First off, I would like to thank all of our bus drivers for such a wonderful job getting our children to and from school safely and happily all through the school year. You seriously have one of the hardest jobs I can think of. A bus full of kids and driving a bus while making all kinds of stops? YIKES! But they do it safely, and well. So again, thank you for working so hard for our kids.
When our kids started using the bus, I was a nervous wreck. What if the bus forgets to drop her off? What if she gets on the wrong bus? On and on the worry went. On that first day when she got off the bus (we were there 40 minutes early so as not to miss it) I sighed the hugest sigh of relief to see her little face in the front seat. I’m sure I’m not alone in this fear. So, I thought I’d help put our minds at ease and find out some safety rules we can teach our children.
A few years ago I contacted Jason Lariviere of Lasalle Autobus for some tips to share with parents to help teach our kids the rules of the bus. Here are some rules we can talk about with our children to ensure they keep safe while getting to the bus, while on the bus and getting off the bus:
– Go to the bus stop early to avoid running.
– Stay in line to wait for the bus without shoving others.
– Wait until the bus has come to a full stop before approaching it
– Get on the bus in single file and hold onto the handrail.
– Go straight to your seat and sit down.
– Don’t leave anything in the aisle.
– Avoid distracting the driver.
– Keep your things in your bag.
– Keep your head and arms inside the bus at all times.
– Do not throw food or other things out the window or onto
the floor of the bus.
– Remain seated at all times until the bus has come to a full stop.- Move away from the bus as soon as you get off, and stay away from the wheels.
– Count 10 steps after getting off the bus before crossing in front.
– Make sure the driver has seen me before I cross in front of the bus.
– Check for traffic to the left, to the right and to the left again before crossing the road.
– Wait for the driver’s okay before trying to get something you dropped that has rolled under the bus. If you cannot speak to the driver, wait until the bus has left before picking up the object.
– Never go behind a school bus.
Of course the past year has seen some new rules, like keep your mask on. I’m not sure what the fall will bring, but one thing is certain, the bus drivers are so quick to teach the new rules.
I am grateful that the school is also so organized with busing information. Children know what bus they are on and the line they need to be in to get on their bus. They have a nice little tag on their backpacks that tell them and other teachers if they are a busser, pick up, or daycare child. Thank you to all involved in making sure are kids are safe.
Enjoy the new school year parents and kids alike.
