By rdnewsNOW staff

First Rider program teaches young students about bus safety

Aug 8, 2018 | 9:21 AM

RED DEER- Chinook’s Edge School Division, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, Red Deer Public Schools and Prairie Bus Lines have partnered to offer First Rider information sessions once again this year.

The sessions are taking place August 14 in Red Deer and August 15 in Olds to introduce students to riding the school bus safely.

The interactive sessions help Kindergarten and Grade 1 students, as well as those who are new to taking the bus for the first time, feel more comfortable for the upcoming school year.

The First Rider program teaches students about how to ride the bus safely, where to stand while waiting, general rules and proper school bus etiquette.

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Not only is this program important for students’ safety in their school day, but also to build a conscious approach to bus riding outside of school hours and for special trips during the year.

Parents/guardians also benefit from understanding safe bus procedures, in order to reinforce them at home and have a peace of mind about their children’s journey to and from school.

“The First Rider program gives both first time riders and parents a better understanding of safety, expectations and responsibilities of riding on a school bus. Attending the event will ensure that the transition of riding a school bus is less intimidating for both parents and students and give them a strong, successful foundation for the years ahead,” said Kelli Pickett, Safety and Training Coordinator in the Transportation Department at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.

“These young students will likely be on our buses for several years, so we want to start them off right,” said Patty Thompson, Assistant Director of Transportation for Chinook’s Edge School Division. “The event takes place right before school resumes in the fall, so it’s a great way to transition from summer into a safe year ahead. First Rider is popular and successful – we’ve had nearly 200 students participate every year since we started the program in 2009. That’s a lot of young people who have a better understanding of safety, and a lot of parents who have a reminder about bus safety, just in time for school start-up.”

“Every day we have over 3500 students riding on buses to get to school. Safety is our most important consideration. Some of our kindergarten and grade 1 students are excited to ride the bus while others might be a little bit nervous. The First Rider program provides these newest riders and their parents, with confidence that they will have a safe ride to and from school,” said Scott Humphrey, Transportation Coordinator with Red Deer Public Schools

Sessions are as follows:

Red Deer & Area:

Tuesday, August 14
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. & 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
École Secondaire Notre Dame High School Parking Lot
50 Lees Street, Red Deer

Olds & Area:

Wednesday, August 15
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. & 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Olds College South Parking Lot
4500 50 Street, Olds

NOTE- Parents must accompany their child throughout this event and be readily available for at least 45 minutes to an hour.

Any member of the public is also welcome to attend.

For more information, contact:

Chinook’s Edge School Division (403) 227-7085

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (403) 343-1055

Red Deer Public Schools (403) 342-3708 or (403) 352-2827  

(Gary McKinnon, with file from Red Deer Catholic Schools media release)