In Calgary, it’s that time of year again. School’s in, and all of our guards need to go back up to keep kids safe. Thousands of students, many of them younger, are heading back to class. And many of their parents and caregivers are adding back in the extra morning task of getting them out the door and where they need to be. Acting Sgt. Leah Berti with the local police force’s school resource officer team says families should make safety part of their routines. In particular, police are talking about traffic. Berti encourages students to “stay aware of their surroundings while walking to and from school.” She also encourages adults to “give themselves extra time” when shuttling their young ones. “Our collective actions help ensure that our students arrive safely every day,” Berti said at a Monday morning press conference. Students are also encouraged to: A focus on social Police in Calgary are putting extra effort into social media and online outreach. Sgt. Nick Wilshire with the crime prevention unit says the local force is proud to launch the “Simon Says” safety awareness campaign. It’s aimed at students from kindergarten through Grade 5. “The goal of the program is simple: help younger children build positive safety habits in life through engaging, age-appropriate messages,” Wilshire said. “Young people are online every day, so we want to meet them where they are.”
