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"Riding the bus for the first time can be very daunting for new students," says Tom Howe, transportation manager. "This orientation will give children confidence when riding the bus to and from school and will reinforce the importance of bus safety with students and parents."

 The program, designed for kindergarten children and their elementary-aged siblings, runs every hour between 9 a.m. and noon. During the one-hour orientation, parents and children will watch a bus safety video, discuss their bus safety concerns and take a ride on a school bus.

 To help children feel more at ease with their first school bus experience, parents can:
 

• talk about bus rides as fun adventures. Parents should try not to be anxious in front of their children.
• establish a routine by taking a few walks to the bus stop before the first day of school
• keep children organized. A backpack is easier for students to carry than many small items.
• make sure children recognize their bus stop location and carry identification in case they get lost
• teach bus safety rules—listen to the bus driver’s instructions, stay seated on the bus and respect other students
• teach traffic safety. If children must cross the street to get to the bus stop, remind them to wait until the bus stops, activates its flashing lights and the stop arm before they look in both directions and cross.  

The school bus orientation sessions are available at several locations throughout Peel. Families can call the bus company for their area before August 23 to confirm their attendance and request a time slot.