Step 2: First Rider Program

April 3rd, 2019

Welcome to the School Bus!

We understand that the transition to kindergarten can be both exciting and overwhelming for students and families! The First Riders Program helps incoming kindergarten students feel confident about riding the school bus for the first time. This free, 30-minute session takes place once a year in early June and includes an interactive safety video, a bus safety demonstration, and a short bus ride.

Families can attend any of the multiple sessions held on one day across seven schools in Waterloo Region, regardless of where their student is registered.

A wheelchair-accessible bus will be available at select locations.

Emails and/or letters with registration details will be sent in the spring to parents and caregivers who have registered a junior or senior kindergarten student by mid-April. Space is limited, and attendance is strongly encouraged.

Please watch the School Bus Safety Rules and Expectations for First-Time Riders video, created specifically for students new to the bus.

If you cannot attend the First Rider Program, this video provides a great overview for JK/SK students and their parents/caregivers.

Some important notes before you head out for the bus day one:

Kindergarten Information Letters/Emails

  • An email will be sent to the email(s) listed on the students school record. 
    • Ensure your email is on file with your student’s school to receive these emails and check your junk/spam folder.
  • If no email is on file, a letter will be mailed. Verify that the school has the correct address, including unit numbers, to ensure delivery.
  • A Kindergarten Brochure with important transportation details will also be provided.
  • This brochure contains valuable information to help you and your student prepare for bus transportation.

Kindergarten (Kindie) Tags

  • All Junior and Senior Kindergarten students are put on the bus by school staff according to their colour coded kindergarten (kindie) tag matching their bus route. The school is responsible for getting the students onto their correct bus.
  • Kindergarten (kindie) tags should be placed at the top of the backpack so that they are visible to the driver.
  • Please verify the information on the tag. If incorrect, contact your school.
  • If a student is not met at the stop, they will be returned to school. If the school cannot accept them, Family & Children’s Services will be contacted.

Safety Around Bus Stops

We encourage all students to walk to their bus stop. If parents/caregivers must drive, please avoid parking near the stop. The danger zone around the bus, explained in the video, is an area where injuries are most likely to occur. While students are very safe on the bus, it is important to be cautious outside of it.

Respect Your Neighbor’s Property

STSWR places bus stops at walkways or parks where possible, but some may be near personal property. Please remind your student to always respect others’ property.

Pick-Up Procedure: Ask for Your Student by Name

  • Parents/caregivers should approach the bus door and ask for their student by name.
  • This ensures students are safely matched with the correct person.
  • If your student does not see the person picking them up, they should notify the bus driver immediately.

Arrive 5 Minutes Early

Traffic conditions vary daily. To ensure you do not miss the bus, please arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

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Walking to the Bus Stop

The walk to the bus stop is a great opportunity to teach road safety. Before school starts, walk the route with your student and discuss these important safety tips:

  • Choose the safest route with crosswalks or intersections whenever possible.
  • Teach proper street-crossing techniques:
    • Stop at the curb, driveway, or street edge.
    • Look left, right, left, and behind for traffic.
    • Listen for approaching vehicles, especially near curves or hills.
    • Walk, don’t run, across the street.
  • If crossing the street after exiting the bus, always cross 10 feet in front of the bus where the driver can see you.
  • Wait for the school bus 10 feet from the road or farther if weather conditions are poor.