Rules for Safe School Bus Riding
Students are responsible for their own safety and can contribute to the safety of their fellow students.
Rules
1. Leave home early enough to arrive at your bus stop on time.
It is the parent’s/guardian's responsibility to ensure that their student gets to and from the bus stop safely and on time. Students should be at the school bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Parents/guardians are highly encouraged to accompany younger children to the bus stop and to work with other guardians to help supervise students waiting for the bus.
In the afternoon, parents/guardians who wish to meet their students at the bus stop should arrive 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to drop off their children. Please note, students in grades K-12 will be dropped off at their bus stop regardless of whether a parent or guardian is there to meet them. Preschool students are required to be met by a parent or guardian.
2. Wait for your bus in a safe place
Keep yourself and others safe by waiting at the designated area and do not play or wait on the road.
3. Enter the bus in an orderly manner, scan your pass, and take your seat.
When the bus stops to pick you up and the driver opens the door, get on immediately, scan your pass, and go to your seat. The school bus is stopping traffic for student loading and this should be as brief as possible.
4. Items not allowed on the bus
Anything brought on the bus must be stored under the seat or in the student’s lap. Bulky items, including large musical instruments and sports equipment, are the responsibility of the parents or guardians to get to school. Live animals, glass, illegal substances, weapons, explosives, and flammable materials are prohibited on the bus.
5. Follow the instructions of your school bus driver.
The bus driver’s job is to ensure the safe transportation of students. Therefore, it is necessary for students to be cooperative and respectful. It is imperative that the bus drivers’ directions to students are obeyed. The driver has full authority to assign seats.
6. Remain in your seat while your bus is in motion.
Changing seats while the bus is in motion is unsafe and not allowed. The correct and safest position for riding is seated facing forward with your back against the seatback.
7. Keep your head, arms, and items inside the bus at all times.
Serious injury could result from being struck by an object as the bus passes or hitting the window frame as the bus goes over a bump. Throwing items out of the window could result in an accident.
8. Keep aisles clear.
Feet, legs, arms, and bodies, as well as book bags, instruments, and other “stuff” must be kept out of the aisle; the driver must have a clear view down the aisle through the back door window at all times.
9. Remain quiet and orderly.
Be silent at all railroad crossings; use a quiet voice at all other times. Shouting or any loud noise is not acceptable. A low noise level is imperative for the safest driving conditions.
10. Classroom behavior will remain in effect on the bus.
All student misconduct, including bullying behaviors, will be dealt with as they would be in the school setting. If you have concerns about any student being the target of hurtful or potential bullying behavior, please contact your school’s principal(s) or report it here.
11. Eating and drinking (except for water) are not allowed on the bus.
Not only does this help us to keep our buses cleaner, but it helps to avoid choking and allergy issues.
12. When exiting the bus, scan your pass and be alert to traffic.
Follow the instructions of your driver for safe procedures when crossing the street or leaving the bus drop-off location.