‘They’re so caring’: Bend-La Pine Schools’ Winnie the Pooh school bus safety program makes first day of school easier
(Update: Adding video, comments from students, parents, and Bend-La Pine staff)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Believe it or not, summer is heading to an end, and school is just around the corner. For those riding the school bus for the first time, it can be intimidating. Bend- La Pine Schools is trying to make the first day a little easier for the youngest students, and their nervous parents.
About 20 kids and their parents came to the Bend-La Pine Transportation Department on Tuesday to learn about safety through the Winnie the Pooh school bus safety program.
Michelle Mcnabb, a parent of a Bend-La Pine kindergartner, shared how she feels comforted by the program.
"I know from experience for my older son that they're they're so caring. They really take care of the kindergartners and make sure that their safety is first."
That's something Bend-La Pine Schools says is a top priority.
Assistant Director of Communication, Becca Burda said, "It makes kids much more confident on the first day of school and moving forward, so they know what the rules of the bus are, how to stay safe on a bus, how to stay safe around the bus. That's important to us."
Kids get to watch a short movie featuring Winnie the Pooh, then to ride a school bus, usually for the first time, taking the lessons from Pooh, Tigger and Piglet very seriously.
Kindergartner Parker Millay said he learned "that you always never go around the back of the bus."
He also said he's excited for school and to ride the bus.
Kindergartner Ashton Mcnabb said he learned: "Do not cross the road, and look for cars before like cars come. And use the handlebars before you get off."
Kindergartner Zaiden Nelson said, "I learned how to not stick my head out of the window - it's not safe. I even learned how to sit properly."
The program not only puts kids' minds at ease, it also helps parents and grandparents.
Parker's mother, Diana Millay, said, "It's really great for this program to happen, so that the kids know about bus safety and how to get on the bus, what to do when they're off the bus. "
Zaiden's grandparent, Al Nelson, said, "It's really encouraging, because they go out of their way to make sure that the kids get to school on time and safely and get home again, and nobody gets hurt."
If you missed the Tuesday session, there will be more opportunities for you to partake in the Winnie the Pooh school bus safety program.
Here is the school district's news release:
New school bus riders, kindergarten students and their families have been invited to learn about bus safety and take a spin on a school bus during the Winnie the Pooh School Bus Safety programs at Bend Transportation Department’s Bus Center and La Pine Elementary this week.
During the events, families watch a short movie featuring Winnie the Pooh, learn about the rules of bus riding and ride a bus together.
“Riding a bus for the first time can be intimidating for those young students stepping on for the first time, and we want to make sure our new riders feel ready and welcome,” said Kim Crabtree, the school district's director of transportation. “These events give us time before the start of the year to answer questions and demonstrate the safety features of buses, so come September, both riders and families feel confident about students riding the bus.”
The popular, one-hour sessions are scheduled to take place on the following days:
Bend-La Pine Transportation Department, 501 SE Second Street, Bend
- Tuesday, August 13, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 14, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
La Pine Elementary, 51615 Coach Road, La Pine
- Friday, August 16, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
At the events, students learn how to cross the street safely, line up to wait for the bus and about behavior expectations while riding the bus. A Spanish-speaking staff member will be available during all sessions. Refreshments will be provided.
For more information on the Winnie the Pooh School Bus Safety Program, contact 541-355-5702.
