BACK TO SCHOOL
The dawn of a new school
year is a time marked by
change and fresh opportunities.
For many children,
school marks the fi rst time
they are away from their parents
for an extended period of
time. It also may be the fi rst
time they ride in a vehicle
other than their parents’ cars.
Each school day, 25 million
children ride a bus to school
in the United States. A school
bus is among the safest modes
of transport and one of the
most regulated vehicles on
the road, according to the National
Highway Traffi c Safety
Administration.
Riding a school bus can
be a novel experience no matter
a student’s age or grade.
Kindergarteners may be introduced
to the school bus on
their fi rst day of school, while
older students are no doubt
familiar with life inside a
school bus. But all students
and families can benefi t from
a refresher course on school
bus procedures to ensure this
school year begins on safe
footing.
Be a smart pedestrian.
Riding the school bus is very
safe, but injuries can occur
walking to and from the bus
stop. Watch for cars backing
out of driveways and always
look both ways multiple times
before crossing streets.
Remember school bus
laws. Most areas of the country
have specifi c school bus
laws that include stopping
when red lights are fl ashing
on the school bus. Cars must
stop whether they’re behind
the school bus, next to it or on
the opposite side of the street
facing the bus. Stopping allows
passengers to enter or
exit the bus safely.
Stand away from the curb.
The National Safety Council
advises keeping six feet, or
three giant steps, away from
the curb while waiting for the
bus. Young children should be
carefully supervised.
Be visible. Always cross in
front of the bus, making eye
contact with the driver so that
he or she knows your intentions
Teddy Nissan makes donation to St. Barnabas
From left, Richard Vitacco, Saint Barnabas teacher; Henry Triana, Saint Barnabas principal; Julio Batista, Teddy Nissan; Rafaela Rica, Saint
Barnabas student. Contributed photo
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, A 36 UG. 27-SEPT. 2, 2021 BTR
before crossing. If you
drop something, do not bend
down to pick it up. Tell the
driver instead.
Remain seated. Find a seat
promptly and remain seated
for the duration of the ride.
Do not stand up and proceed
down the center aisle until the
bus has stopped. ¥ Minimize
distractions. Always speak
softly and behave so that you
do not distract the driver.
School buses are very safe vehicles,
but passengers need to
do their part to avoid injury.
Metro Images
A refresher course
in school bus safety
On Wednesday afternoon, Teddy
Nissan General Manager Julio Batista
continued his commitment to
Bronx cultural education when he
presented a check to the St. Barnabas
High School fi lm, drama and
music program. This is part of
Teddy Nissan’s on-going “Music
Matters” program that was started
in 2019 with $20,000 distributed to
10 Bronx music programs.
This week’s ceremony at the
Woodlawn girls school was short
but enthusiastic. Each of the participants
had a lot to say about the
importance of supporting performance
and music education in the
Bronx.
“I love doing for the community,”
said Batista. “This is the community
that supports our business and
it’s really important to give back.
Most businesses that have their
businesses in the area should be
participating, donating and helping
local organizations, not just the
schools, but any program that really
improves people’s lives. You’re
in the neighborhood so you should
invest in the neighborhood.”
Henry Triana, Saint Barnabas
principal, said, “Any funds that we
get from the community are important
and specifi cally from Mr. Batista
over at Teddy Nissan supporting
the Bronx community in Bronx
schools, that’s really honorable and
important. We very much appreciate
the donation and everything
that they’ve done for our school.
Richard Vitacco, Saint Barnabas’
teacher, Film and Drama
moderator, added, “Mr. Batista was
really gracious to do this. It shows
his interest in the community. Our
fi lm and drama program is a great
creative outlet. It helps students to
think outside the box, to fi nd solutions
to problems, and it builds a
sense of comradery and a sense of
kinship among fellow students. It
also really helps to develop lifelong
relationships even after high school
is done.
And lastly, student Rafaela Rica
said, “In eighth grade, I was a very
shy person. I had a lot of anxiety, especially
about starting high school,
but as more as I got more comfortable
in the school and more comfortable
in the drama club, it’s helped
me project my voice. Like when
I’m doing a presentation, I used to
speak very fast and I still may need
to work on that, but I learned to
speak a little slower and dictate my
words.”
-Bronx Times