Cumberland County Schools transportation staff used the district Family Academy session to review bus safety rules, boarding procedures and resources for families ahead of the 2025–26 school year.

Jared Lewis, from the transportation office, led a step‑by‑step safety presentation with a bus mascot character, Buster the Bus, covering walking to the bus stop, hand signals with the driver, boarding and seating rules, emergency evacuations and crossing procedures. "When it's your turn, walk. Don't run onto the bus. Use the handrails as you're stepping up and go straight to your seat," Lewis said. Presenters repeatedly emphasized listening to the bus driver and remaining seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.

Why it matters: presenters called attention to specific safety practices that reduce the risk of injury, including making eye contact with the driver at the stop, waiting for the driver's signal before crossing, and never retrieving dropped items from around or under the bus. They also warned against unauthorized adults boarding buses.

Tools and supports: the transportation team said it offers on‑site bus safety visits and practices on request through school administration and highlighted the Here Comes the Bus app to track pickups and drop‑offs in real time. Families were directed to contact their school or transportation office to schedule visits or get app information.

Clarifications: the session focused on behavioral safety guidance and family practices; presenters did not provide route‑specific pickup times during the livestream. Transportation staff asked families to give drivers a 10–15 minute grace period at stops and to contact school administration for driver concerns instead of approaching buses.

Ending: staff encouraged families to review bus rules with students and to request safety visits through their school's administration or the transportation office.