It is important when boarding the bus, students go directly to their seat and sit down. Students should place backpacks/instruments on their laps. These items should be under control of the student at all times.
Students should sit on the seat with their back against the seat back – facing forward.
If students are standing, kneeling on the seats, or sitting sideways on the seat and the bus is in an accident, students could be injured.
Standing on seats or jumping from seat to seat is dangerous and is forbidden on the school bus.
2. No Food or Drink
School buses are designed with high-back seats. This protects students in the event of an accident. However, due to this height, it makes it very difficult for drivers to monitor students. If students are eating on the bus, they could choke and the driver would not be aware. Also, students could have a reaction if they are exposed to food they are allergic to.
If your child is diabetic and requires food/glucose tablets, please be sure to inform your school’s nurse. Also, please reach out to the Special Needs Transportation Supervisor so we can be sure your driver is aware.
3. Be Nice
Students should treat others with respect. Kind words and actions make for a safe and comfortable ride for all. Students are expected to keep all body parts to themselves. Fighting, arguing, abusive/foul language, bullying, and disrespecting other students and staff is not allowed. Students are required to follow the direction of the school bus driver and/or bus assistant.
4. Be Safe
Students should obey the directions given by the bus driver and/or bus monitor. While at the bus stop, students should refrain from horseplay. The most dangerous time of the bus ride is when students are loading/unloading the school bus. Students must be extra cautious around the school bus – as the bus has many blind spots. Students should stay 10 feet away from all sides of the bus until it’s time to load. Students should NEVER crawl near or under the bus if they were to drop anything. The student should get the driver’s attention for assistance.
Students should NEVER cross behind the school bus. Should students need to cross the street to load the bus, they should wait until the school bus has its red flashing lights and stop sign out, and wait for the driver to motion them across the street. Parents should not beckon their child across the street. A school bus driver sits higher up and can see traffic that someone standing on the street may not be able to see. We ask that students not cross the street until the driver signals them across.
Students should keep all body parts inside bus windows. Emergency exits and equipment should be kept clear and not to be tampered with. Students should keep backpacks/instruments out of the aisles. Blocking the aisle could hamper evacuation of the school bus if necessary.
The bus driver requires silence from all students when approaching a railroad crossing. School bus drivers must focus on listening and looking for an oncoming train while stopped at the railroad tracks. The driver will flash the interior dome lights of the school bus to indicate to their student’s silence is required.
Students should not have items hanging/dangling from their backpack. These items could get caught on the handrail or in the service door while loading or unloading.
Running alongside the school bus or touching/hanging from any part of the exterior of the school bus is extremely dangerous. Students should NEVER run alongside the school bus as they could slip and fall underneath the bus tires. Students should be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time.
The use of tobacco or matches/lighters is forbidden on the school bus at all times.
