Bus Safety Program for Parents and Kindergarten Students

Written by The Calgary Board Of Education

A child’s very first day of school is filled with many new and exciting experiences. There are so many things for parents to think about that the topic of bus safety for students can be easily overlooked. That is, of course, until the big yellow bus comes rambling down the street to pick up your child and you remember that you haven’t said anything about how to be safe on the school bus. Oh, no!

Never fear. A bus safety program, called First Ride, teaches parents and children about bus safety in a fun and relaxed environment. Aimed at Kindergarten and Grade 1 students, the orientation program introduces basic guidelines about how to stay safe while waiting for the bus, riding the bus and getting off the bus.

In the hour-long orientation session, parents and children will be lead through a child-friendly video, featuring Bus Boy and Bus Girl, as well as an informative presentation about parent responsibilities and safety protocols. By the end of the session, you will know how your child can be safe on and around buses, what to do in the event of poor weather and how to make a contingency plan if your bus is late. Your child will even have the opportunity to practice riding the big yellow bus!

The First Ride program is offered to all Calgary students starting school in August or September for the first time. The program will be held on Saturday, May 30 at St. Cecilia School (610 Agate Crescent SE) and on Sunday, May 31 at Langevin School (107 6A Street NE). You can register for your First Ride orientation by calling 403-640-8867. For more information, visit www.cbe.ab.ca/transportation/firstride.

This program is made possible by the collaborative efforts between Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Catholic School District, Southland Transportation and First Student Canada, and by participating sponsors, Calgary Co-op and LPi Communications.