08/03/2026
Jones County School District first day of school is Monday, August 3rd. Expect the following:
Traffic will be heavy in school zones. Leave early, have patience, drive defensively, and forget that you have a horn on your steering wheel.
There will be plenty of tears shed. This will include some students also.
Big, yellow school buses will be picking up children in the mornings and dropping off children in the afternoons. Pay close attention as children enter and exit stopped school buses while you patiently stop and wait for the red lights and crossing arms that are operational to signal the bus is about to start moving again. Don’t pass stopped school buses. We don’t want a tragedy to occur.
Drop off and pick up car lines will be operating at schools. Have your children ready to exit your vehicle with backpack, lunchbox, and whatever other necessities they need. Let’s keep that car line moving as effectively and safely as possible.
You will notice Jones County Sheriff’s Department deputies and staff at elementary schools assisting with traffic control and /or helping school staff in car lines. Deputies will either be stationary or doing roving patrols in other school zones. In case of an emergency while traveling, always dial 911 and Dispatch will get help on the way.
Have a fun first day of school and an amazing first week of school too! Let’s be safe out there!
Sheriff Joe Berlin
