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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
August 5, 2022
Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet would like to offer parents, students, and teachers a warm welcome to the upcoming 2022-2023 school year in Terrebonne Parish. While students, parents, staff, and faculty make preparations for the coming school year, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office has been hard at work making our own preparations.
As part of the preparation for the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, several trainings were conducted during the summer months to not only train our deputies on how to better protect the youth of our schools, but also to train teachers on how to respond in the event of a crisis. The training was conducted by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office Training Academy Staff and were a huge success!
The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office has also made a few inter-departmental adjustments to resources, that will allow for additional deputies to be more visible at schools throughout the parish. We plan to release more information in the coming days, so stay tuned.
Sheriff Tim Soignet would like to remind the public of a few Safety Tips that will allow for a smooth transition back to school, as well as ensure that the youth of our community are protected during this exciting time.
STAY ALERT
Starting Friday, for several private schools, kids of all ages will start to be more visible at bus stops throughout the parish. Drivers are encouraged to refrain from using cellular devices and phones, to ensure the safety of the children that may be crossing street. Drivers should NEVER pass a bus that is loading or unloading children and remain stopped until the bus arm retracts. It is always encouraged to stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you.
DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT
Drivers are always encouraged to obey all posted speed limits throughout the parish, especially School Zones limits. Our crossing guards pay special attention to motorists and their driving actions and have reported excessive speeds in which drivers are travelling through school zones. Stay patient and take your time, our children are worth it.
STAY CALM
The start of a school year is always a new and exciting time for our community, but keep in mind that many campuses will experience young drivers, driving to school for the first time. It is important for parents to express the importance of safe driving habits not only on the roadways of our parish, but in parking lots as well. Experienced drivers should exercise patience with teens as they ease into a routine.
COMMUNICATION
Always take time to speak with your children each to learn how school is going. For many of our children, this is a time of adjustment, as they settle into their new routines. Children are learning to balance school responsibilities, new friends, extra-curricular activities, and many social issues. If you notice your child having issues, contact school administrators. If you have serious concerns regarding safety or security of your child or school, or a serious safety or security concern about information a child has shared, stay calm and contact law enforcement.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING…
We as a Law Enforcement Agency understand how vital the community is to the job we do. Children should be taught to trust their feelings. They need to know that if someone makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused, they should tell a parent, guardian, or trusted adult. Please encourage your child to report suspicious behavior or actions of any kind to school officials or Law Enforcement. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t!
Remember to use the tips provided to ensure the safety of our youth and community.
Good Luck, and we hope that each of you have your best year yet!!!
Sheriff Tim Soignet
