OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, September 10, 2009 · 14 Be cool and follow the rules By Anja Sonnenberg Even if you don't ride the school bus every day, all students should be familiar with the rules for safely riding a school bus. Kimberly Jodoin, location safety manager with First Student Canada in Burlington offers these tips to keep you safe while riding the school bus. Waiting for the bus: In the morning, make sure you arrive at the bus stop on time. Wait on the sidewalk, not on the road and not in the neighbour's garden. "Leave home with plenty of time and go straight to the bus stop," Jodoin says. When the bus arrives, wait quietly in line until the driver opens the door. If you're late, never run to catch the bus because the bus driver may not see you. Walk home and tell your parents what happened. Crossing the Street: If you have to cross the street to get on or off the school bus, wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and the crossing arms and stop sign are fully extended. Walk 10 giant steps in front of the bus along the sidewalk and then look at the bus driver. "The bus driver will give you the thumbs up signal when it is safe to cross the street," Jodoin says. Make sure you look both ways before crossing the road, then walk calmly across never run. At no time should you cross the street behind the school bus because the driver cannot see you. Getting on and off the bus safely: When getting on the bus, climb the stairs in single file and hold onto the handrail. Do not shove or push your way ahead of the kids in front of you. "If you drop something, don't stop to pick it up because the driver can't see you. Tell the driver and they will help you," Jodoin explains. Follow the same rules getting off the bus as you do getting on. After school, make sure you go straight home after getting off the bus. Riding the school bus: Once you're on the bus, find a seat, sit facing forwards and keep your hands and feet within your seat area. While the bus is moving, you should remain seated for the whole trip. "Use your inside voice and listen to the bus driver when they give you instructions," Jodoin says. Throwing things on the bus is extremely dangerous and can easily distract the driver. Eating and drinking on the bus is also not allowed. Have you ever wondered why school buses don't have seatbelts? School buses are designed and built differently from your parent's car. Seats on the bus are compartmentalized, meaning they are filled with energy-absorbing material, have high backs, strong seat anchorages, and they're placed together to form compartments. This design ensures that you're safe while riding on the bus. If a seat belt was added, the bus drivers would have to make sure that each student was wearing their seat belt and that it was worn correctly. For more information on school bus safety, visit www.firststudentcanada.com. To find out more about First Student Canada, check out the videos on DailyWebTV.com, an online source of tips, advice and entertainment. Can you spot the differences? REFLEXOLOGY & YOGA WITH SUSY · Foot Reflexology w gy works wonderfully in nderfully i conjuction with Yoga asa h ga asanas sanas · Reflexology is admin ad dministered before your medical appointment with Dr. OZ cal appoint "My practice has improved tremendously ever since I have taken YOGA WITH SUSY." - Charlene Pauls SUSY." Bringing both compassion & ing n exper ise expertis to her yoga classes, Susy pays c pay close attention to each individuals n ls needs, breathing and s meditation techniques. itati ion Hatha-Mondays days Asht-Tuesdays Hatha-Wednesday Mixed-Thursdays Hatha-Saturdays 7:30pm 7 0pm 7:40pm 0pm 7:00am m 7:30pm 9:00am Ask about my NEW DVD! villarreal_susana@hotmail.com www.yogawithsusy.com Susy Villarreal Vi 905.465.1660 6 " A stepping stone to quality learning where lasting lasting memories are made" · Providing exceptional quality 1/2 day three hour programs for children 2-5 years old · Implement individualized skill based program focussing on language, problem solving, socialization and cognitive development · Children do not need to be toilet trained · Nutritious snacks/nut free centre · Qualified, enthusiastic, nurturing ECE staff · Secured facility with card access · Choose 1 to 5 days a week care · Prepare Children for Junior Kindergarten ACCEPTING FALL REGISTRATION Get Your Wheels in Motion out Ask AbParties Birthday Join the Fun Public Skating Bowling Gifts Billiards Video Games Snack Bar lace ooter's Roller Pa ve Sc ri Windsor D 2105 tRoyal Southdown Road) west of (jus www.scoot 245 Wyecroft Rd. Unit #3, Oakville, Dorval & QEW For more info call: 905 337-7866 (905) 823-4001 ers.on.ca