Step 2: First Rider Program

April 3rd, 2019

The First Rider Program is a safety program introducing new riders to the bus and how to be a safe and responsible rider. An interactive video is followed by a bus safety demonstration and a short ride on the school bus.

The program was cancelled due to COVID in September 2021.

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

In lieu of our First Rider program (cancelled due to COVID-19) the video gives a great overview for JK/SK students new to the bus (and parents/guardians).

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

  1. Safety around the bus stops

We encourage all students to walk to their bus stop. If parents need to drive to the bus stop, please do not park near the bus stop.  There is a danger zone around the bus that is talked about in the video. Your child is very safe on the bus, injuries happen outside of the bus.

  1. Respect your neighbour’s property
  • STSWR tries where possible to place bus stops at walkways or parks, but sometimes they are on or near personal property
  • Always respect other’s property.
  1. Kindergarten Tags
  • Your child will be given a coloured kindergarten tag that will be attached to their backpack.
  • The colour of their tag will match the colour of their PM bus.
  • Please verify the information on the tag is correct. If it is not, please contact your school.
  • The information on the tag is for drop off
  1. Kindergarten Brochure and Letters
  • You will be receiving a letter in the mail in the coming week regarding your child’s bus stop location and times.
  • You will receive a Kindergarten Brochure with your Transportation information.
  • The brochure has important busing information on it which will be helpful to you and your child.
  1. Ask for Your Child by Name
  • Parents/caregivers are asked to approach the door and ask for their child by name.
  • This process will ensure children are matched safely with parents, caregivers, an older sibling or a responsible adult.
  • If your child does not see the person picking them up, please ask them to notify the bus driver immediately.
  1. Arrive 5 minutes early

Traffic can vary from day to day, so to ensure you don’t miss the bus we ask that you show up 5 minutes before your pickup time.

  1. Subscriptions
  • You can subscribe to your child’s bus route to get delays and cancellations notifications.
  • If you visit stswr.ca, there are instructions on how to subscribe.
  1. Walking to the bus stop

The walk to the bus stop can be a great place to start to teach your child about road safety. When walking to the bus stop, talk with your child about these safe walking concepts. Remember to leave with plenty of time to arrive at the bus stop so you have time to practice safe walking on the way.

  1. Talk to your child about the safest route from your home to the bus stop.
    1. It is best to select a route that is most direct and has intersections with crosswalks when possible.
  2. Teach safe street crossing techniques:
    1. Stop at the curb or edge of the street and at driveways
    2. Look left, right, left and behind you and in front of you for traffic. It is also important to listen for traffic especially when crossing at a hill or curve.
    3. Walk, don’t run across the street.
  3. If you have to cross the street after you exit the bus, cross 10 feet in front of the bus.

Wait for the school bus 10 feet from the road and further away if the weather is bad.