![Check out our instagram feed instagram](https://dunndealpublications.com/wp-content/plugins/social-media-feather/synved-social/image/social/regular/96x96/instagram.png)
![Share on Facebook Facebook](https://dunndealpublications.com/wp-content/plugins/social-media-feather/synved-social/image/social/regular/96x96/facebook.png)
![Share on Twitter twitter](https://dunndealpublications.com/wp-content/plugins/social-media-feather/synved-social/image/social/regular/96x96/twitter.png)
![Share by email mail](https://dunndealpublications.com/wp-content/plugins/social-media-feather/synved-social/image/social/regular/96x96/mail.png)
It’s time to start preparing for back to school! Pasco County schools will be back in session on August 10. As summer comes to an end, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office wants to share essential safety reminders for the new school year. Below is a list of important tips to follow and ensure the safety of Pasco’s students.
Road Safety
We want to remind all motorists to be alert and slow down when driving through school zones and residential areas. Follow all traffic laws, speed limits and do not text while driving. Use handsfree options to talk on your phone while driving. Look out for kids walking and biking when backing out of your driveway. Be alert for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Always come to a complete stop when approaching any school bus that displays red flashing lights and an extended stop arm. This indicates kids are loading or unloading from the bus. Do not resume driving until the signal has been withdrawn. Never try to “beat” a stopping bus.
PSO also encourages all parents to review the following road safety tips with their children before they return to school. Kids who bike to school should always wear a helmet and follow all safety rules when riding their bicycle. Familiarize them with essential rules of the road, such as hand signals, traffic lights and stop signs. Students who ride the bus to school should wait for the bus to stop before approaching the curb. They must remain in clear view of the bus driver when on the bus and not move around. Kids should always wear a seatbelt when riding in a car and remove their backpacks before buckling up.
Remember, good driving starts with you. Be a good role model by driving safely, following pedestrian safety rules and wearing a helmet when biking. Talk to your teen driver about traffic laws and discourage them from using their phone while driving. Ensure your child has a safe route to take if they walk to school. Walk with them the first week if they are young or they are walking a new route.
School Threats & Possession of Substances
Pasco County Schools have a zero tolerance policy for bringing weapons to school, making threats, or making false reports. PSO urges parents to speak with their children about the serious consequences of breaking any of these rules. Threats of violence, even jokes about threats, are illegal. Students who make threats of any kind can face felony charges. Possession of a weapon, imitation weapons, or dangerous objects, such as razors and ammunition are also a violation.
Use, possession, selling, purchasing or distributing of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol are also a not allowed on any Pasco school campus. We urge parents to talk with their children about these threats to school safety and to speak up if they ever encounter this behavior. Reviewing these reminders will ensure your school year is a safe one. Welcome back, students!
Submitted by: Pasco Sheriff’s Office
Phone: 727-844-7705
![Check out our instagram feed instagram](https://dunndealpublications.com/wp-content/plugins/social-media-feather/synved-social/image/social/regular/96x96/instagram.png)
![Share on Facebook Facebook](https://dunndealpublications.com/wp-content/plugins/social-media-feather/synved-social/image/social/regular/96x96/facebook.png)
![Share on Twitter twitter](https://dunndealpublications.com/wp-content/plugins/social-media-feather/synved-social/image/social/regular/96x96/twitter.png)
![Share by email mail](https://dunndealpublications.com/wp-content/plugins/social-media-feather/synved-social/image/social/regular/96x96/mail.png)