"Within the corporation, we will have some of our outstanding bus drivers provide training on bus safety, allowing bus riders the chance to practice bus safety here at the school," the superintendent continued. "Students will be taking part in a "STOP/LOOK Pledge" where students will promise to always stop and look in both directions before crossing the street to get on their bus."

The school corporation is also looking into purchasing some reflective stickers to place on clothing or backpacks to make students more visible while they are around the bus stop areas.

The second part of this project will give student drivers the opportunity to pledge to drive distraction free.

"With our schools being located in a daylight savings time area, our students travel to school much of the year before daylight," noted Winamac Community High School Principal Rick DeFries. "Our goal is to help convince our student drivers to be extremely cautious, always watching for school buses and the students who will be riding them."

High school students will also be attending an assembly in the near future, where much of this information will be discussed. Plans are to have a speaker that day to share with students about the dangers of distracted driving.

"We also would ask that parents of our students make this same pledge to drive distraction free," DeFries said. "Keeping the students of Winamac Community High School safe is, without question, the most important thing that we do here. Please know that we are here to answer your questions."

DeFries may be contacted at the high school at (574) 946-6151 Ext. 213 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions or concerns.

"Thank you in advance for taking part in our pledges and for making this a conversation you will have with your children," DeFries added.

WCMS

Winamac Community Middle School Principal Ryan Dickinson has issued the following letter to parents of middle school students:

Dear Parent of a WCMS student:

Winamac Community Middle School as well as EPES and WCHS are committed to providing student safety training during the month of November concerning the topic of busing - on or around buses.

Our expert bus drivers will be assisting in educating our students of some things students can do to stay safe, and our students will be provide a safety reflector sticker for their coat or backpack. Also, our students will be encouraged to participate in our “STOP/LOOK Pledge,” which is a simple but very important pledge to stop and look in both directions before crossing a street.

As you are likely aware there have been several tragedies in recent times, including an incredibly sad incident in Fulton County just last week, revolving safety surrounding buses. Please, please hold a conversation at home as well with your child on safety habits.

Additionally, you taking the personal pledge and letting your child know that you are taking the personal pledge to driving distraction free is greatly appreciated as well.

Eastern Pulaski Community Schools have invited all schools in Indiana to join in the “STOP/LOOK Pledge” movement. Thank you in advance for your assistance in keeping ALL of our students safe and joining us in the movement.

Thank you,
Ryan Dickinson

EPES

Eastern Pulaski Elementary School students will also take part in bus riding safety training during the month of November.

"Each K-5 class will be provided the opportunity to sit on a bus at school and have one of our amazing bus drivers explain key things they can do to help stay safe," reports principal Jill Collins.

"Once our students make the pledge to always look before they cross, they will be provided a reflective sticker to place on their coat or backpack (and for our high school drivers on their car dash). It is our hope that each time someone sees these reflective dots, it will serve as a reminder of bus safety as well as a tribute to those lost in the recent tragedy in Fulton County," Collins said.

She added that Eastern Pulaski Schools wants to "encourage all of our parents to make the pledge to drive distraction free." Included in a letter to students is an attached "school bus" for parents to show their support for keeping their eyes on the road and students safe. "We will proudly display these parent commitments in the school office to show our students parent dedication to their safety."

EPES has also invited every school in Indiana to join this movement in hopes that each student will take the STOP/LOOK Pledge. "Safety isn't a slogan," Collins said. "It is a way of life."