Vicksburg, MS—As part of National School Bus Safety Week, October 21-25, 2024, the Vicksburg Warren School District (VWSD) is shining a spotlight on the importance of school bus safety for students, drivers, and the community. With the theme "Be the One—Be Safe," VWSD is committed to ensuring that safety remains a top priority for all students traveling to and from school.
School buses are one of the safest forms of transportation, but it takes everyone’s commitment to keep it that way. This week, VWSD is emphasizing bus safety through educational programs, demonstrations, and safety tips for students and parents. “The greatest risk is not the student riding the bus, but for those getting on and off the bus. Drivers must stop when students are boarding and disembarking from the buses. Our priority is the safety and well-being of every student who rides our buses," said Kimberly Taylor, VWSD Director of Transportation. "During National School Bus Safety Week, we are reminding our community about the critical role school buses play in student transportation and the shared responsibility we all have in ensuring that every trip is safe. Whether it’s students practicing good behavior on the bus or drivers following the rules of the road, we all have a part to play in protecting our children. Let’s work together to make sure our students arrive at school and home safely every day.”
Important Safety Reminders for Students and Parents:
Arrive Early: Be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled arrival time.
Stay Visible: Wear bright clothing and wait at a safe distance from the curb.
Board Safely: Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching.
Follow Bus Rules: Sit down, face forward, and avoid distractions while the bus is in motion.
Additionally, VWSD urges drivers in the community to stay alert and obey traffic laws, especially when buses are loading or unloading students. Under Mississippi law, drivers must stop when the school bus has its red flashing lights activated and the stop arm extended.
Throughout the week, schools will host bus safety sessions, giving students the chance to learn more about proper bus conduct and what to do in an emergency. "By working together, we can keep our students safe on their way to and from school," said Tori Holloway, VWSD Superintendent.
For more information on school bus safety or to report any safety concerns, please visit the Vicksburg Warren School District website at www.vwsd.org.
About Vicksburg Warren School District: The Vicksburg Warren School District is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and academically enriching environment for all students. We strive to inspire every student to become a responsible and productive member of the community.