FIRST RIDE PROGRAM TEACHES BUS SAFETY TO KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN
A safe and secure start to the school year is the objective of the First Ride Program, a school bus safety program being run for kindergarten children and other first-time bus riders.
For young elementary students who have never been on a school bus, waiting for a bus on their first day can be an overwhelming experience.
This year, as in the previous years, parents may register and attend the "First Ride" program with their kindergarten children prior to school start-up. This FREE program is made possible through the generous support of Calgary Co-op food stores and is a collaborative project involving various school boards and bus carriers. First Ride Partners include: Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Catholic School Board, Rocky View School Division, Christ the Redeemer School Division, Southland Transportation, Cardinal Coachlines, Calgary Transit, Willco Transportation, LPI Communications, and Calgary Co-op.
First Ride provides an opportunity for parents and children to learn about safe school busing practices together. Additionally, it highlights the important role parents play to ensure that their children are in safe hands - not only on the bus, but also on the journey between the bus stop and home. This FREE program consists of a 20 minute PowerPoint presentation on bus safety and a special "Winnie the Pooh School Bus Safety" video for the children. These presentations are followed by a "First Ride" on a bus and conclude with receiving safety handouts, and school board busing information.
SAFETY & ETIQUETTE CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS
Does my child:
Demonstrate safe and responsible behavior when going to, & waiting, at the school bus stop?"
Respect the requests of your neighbors by staying off private property?
Walk to the bus stop carefully, on the left, facing traffic, if there is no sidewalk?
Arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time?
Easily identify and locate his/her school bus?
Stand back from the curb as the bus approaches?
Have a 'safe place' to go if he/she misses the school bus?
Take his/her seat immediately and remain seated when the bus is moving?
Follow the instructions of the bus driver?
Step away from the bus quickly after exiting the bus?
Wait until the bus has pulled away before crossing the street?