Rules for Safe School Bus Riding

1. Leave home early enough to arrive at your bus stop on time.

It is the parent’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. Respect private property at the stop location. Parents are highly encouraged to accompany younger children to the bus stop and to work with other parents to help supervise students waiting for the bus.
 

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, 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 and arms 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 aspects of bullying -- physical, verbal or written are against the law and will not be tolerated.

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.