THUNDER BAY – The crowd of young children lining up to take their first steps onto a school bus as part of the First Rider program was smaller than usual Saturday – one unavoidable sign of how COVID-19 concerns are making this year’s school experience unlike any other in living memory.
Trepidation mingled with anticipation as about 250 students participated in the program, intended to get students comfortable with riding school buses before classes start.
It usually draws around 450 youngsters, said Craig Murphy, manager of Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay. The consortium coordinates bussing for all three local school boards.
The dip in participation is due partly to a large chunk of junior kindergarteners whose parents opted out of bus service or kept them out of class entirely, Murphy added.
He pointed to steps taken to reduce COVID-19 risks, like lower ridership numbers, more cleaning, and masks (mandatory for students in Grade 4 and up, strongly encouraged for those in earlier grades), but understood some parents’ concerns.
“The reality is, school buses are mass transit vehicles,” he said. “They will be cleaned twice a day, we’re doing what we can to have as few students as possible on the buses.”
While routes and numbers are still being finalized, Murphy said a target of around 50 students per full-sized bus looked to be within reach. That’s well below the 72-student capacity, but not quite enough to avoid having some students three to a seat (possible at 46 students or lower).
Trips for the First Rider program were held to a maximum of 20 students on Saturday.
Parents can help lower risks by encouraging students to maintain distance while waiting for buses, clean hands before boarding, and keeping them home if they display any symptoms, Murphy said.
Lynne Barnes, waiting as her son took his first short bus trip, said she was apprehensive but tentatively optimistic about the approaching school year.
“I’m okay with it right now, but we’ll see,” she said. “I’m kind of nervous about what could potentially happen… I kind of wish I could stay home with him more. But he’s excited to go.”
Anticipated smaller class sizes for students in lower grades had given her some reassurance, leaving her more worried about her two older children.
Still, pandemic worries hadn’t totally eclipsed the excitement of a new school year for parents or students.
“As much as it’s hard for me to have him go off, it’s exciting to see all the new things they learn, all the new people they meet, see who they become,” Barnes related. “It’s hard on me, but great for them.”
Krystle Hald, whose daughter will begin JK in September, agreed.
“This year’s unique because of COVID-19 – talking about her expectations and that school will look a little bit different,” she acknowledged. “But [we’re] also trying to focus on the positive: she’s able to go to school and enjoy a wonderful new learning environment.”
She was grateful the First Rider program was still offered, leaving one less first on a day that can be overwhelmingly full of them.
“I think it’ll definitely help her feel more comfortable, getting on to the school bus and knowing it’s not something to be afraid of and it’ll be a fun experience,” she said.
