The new school year is underway as thousands of students across Connecticut return to the classroom.

Students in Stamford, Westport and Wilton headed back to school Tuesday, along with students in Cornwall and Washington.

More districts are set to welcome students back Wednesday, including Darien, Norwalk, Thomaston and several regional districts.

As students return to school, police departments across the state are reminding drivers and families to put safety first.

The Wilton Police Department said drivers must stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended.

“STOP means STOP,” the department said in a back-to-school safety message.

The Fairfield Police Department also reminded drivers that state law requires motorists to stop when approaching a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign, whether they are traveling behind the bus or approaching it from the opposite direction.

“Your patience keeps children safe,” Fairfield police said.

In Greenwich, police are encouraging parents to review pedestrian safety with their children before the school year begins.

Officers are reminding students to use designated crosswalks, look both ways before crossing the street and make eye contact with drivers before entering a roadway.

Police departments across the state are also urging drivers to slow down, stay alert and watch for students walking to and from school.