In my years since joining the SBF team, I’ve come to learn how much school bus drivers can influence the lives of the students they transport. Bus driver Kristine Nyack, who works for M & J Bus in Colchester, Conn., has a positive attitude around her students, and she interacts with them by, among other things, performing an upbeat song. 

“I greet my kids in the morning and afternoon, and I wish them a good day,” Nyack tells SBF. “Even on the worst day, I have a smile on my face because I'm in a bus and keeping the kids safe — I love what I do!” 

Moreover, Nyack created the “School Bus Safety Song” shortly after she became a bus driver in March 2008.

“Originally, the song was called the ‘Hebron 7 Safety Song.’ It was named after the run I took over, which had seen quite a few spare drivers, and I felt the kids needed something they could call their own and be proud of. I've since re-named it the ‘School Bus Safety Song’ because quite a few drivers have asked me for a copy of the song,” she explains. “It's a great song that I've shared with many kids in a few different towns I've driven in. I'm told kids have gone home and sung it to their parents, other kids or to their own bus drivers.”

(While subbing for a week in another town, Nyack taught it to a group of kids, and the regular bus driver told her that when she came back, the kids were singing “that song.”) 

We found the song lyrics rather catchy and thought you would enjoy reading them. Nyack says that when performing the song, a driver should, “say each line in cadence format and encourage students to clap to the beat as they repeat.” She hopes it inspires others.

 — Kelly Roher
Senior Editor

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School Bus Safety Song
by Kristine Nyack

I don’t know but I’ve been told,
(fill in name of school or bus number) is the best.

Safety, safety is our rule,
Going to and from the school.

Out the door 5 before.
Walking, walking never run.

10 ft. back from the road,
Keeps us safe, we’ve been told.

First the yellow, then the red.
Look left, then right, then left again.

Nod to nod before we cross.
Safety, safety don’t get lost!

Hey, hey what do you say?
We know how to play the game.

Promptly, promptly take your seat.
Never, never eat or drink.

Bottom to bottom, back to back,
We put backpacks on our laps.

Inside voices so we hear.
Keep our aisle ways free and clear.

Forward facing is our rule,
Going to and from the school.

Listen, listen we do our best.
We know how to pass the test!

I don’t know but I’ve been told,
(fill in name of school or bus number) is the best!