Program prepares central Alberta students for safe school bus travel

As the new school year approaches, school divisions in central Alberta are joining forces for the First Rider Program to prepare students for school bus travel.

The divisions include Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS), Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, Red Deer Public Schools, Prairie Bus Lines, Chinooks Edge School Division, and Wild Rose School Division.

Designed to educate children and parents on school bus safety, the free program is scheduled to be conducted in multiple locations, including Red Deer, Olds, Lacombe, Rocky Mountain House, and Drayton Valley throughout the month of August.

The First Rider Program, set to run from 3 – 7 p.m., aims to offer an engaging and informative experience for attendees, lasting approximately 45 minutes. WCPS says qualified school bus professionals will be on hand to lead the activities, ensuring both children and parents gain essential knowledge about school bus safety.

Participants will be introduced to various aspects of school bus travel, such as where to wait for the bus, when to board, appropriate behavior while on board, and the proper way to disembark at their designated stop. The program will also provide an opportunity for attendees to take a brief bus ride and learn how to perform a safety exit through the rear door.

The schedule for the First Rider Program is as follows:

Red Deer: August 15 at Ecole Secondaire Notre Dame High School (50 Lees St.)

Olds: August 16 at Ecole Deer Meadow School

Lacombe: August 17 at Gary Moe Sportsplex

Rocky Mountain House: August 23 at West Central High School – St. Dominic High School

Drayton Valley: August 24 at Frank Maddock High School

For further information and updates, visit the WCPS website