City of Portsmouth, NH Reminds Drivers to Watch for Students as Schools Reopen

PORTSMOUTH – The Department of Public Works Parking Enforcement Division, which manages the school crossing guard schedule, asks drivers to watch for increased pedestrian activity as students and guardians walk and bike to school. Motorists should follow crossing guards’ directions, obey posted school speed limits, and plan alternate routes if school traffic could delay time-sensitive travel.

Portsmouth School Department grades 1 through 9 start the new school year on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 and grades 10 through 12 start on Friday, Aug. 28. Drivers are urged to be extra cautious on City streets and to watch for crossing guards at key locations around the City.

The City’s elementary schools are in session from 8:00 am to 2:17 pm. The Middle School starts at 8:35 am and releases at 3:15 pm. Portsmouth High School is in session from 8:35 am to 3:20 pm. Crossing guards are posted between 7:30 and 8:35 am and between 2:10 and 3:40 pm, Monday through Friday.

New Hampshire law requires that vehicles stop at least 25 feet from a crossing guard displaying a stop sign. Failure to obey school crossing guard directions is a violation of New Hampshire law and carries a $100 fine for the first offense and a $250 fine for subsequent offenses in the same calendar year.