Manatee Students Return to School Monday with Focus on Bus Safety
School District of Manatee County students will return to class for the 2025–2026 school year on Monday, August 11, and transportation safety is a top priority as buses hit the road once again. The school district and sheriff’s office are encouraging families to review bus safety guidelines to help ensure a safe start to the year.
Students should wait at bus stops in a safe location away from the road and never sit on the curb or roadway while waiting. Riders should know their bus driver’s name and bus number, and avoid speaking to strangers or accepting rides from anyone they do not know. Any suspicious encounters should be reported to a parent, bus driver, or school staff member immediately.
Safety around the bus is critical. Students should never walk behind the bus or near its wheels, and must wait for the driver’s signal before crossing the road or boarding. Looking left, right, and left again before crossing ensures visibility of approaching vehicles.
While on board, riders should remain seated, keep aisles clear, and avoid placing heads, hands, or arms outside the windows. Students are asked to remain quiet during railroad crossings so the driver can listen for trains and to avoid loud or disruptive behavior that could distract from safe driving.
With hundreds of buses operating across the county, following these safety measures will help protect students and drivers alike as the school year begins.
