RULES FOR SAFE SCHOOL BUS RIDING
1. Leave home early enough to arrive at your bus stop on time.
Be at the school bus stop 3-5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time – and stay there. Respect private property at the stop location. Bus driver cannot leave an occupied bus and cannot go look for students.
2. Wait for your bus in a safe place – well off the roadway.
Keep yourself and others safe by waiting at the designated area and do not play or wait in the road.
3. Enter your bus in an orderly manner and take your seat.
When the bus stops to pick you up and the driver opens the door, get on immediately and go to your seat. (The school bus is stopping traffic for student loading and this should be as brief as possible.)
4. Follow the instructions of your school bus driver.
Be cooperative and do what your bus driver asks of you. The following are not allowed on the school bus: Eating and drinking; Live animals; Explosive or flammable materials. If other bulky or dangerous items need to be taken to school, it is advisable to get them to school by means other than the school bus. Otherwise, the driver has the authority to require the item to be placed in a safe place, or deny transportation of such items.
5. Remain in your seat while your bus is in motion.
If you wish to change seats, you must request the driver’s permission to do so, and if granted, move only when the bus is stopped. Standing, kneeling on the seats, or facing the rear are unsafe riding positions and are not allowed. The correct and safest positions is seated facing forward with your back against the seat back cushion.
When the bus is approaching your stop, remain in your seat until you hear the driver pull the air brake button, failure to do so could result in injury.
6. Keep your head and arms inside the bus at all times.
Serious injury could result from being struck by an object as the bus passes or by being thrown against the window frame as the bus goes over a bump.
7. Keep aisles clear.
Feet, legs, arms and bodies, as well as books, bags, lunch pails, instruments and other “stuff” must be kept out of the aisle; the driver must have a clear view down the aisle to the back of the bus at all times.
8. Keep noise level inside of the bus to an inside speaking level.
When the driver says “TRACKS” be completely SILENT until the bus crosses over the railroad tracks and the rear of the bus is clear. Shouting or any other loud noises are not permissible and can be distracting to the driver. A lower noise level is imperative for the safest of driving conditions.
9. Be courteous to your school bus driver and fellow passengers.
Keep your hands to yourself; pushing, grabbing, reaching over seats etc. can be dangerous and is not permitted. Avoid rough housing and any kind of physical play. Enjoy the opportunity for socializing in quiet and acceptable ways. Be an example of good behavior for your own and other’s safety.
10. Be alert to traffic when leaving the bus.
Follow the instructions of your driver for safe procedures when crossing the street or leaving the bus drop off location. If you hear the driver honk the horn, FREEZE where you are and watch for further instructions.
Additional Information:
In general, rules violations will be dealt with on an individual basis between rider and driver. If a problem continues, a written report will be made to the school and the school officials will determine the appropriate action or discipline. (Parents WILL be contacted.) Remember, school bus transportation is a privilege, not a right; school bus transportation can be suspended or terminated for willful misconduct or endangering the overall safety of the school bus or its occupants.
I have read and discussed the bus rules with our child(ren) and agree to follow them.