In preparation for the first day of school, students are getting an introduction to school buses through a initiative by both school divisions in Regina. Through the First Ride program, students entering kindergarten and who are new to riding schools buses are learning about bus safety, along with pedestrian and bike safety. “By reminding drivers and reminding parents of all the things we need to think about safety wise, we feel like it gives us a good start to the school year,” said Twyla West, communications coordinator for Regina Catholic School Division (RCSD). The initiative first started about a decade ago by the RCSD and has expanded over the years by including students from Regina Public Schools as well. Parents were by their children’s sides throughout the day. Sheridan Dueck said this is her daughter’s first introduction to school buses. “I’m excited for her to learn about safety around busing and stuff because this is my first kid going into kindergarten,” she said. “I always say practice makes perfect. I think it’s a great opportunity for the kids to experience being on the bus if they’ve never been to daycare on a field trip or anything.” Another parent whose eldest daughter is heading into kindergarten said the program is great for children. “Anytime you have a chance to have questions answered and be prepared, that’s always a positive thing,” said Meghan Braun. “I witnessed a boy almost get hit by a car because he’s getting off the bus and didn’t follow proper safety. That startled me and I think it probably startled the bus driver too. It was kind of a very close situation so anytime the kids get a chance to learn more and just be prepared for those kinds of situations is a positive thing.” West said the day allows kids and parents a practice run before the first day of school. “We’re getting a lot of brand new parents and brand new students into each school zone and when you add that to all the foot traffic, all the bike traffic, all the awesome first day of school pictures that we want to get, it can be a little intense,” West said. “From a safety lens, taking the time to do all of that stuff now can lead to things being a little bit smoother.” As of Aug. 1, the Regina Catholic School Division said there are 14,399 students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 who use the school bus.
