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National School Bus Safety Week provides reminders for all community members


Posted: October 20, 2025

Whether you're a driver on local roadways or a student passenger, National School Bus Safety Week is a time for everyone in the local community to remember the importance of school bus safety.

National School Bus Safety Week is October 20-24, 2025, and Virginia School Bus Transportation Employees Appreciation Day is October 22. Newport News Public Schools reminds everyone to be aware of buses on the roads, students waiting to board buses and walking after getting off of their buses, and all pedestrians traveling to and from bus stops and schools.

Motorists are reminded that it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its lights flashing and stop arm extended. Keeping any eye out and being prepared to stop is advised at all times of the day and evening.

Students should adhere to all bus stop rules and parents can refer to all student transportation information online.

Bus stop safety reminders for students:

  • All students are required to wear a student ID every school day while on the school bus and on the school campus.
  • Arrive 10 minutes before scheduled bus stop time with school supplies in backpack.
  • Walk as far off the road as possible, to the left, facing traffic.
  • Accept a ride only if your parents or school officials have approved.
  • Be alert to driveways, alleys, parked cars, and turning cars.
  • Wait quietly and as far from road as possible.
  • Check traffic, wait for driver's signal to board, check traffic again.
  • Know the danger zone: walk at least 10 giant steps away from the bus.
  • Form single line and use handrail to board.
  • Move directly to seat, sit facing front, and hold belongings in lap.
  • Keep aisle clear and keep arms, legs and head inside bus.
  • Speak quietly and talk to the driver only in emergencies.
  • Get bus driver's permission before picking up an item you have dropped outside the bus.