The first day of school is Wednesday, September 3, and the Bend-La Pine Transportation Department is preparing families and students for bus ridership with two different programs.
Winnie the Pooh School Bus Safety
The first is the return of the Winnie the Pooh School Bus Safety program. New bus riders, kindergarten students and their families are invited to watch a short movie featuring Winnie the Pooh and learn about rules and behavior expectations of bus riding. Students also learn how to cross the street safely, line up to wait for the bus, and have the opportunity to ride a bus together. A Spanish-speaking staff member will be available during all sessions. Refreshments will be provided.
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 12, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Wednesday, August 13, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
La Pine Elementary, 51615 Coach Road, La Pine
Thursday, August 14, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
“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.”
Bus Transportation Registration Support
The second program, Bus Transportation Registration Support, begins the afternoon of Monday, August 18. The afternoon-long event provides technical support to families who need assistance getting their student(s) registered for bus transportation. Families can also receive help with and get hands-on experience with the new and improved rider app for families called My Ride K-12. Spanish-speaking staff members will be available and refreshments will be served.
The two sessions are scheduled to take place on the following days:
Bend-La Pine Transportation Department, 501 SE Second St., Bend
Monday, August 18, 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
La Pine Elementary School, 51615 Coach Road, La Pine
Wednesday, August 20, 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Families can go to bls.fyi/bus for bus transportation registration information and instructions.
For more information on the Winnie the Pooh School Bus Safety Program and Bus Transportation Registration Support, please email transportation@bend.k12.or.us
