Powers Elementary-Weekly Newsletter

Thanks for your flexibility today. We definitely did not see that one coming. The water pressure issues have been resolved that were impacting us at Powers and AJH. We are grateful for our parent community understanding. We simply could not have 1100 students at school with no toilets and limited ability to wash hands.

Have a great weekend!

The Powers Admin Team

This week in Wellness Class, we have a bus parked at school and students will be discussing bus safety and behavioral expectations for when we ride a bus. We hope you can reiterate the expectations to keep a safe body and follow adult directions while riding a school bus.. We appreciate your support.

1. Why can’t I put my hands or head out the window?

• Risk of Injury: Your hands or head could be hit by objects like trees, signs, or other vehicles that are close to the bus, leading to serious injury.
• Bus Movement: Sudden movements of the bus could cause you to lose balance and get hurt if your hands or head are outside the window.
• Other Vehicles: Passing vehicles could come dangerously close, increasing the risk of accidents or injury.
• Maintaining Safety Inside: Keeping your hands and head inside the bus ensures a safer, more controlled environment for all passengers.

*Always stay seated and keep all body parts inside the bus to avoid any unnecessary risk.

2. Why can’t I eat on the bus?

• Choking Hazard: If the bus goes over a bump or makes a sudden stop, there's a risk of choking, especially since the driver can’t assist while driving.
• Allergies: Some students may have severe food allergies, and eating on the bus could expose them to allergens, causing serious reactions.
• Cleanliness: Food can create messes, spills, and attract pests, making it harder to keep the bus clean.
• Distraction: Eating on the bus can be distracting and take attention away from following safety rules.

*For these reasons, it's safer to wait until you're off the bus to eat.

3. Why do I have to stay seated?

• Prevents Injury: Sudden stops, sharp turns, or bumps in the road can cause you to lose your balance or fall if you're not seated, leading to injury.
• Driver Focus: Staying seated helps the driver focus on the road without distractions, ensuring a safer ride for everyone.
• Protects in Emergencies: In the event of a sudden stop or minor accident, staying seated helps protect you from being thrown around the bus.
• Keep the Aisles Clear: Staying in your seat ensures the aisles are clear for quick and safe evacuation if needed.

*Remaining seated ensures everyone's safety during the bus ride.

4. Why can’t I scream as loud as I want on the school bus?

• Driver Distraction: Loud noises can distract the bus driver, making it harder to focus on the road and potentially leading to accidents.
• Communication Interference: The driver needs to hear important sounds like sirens, horns, or other alerts on the road, and screaming can block those sounds.
• Safety Instructions: If the driver needs to give safety instructions, yelling makes it difficult for everyone to hear and follow directions.
• Respect for Others: Screaming can disturb other students and make the bus environment stressful or uncomfortable.

*Keeping your voice at a reasonable level helps maintain a safe and pleasant ride for everyone.

5. Why should I watch the bus driver’s hand when crossing the street?

• Clear Signal to Cross: The driver will use hand signals to let you know when it is safe to cross. They have a better view of traffic and can judge when it’s clear.
• Prevents Accidents: Watching for the driver's signal helps ensure that you don't walk in front of oncoming traffic or cross when it's unsafe.
• Driver Awareness: The driver is aware of the traffic around the bus and will signal when they are sure all vehicles have stopped.
• Ensures Your Safety: By waiting for the driver’s hand signal, you follow a system that is designed to protect you from dangerous situations.

*Always wait for the driver's clear signal before crossing the street to ensure you're crossing safely.

6. Why must I throw my trash away in the trash can and not out the window?

• Environmental Protection: Throwing trash out of the window pollutes the environment, harming wildlife, plants, and the ecosystem.
• Road Safety: Litter thrown out of a bus window can land on the road, potentially causing accidents if it distracts drivers or causes hazards.
• Bus Cleanliness: Disposing of trash properly keeps the bus clean and comfortable for everyone. Litter inside the bus creates mess and unpleasant conditions.
• Respect for Others: Being responsible with your trash shows respect for the bus driver, other passengers, and the community by keeping shared spaces clean.
• Legal and Safety Concerns: Littering is often illegal and can result in fines. Also, throwing objects out of a moving bus is dangerous and can injure others.

*By using a trash can, you're helping keep the environment and the bus clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

7. Why can’t I draw with a marker or poke holes on the bus seats?

• Damage to Property: Markers can permanently stain the seats, and poking holes can damage them. This results in costly repairs that can affect everyone who uses the bus.
• Respect for Shared Space: The bus is a shared space for all students. Keeping it clean and intact shows respect for your peers and the property.
• Safety Concerns: Poking holes in seats can create sharp edges that may injure other students. It’s important to maintain a safe environment on the bus.
• Distraction: Drawing or damaging seats can be distracting for both you and other passengers, taking attention away from important safety procedures.
• Consequences: Engaging in destructive behavior can lead to disciplinary actions, including losing the privilege to ride the bus.

*Taking care of the bus ensures a better experience for everyone!

8. Why do I have to hold the handrail when getting on or off the bus?

• Prevent Falls: Handrails provide support and stability as you step down, reducing the risk of slipping or falling.
• Maintain Balance: Using the handrails helps you maintain your balance, especially on a moving bus or if the ground is uneven.
• Safety First: Handrails are designed to help passengers exit safely, ensuring you have something to hold onto while navigating the steps.
• Clear Path: By using handrails, you can keep your hands free to carry belongings or manage your backpack, making it easier to exit the bus safely.

*Overall, using handrails is an important safety measure to help prevent accidents while getting off the bus.

9. Why can't I take pictures and/or record bus staff and other students on the bus?

• Privacy Concerns: Everyone has a right to privacy, and taking photos or videos can invade that privacy. Some students and staff may not want to be recorded.
• Distraction: Using a camera or recording device can distract you and others, making it harder to focus on safety and follow bus rules.
• Bullying and Harassment: Recording or taking pictures can lead to situations of bullying or harassment, especially if images are shared without consent.
• School Policies: Many schools have strict policies against recording on buses to protect the safety and privacy of all students and staff.
• Safety Risks: Focusing on your phone or camera can lead to accidents or unsafe behaviors while the bus is in motion.

*Respecting others' privacy and following school rules helps create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone on the bus.

Powers PTO is looking for members! Please join in the link below.

https://24-25-powers-pto-parent-and-staff-membership.cheddarup.com/

The Homecoming Parade is finally here...Friday, September 27. Line-up will begin at 4:00pm near the old School Board Office on Forest Street and the parade kicks off at 5:00pm. Come join our staff, parents and students as we walk together through the streets of Amherst and toss out candy to the community. Students are encouraged to dress up in comet colors or as their favorite super hero as we celebrate our Super POWERS! Students are welcome to hand out candy to parade goers as we walk through the downtown. Thanks for joining us.