Welcome back, #CCPSFamily! With the school year now underway, let’s talk safety—specifically for those riding the bus or walking/biking to school. Following are some useful tips for students. We encourage parents to have conversations with their children regularly about the dangers and how to protect themselves against harm.

Avoid Distractions. Stay off your cell phone and do not use headphones or ear buds. Students need to stay alert to their surroundings and nearby traffic.

Stay in Designated Areas. Bus riders should stay off the road while waiting at bus stops. Walkers/bike riders should stay on sidewalks and use crosswalks.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings. Calling Florida home means we need to be mindful of wildlife. Students should keep an eye out for animals such as bears, snakes, alligators, and more. Also, watch for cars, bikes, and other vehicles.

If a child sees a suspicious person or strange activity, including social media posts and pictures, the child should ALWAYS report it to an adult or police officer. This could be the principal, school counselor, or Youth Relations Bureau Deputy at the school or you may call 911 or 239-252-9300. See It? Say It! Don’t Spread It, Report It!

Have a bus rider and want to be in-the-know on when the bus will arrive? CCPS parents may now track their child’s school bus with the WheresTheBus™ app! Signing up is free and the app is secure, with all parent and guardian information checked and verified. Here’s a list of the steps required to obtain access:

1. Go to www.WheresTheBus.com
2. In the “Parents” section on the left side of the screen, click on the “Set Up Account” button
3. When prompted, select Collier County (FL)
4. Enter student information (Birth Date and Student ID)
5. Once your information is validated, you will receive an email with instructions and app download information

We wish everyone a safe and happy school year!