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SBSO REMINDS RESIDENTS: School back in session this week
A new school year means children in crosswalks, school buses on the roads and more reasons than ever for motorists to slow down and stay alert.
As students start returning to classrooms this week for the 2026-27 school year, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office urges drivers to make safety their top priority.
Sheriff James Pohlmann reminds drivers to use extra caution in and around school zones as students across St. Bernard Parish head back to class.
“With school back in session, we’re asking everyone to slow down, stay alert and watch for children near schools, crosswalks and bus stops,” the Sheriff said. “A moment of caution can prevent a tragedy and a lifetime of regret.”
Sheriff Pohlmann reminds drivers to remain especially vigilant during school commute hours and encourages everyone to keep the following safety tips in mind:
✅ Slow down in school zones, obey posted speed limits and watch for pedestrians.
✅ Be alert for children walking, riding bicycles or entering and exiting school buses.
✅ Never pass a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended. It is both illegal and dangerous.
✅ Eliminate distractions by putting your phone away and keeping your attention on the road.
✅ Always follow the directions of school crossing guards. They are trained to safely manage both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
🚓To help keep students safe, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office will increase its presence in school zones, particularly during the busy morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods. Deputies assigned to the Traffic Division will actively monitor these areas to enforce speed limits and encourage safe, attentive driving.
🛑✋The Sheriff’s Office school crossing guards, stationed at key intersections throughout the parish, also play a critical role in helping students get to and from school safely each day.
“These dedicated men and women brave the heat, rain and early mornings to protect students crossing busy roadways while helping traffic move safely around our school campuses,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Their presence not only enhances safety, but also gives parents peace of mind.”
Lt. Jennifer Gutierrez, who oversees the Crossing Guard Program, said crossing guards assist with pedestrian and traffic safety at schools throughout the parish. They are authorized to stop traffic in designated school zones, allowing children to cross safely while helping school buses arrive and depart efficiently.
☎For more information about becoming a school crossing guard, call Recruiter Lt. Brian Canepa at (504) 278-7700 or email Lt. Gutierrez at communityrelations@sbso.org. Applications are also available online at www.sbso.org/careers.
“As a community, we all share the responsibility of protecting our children,” the Sheriff said. “By slowing down, staying alert and looking out for one another, we can help make this school year a safe and successful one.”
#SBSO
#KeepingStBernardSafe
#SchoolBackInSession
