MMSD TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

News from the Transportation Office
September

Dear Parents:

If your child(ren) takes the bus to and from school, he or she will be bringing home a copy of "Bus Rider Rules." Please go over these rules with your child(ren) and take the time to read this bus stop safety message.

ALL ABOARD FOR BUS STOP SAFETY!

You want to do everything you can to keep your child safe. One thing you can do is wait at the bus stop with your child. However, there will come a time when you may need to let your child wait for the bus without you. You can keep your child safe by teaching him or her the right way to wait for the bus, as well as bus stop safety rules.

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According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most injuries related to school buses occur when a child is getting on or off the bus. You can help your child stay safe with the following tips:

  1. Pick a safe area at least 10 feet from the road where your child can wait for the bus. Give your child landmarks so that your child knows he or she is waiting in a safe area.

  2. Teach your child to stay out of the "Danger Zone" (the ten foot perimeter surrounding the bus).

  3. Tell your child to move away from the bus quickly after getting off.

  4. If your child has to cross the street, tell him or her to wait for a signal from the driver that it's safe to walk (not run) to the other side.

  5. Certain types of children's clothing can create a hazard as your child gets off the school bus. Especially dangerous are: long dangling jacket or sweatshirt drawstrings, long backpack straps, and long scarves or other loose clothing. Please take time to check your children's clothing to make sure it is safe. Remove drawstrings whenever possible - at least cut off drawstring tabs and knots.

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Also, teach your child to stay away from strangers. He or she should never get in a stranger's car, no matter what that person says. If possible, have your child wait for the bus with other children.

As a motorist, please drive safely and use caution around school buses. After all, they carry very precious cargo! If you see a school bus displaying flashing RED LIGHTS you must STOP at least 20 feet in front of or 20 feet behind the bus. YOU MAY NOT PASS THE BUS.

Best wishes for a safe school year.

"News" will be updated monthly.

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Renee R. Bremer, Transportation Manager
Jeff Fedler, Transportation Coordinator
4711 Pflaum Rd
Madison, WI 53718
Phone: (608) 663-5287
Fax: (608) 204-0345
rbremer@madison.k12.wi.us
jfedler@madison.k12.wi.us

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Updated August 17, 2005
Author: Renee R. Bremer rbremer@madison.k12.wi.us
Publisher: Renee R. Bremer rbremer@madison.k12.wi.us
Webmaster: webmaster@madison.k12.wi.us