With the first day of the 2022-23 school year fast approaching, (sorry students), Rocky View Schools has announced an initiative to help parents and guardians prepare their kindergarteners and Grade 1 students for their first bus ride.
The public school division has released an informative video and is planning an in-person event, called First Bus Ride, to be held later this month.
According to a Rocky View Schools (RVS) press release issued Aug. 9, families have a new resource at their disposal, thanks to the launch of a first ride video that can be found on the RVS website or YouTube channel.
“The short video shows students and their parents/guardians what to expect and how to stay safe when taking the school bus,” read the press release.
According to the school division, viewers can follow the students as they board the bus, ride the bus to school, and return home.
The video will also provide parents, guardians, and students with a few safety tips, such as avoiding the bus danger zone, along with other important information all bus riders should know.
In addition to the videos, RVS is hosting My First Ride, an in-person event for new bus riders presented by RVS bus contractors on Aug. 22 or 23.
“Families are welcome to attend the free event ... to learn more about school buses and take a short ride on a bus,” stated RVS in the press release. “Bus contractor[s] and school division staff will be on hand to answer any questions.”
The event will be held at the RVS Education Centre, located 2651 Chinook Winds Drive SW in Airdrie, on Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. or students who live in rural areas, and Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. for students in RVS' urban catchment areas, such as Airdrie, Chestermere, and Cochrane.
“Students may feel excited, nervous, or both when it is time for their first bus ride,” said Morley Kostecky, a senior manager of transportation with RVS.
“Keeping students safe is a joint effort and RVS is committed to doing what we can to prepare our families so that the first ride and all rides are successful.”
For those interested in attending the event, please email [email protected] to register.
Families looking to register for bus transportation for their kids this fall are encouraged to register before Aug. 15 for first day of school service.
