OKEMOS - The Homecoming week festivities for Okemos High School kicked off on Saturday, beginning the competitions between classes.

Throughout the week the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes will compete against each other in gaining points to be the winning class by the end of the week.

However, students are being reminded to practice safety and smart decisions throughout the celebration.

With the game and dance taking place this weekend, faculty at Okemos High School expect their students to make the right decisions.

"Just like any school function or activity, our handbook will be enforced," Assistant Principal Steve Delp said. "We talk a lot with our students throughout the year about making safe, healthy choices and the dance is the same way. The dance should be a fun activity."

Aside from game and dance safety, Okemos High School staff are asking that students be safe adjusting to the new parade route.

The parade will begin at the Meridian Christian Church on Bennett Road and continue through the Hulett/Bennett traffic circle, where it will continue south on Hulett.

Emergency responders are also encouraging students to remain safe during all events.

"Well I think the biggest thing would be, is just take care in driving. There's going to be a lot more traffic," Bill Priese, Chief of Training and EMS Operations for the Meridian Township Fire Department said. "People are going to be walking around, especially over by the football game. Just use extra caution and at the parade route watch that you don't have anybody running out in the road."