REGION - Statistics show that school buses are one of the safest forms of transportation, but the danger for the buses' precious cargo is before children board the bus and after they leave it.

With students returning to schools all over Northeastern Pennsylvania, PennDOT is urging drivers to slow down and be especially careful when driving in and around school zones. Drivers also need to be on the lookout when exiting driveways for children walking to bus stops or to school.

Whenever drivers see yellow or red lights flashing on a bus, it is a signal that the vehicle is going to stop.

Drivers should come to a full stop at least ten feet away from the school bus and not move until the bus lights are no longer flashing and all children have crossed the street safely.

Parents can take steps to insure their children's safety by making sure the little ones arrive at the bus stop five minutes early and do not run to the bus. Parents also need to check to insure there are no drawstrings, straps or key chains hanging from children's clothing or backpacks. Drawstrings and other dangling items can get caught on the bus rail or in the bus door.

Students should be aware of danger zones-the front, sides and rear of the bus where the bus driver may not be able to see them.

If the child has to walk in front of the bus, he or she should take ten giant steps ahead of the bus before attempting to cross in front of it. That will insure the child can be seen by the bus driver. If walking along side of the bus, the child should take three giant steps away from the bus to insure being seen by the driver. And children should never walk behind the school bus.

If the child cannot see the bus driver's eyes, chances are the bus driver cannot see them.

More than 1.5 million children are transported by school buses on Pennsylvania roads each school day.

LIBERTY - The Parents for Parents Support Group will sponsor a free presentation by Doreen Foxwell, facilitator of the popular "Systematic Training for Effective Parenting Program (STEP)," on Tuesday, September 12 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Partners in Community Building, Monticello.

Foxwell's presentation will give attendees an overview of the STEP Program and how parents can benefit from the training. Registration is required. Transportation and child activities are available upon request.

The goal of the Parents for Parents Support Group is to offer support and to provide information and programs on topics of interest to parents. The support group is sponsored by the Office of Mental Health and the Sullivan County BOCES SETRC Program.

To register call Sherry Eldel or Deb O'Malley at 845/292-0082, X 142 or 140.

SULLIVAN COUNTY - Sullivan County VOD Chairman Commander Verl Ringgenberg of VFW Post 7276, of Long Eddy NY announced the start of this year's Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary "Voice of Democracy Scholarship Contest." Local students have the opportunity to compete in the 54th annual audio essay contest and win valuable scholarships and awards.

Participation benefits for students include increased self-confidence and poise, experience in polishing communication skills and the opportunity for self-expression. Students that advance to become their state's first place winner are given the opportunity to expand their knowledge of our nation's capital city during a full four-day tour of Washington, D.C., plus the chance to meet students from every state.

During the many years that the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary have been involved with Voice of Democracy, more than seven million high school students have participated. Interested students need only write and then record a three to five minute audio/essay expressing their view of the patriotic theme "What Price Freedom?" All state winners receive at least a $1,000 National Scholarship but could win the $25,000 first place award. A total of $139,500 in National Scholarships are awarded to student national finalists. The deadline date for student entry is November 1.

For details and entry forms visit www.vfw.org/vod or contact your local VFW Post.