October 19–23, 2026 | Hershey Public Schools
Hershey Public Schools is proud to recognize National School Bus Safety Week, October 19–23, 2026! This week serves as an important reminder that keeping students safe on and around school buses is a shared responsibility among school transportation professionals, students, families, educators, and motorists.
Each school day, our HPS bus drivers transport students to and from school, activities, and events. Their commitment to student safety is something we greatly appreciate. However, keeping our students safe requires everyone in our community to do their part.
School Bus Stop Arm Awareness: Know When to STOP!
One of the most important safety reminders for motorists is understanding what to do when approaching a school bus with flashing lights and an extended stop arm.
🟡 Flashing Yellow Lights: The bus is preparing to stop. Motorists should slow down, remain alert, and prepare to stop.
🔴 Flashing Red Lights and Extended Stop Arm: The bus has stopped to load or unload students. Motorists must stop and remain stopped until the red lights are turned off and the stop arm is withdrawn.
🛑 Never Pass a Stopped School Bus with Its Stop Arm Extended! Students may be crossing the roadway, and passing a stopped bus can have devastating consequences.
Under Nebraska law, motorists traveling in either direction generally must stop for a school bus displaying its red flashing lights and stop arm. An exception applies to vehicles traveling in the opposite direction on roadways separated by a median or physical barrier.
Important Safety Reminders for Families and Students
We encourage families to review these simple but important bus safety expectations with their children:
Arrive Early: Be at your designated bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
Stay Back: Wait in a safe location away from the roadway until the bus has completely stopped.
Wait for the Driver: Never approach or cross in front of the bus until the driver signals that it is safe.
Stay Seated: Remain seated, face forward, and follow the bus driver's directions while riding.
Keep the Aisles Clear: Keep backpacks, belongings, hands, and feet out of the aisle.
Be Respectful: Use appropriate voices, keep hands to yourself, and avoid distracting the driver.
Look Both Ways: When crossing the road, always check for traffic, even after receiving the driver's signal.
Stay Visible: Never walk behind a school bus or enter areas where the driver cannot see you.
Watch: School Bus Stop Arm Awareness Video
We encourage all HPS families, students, and community members to take a few minutes to watch and share this important school bus safety video.
🎥 Watch the School Bus Stop Arm Awareness Video
Understanding when to stop, remaining alert near bus stops, and following basic safety expectations can make a tremendous difference in protecting our students.
Thank You, HPS Bus Drivers!
During National School Bus Safety Week, we also want to recognize and thank our dedicated Hershey Public Schools bus drivers for their commitment to safely transporting our students each day. Their patience, professionalism, and attention to safety help ensure our students arrive at school ready to learn and return home safely.
At Hershey Public Schools, student safety is everyone's responsibility. Whether you're behind the wheel of a school bus, driving through our community, or helping your child prepare for the school day, your actions matter.
See the Bus. See the Lights. STOP for Our Students!
Hershey Public Schools — Learn. Grow. Thrive.