🎒📚 PIKE COUNTY SHERIFF BRYANT “WALLY” JONES DELIVERS POWERFUL BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFETY MESSAGE

August 9, 2026

As we recognize National Back-to-School Month, Pike County Sheriff Bryant “Wally” Jones reminds parents, students, teachers, school administrators, and motorists that safety must be everyone’s priority as we prepare for another school year.

“Back to school is an exciting time for our children and families, but it is also a time when we must slow down, pay attention, and look out for one another,” Sheriff Jones said. “Our children are our greatest responsibility, and protecting them requires all of us to do our part.”

🚸 SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY
Drivers are urged to slow down and obey all posted speed limits in school zones. Be especially alert for children walking, riding bicycles, or crossing streets. Never use a cellphone while driving, and never pass a stopped school bus when its warning lights and stop arm are activated.

🚌 SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
Children should remain in designated areas while waiting for the bus, stay seated while riding, keep aisles clear, and follow the driver’s instructions. Motorists must remember that a school bus stop is a place where a child’s life may depend on a driver’s decision to STOP.

🚶🏽‍♀️ PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Parents should remind children to use crosswalks and sidewalks whenever available, look both ways before crossing, and never assume a driver sees them. Children walking to school should stay aware of their surroundings and avoid distractions such as phones and headphones.

🚲 BICYCLE & SCOOTER SAFETY
Students riding bicycles or scooters should wear properly fitted helmets, obey traffic laws, use designated bike paths when available, and remain alert around vehicles and intersections.

📱 CELL PHONE & DISTRACTION SAFETY
Students should understand the importance of responsible technology use. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about distracted walking, driving, cyberbullying, online predators, inappropriate content, and protecting personal information.

🏫 SCHOOL SAFETY & AWARENESS
Sheriff Jones encourages students and parents to report anything suspicious or concerning to a trusted adult or the appropriate authorities. “If You See Something, Say Something.” School safety is a shared responsibility, and speaking up can prevent tragedy.

🔐 HOME-ALONE & AFTER-SCHOOL SAFETY
Parents should establish clear rules for children who may be home alone or traveling home after school. Children should know who they can contact in an emergency, never open the door for strangers, and never share their location or personal information with people they do not know.

💊 MEDICATION & HEALTH SAFETY
Parents should make sure schools have updated emergency contact information and any necessary medical instructions. Children should never share prescription or over-the-counter medications with classmates.

🏈 SPORTS & RECREATIONAL SAFETY
As students return to athletics and extracurricular activities, make sure children stay hydrated, use appropriate protective equipment, follow coaches’ instructions, and report injuries or feeling unwell immediately.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 STRANGER & PERSONAL SAFETY
Parents should have age-appropriate conversations with their children about trusted adults, personal boundaries, and what to do if they feel unsafe. Children should know that they can always tell a parent, teacher, counselor, law enforcement officer, or another trusted adult when something doesn’t feel right.
Sheriff Jones also reminds parents to slow down around school campuses, allow extra travel time, be patient in drop-off and pick-up lines, and never leave children unattended in a vehicle.

🛡️ “OUR CHILDREN ARE COUNTING ON US!”
The Pike County Sheriff’s Office stands committed to working alongside our schools, parents, teachers, and communities to help make this school year safe, successful, and productive for every child.
Sheriff Bryant “Wally” Jones encourages everyone to start the school year with patience, awareness, responsibility, and prayer.
“Let’s slow down. Let’s pay attention. Let’s protect our children. And let’s make sure every child who leaves home for school each morning makes it home safely each afternoon.”
📚 Have a Safe, Successful & Blessed School Year, Pike County!
— Sheriff Bryant “Wally” Jones