellow buses as they headed back for the first day of school. At Dogwood Lane, the Klau, Zimmerman, Landowne and Epstein families headed back to Saugatuck Elementary School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Students across Westport were back to school today, including at Saugatuck Elementary School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport police have urged motorists to be especially cautious as students head back to school next week and reminded them that the fine for passing a stopped school bus is $460.

Police units are already operating radar and selective enforcement details in school zones and along school bus routes, said John Parisi, public safety officer.

In addition to the extra patrols, officers will be assigned to follow school buses for violations and to position themselves to observe violations at certain bus stops, he said.

Parisi urged residents to allow extra time for travel in the morning.

Workers using torches to install a new tar roof on Westport’s Coleytown Elementary School touched off a small fire today, fire officials said.
Westport firefighters check some windows near where a small roof fire occurred today at Coleytown Elementary School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Firefighters responded to a 911 call at 7:53 a.m. reporting smoke in the building, said Assistant Chief Andrew Kingsbury.

Firefighters from Engine Co. 6, located next to the school, were on the scene within moments and were met by a roofing contractor who said a roof fire has occurred and there was a moderate smoke condition in the school, he said.

Firefighters overhauled the area of the fire to check for any fire extension and also identified a second hot spot with a thermal imaging camera that needed to be checked, Kingsbury said.

Parents get a class closeup at the Staples High School graduation ceremony today.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) David Dreyfuss for WestportNow.com