By Marlene McTigue
Capital Region Independent Media
RAVENA—As the new school year approaches, the RCS Community Library is taking creative steps to ensure that local children feel comfortable and excited about their first school bus ride.
The library’s annual “Story Time on a School Bus” program offers preschoolers and their families a unique opportunity to experience a bus ride in a fun and familiar setting, complete with off-to-school stories and the chance to explore the vehicle that will soon be part of their daily routine.
This year, the program welcomed a diverse group of families, all eager to help their children transition smoothly into the school environment. Shayna, a village resident, attended the event with her son Rece, who will be starting pre-K this year.
“I wanted to get Rece ready for school, especially the bus ride,” Shayna said. “This is an awesome opportunity for him to get used to the sounds, the feel of buckling up, and just the experience of being on a bus.”
The event was organized and led by Elizabeth Maynard, the children’s librarian at the RCS Community Library. Maynard has been with the library for several years and recognizes the importance of programs like these.
“We do this every year, about a week or two before the start of school,” she explained. “The goal is to help kids feel comfortable with the school bus, so when the first day of school arrives, they’re familiar with the experience.”
During the program, Maynard read two carefully selected books that resonated with the young audience.
The first, “If You Bring a Mouse to School” by Laura Numeroff, is a popular choice that plays with the idea of one action leading to another, a theme that helps children understand cause and effect in a playful way.
The second book, “The Bus Stop,” captures the excitement of various children and a bus driver preparing for the first day of school.
“These books are great for this event because they both create a sense of anticipation and excitement about starting school,” Maynard said.
“This is a vital program that we keep doing every year because it really makes a difference in how comfortable the kids are when they start school,” she added.
Then it was time to hop on an RCS school bus and take a ride down to Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School. Parents packed into the wide, high-backed seats with their little ones and buckled up for the ride as the bus driver, J.D., bid them a warm welcome over the P.A. system.
Five minutes later they were back at the library and ready for some playtime.
Among the participants was Charissa, who attended the event with her husband Matthew and three small children, including their daughters Lyla and Marrabelle, and three-month-old Carwin.
“Lyla is starting preschool in two weeks, so we thought this would be a great way for her to get familiar with the bus,” Charissa said. When asked about her favorite part, Lyla shyly shared, “I liked sitting on the bus and seeing the school out the window.”
The families who attended expressed their appreciation for the library’s programming.
“We love the library and try to come every week,” Charissa added. “The girls have a great time, and these extra programs, like the school bus and the fire truck visits, are fantastic.”
The program was deemed a success by the library staff.
“We were at capacity, which is always a good sign,” Maynard said, reflecting on the morning’s events.
The “Story Time on a School Bus” program at the RCS Community Library is more than just a fun outing; it’s an important step in preparing young children for their educational journey.
By blending stories, familiar faces, and the excitement of a school bus ride, the library is helping to ease the transition for these soon-to-be students, ensuring that their first day of school starts with confidence and joy.
