Bus stops are designed to be pick-up points for one or more students.

Students should be orderly and respectful of others and property while at the bus stop.

There should be no horse- playing, pushing or shoving and students also need to stay out of the roadway.

Bus stops are considered public property and parents are responsible for their students while at the bus stop.

If there is a fight or an incident occurs prior to the buses’ arrival, parents are advised to contact their local police agency and report the incident.

Student bullying has become a hot topic in most school districts across the state and Dowagiac Union School District is no different.

The school district has an anti-bullying policy in place and it applies on school buses as well as in the classroom.

If your student feels he/she is being bullied by another student, they should report it immediately to the bus driver.

Always make sure a report is made before the student leaves the school bus.

The incident may have been captured on video; this may help us track down any of the students involved.

Students should feel safe when riding a school bus and not threatened by a bully.

A copy of the bullying form is displayed in every bus.

Draw strings can be a big hazard on a school bus.

They can get caught on handrails and doorways.

Please make sure to remove or cut off any long-hanging draw strings that can be found on clothing or backpacks.

Thank you and have a wonderful and safe school year.

This week’s column, the first of the 2010-2011 school year, is by Kevin Kelm, transportation supervisor for Dowagiac Union Schools and Lewis Cass Intermediate School District.