Transportation

RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT!

• A “privilege” is something that is granted as a special benefit or advantage. A “right” is defined as something to which one has a just claim or to which one is justly entitled. Privileges are special because they must be earned by the individual. The privilege of riding the school bus is earned by exhibiting good behavior while on the bus.

• The school day begins at the bus stop and continues through the end of the bus ride home. The classroom extends to the bus stop and onto the bus. Poor conduct is not tolerated in the classroom nor will it be tolerated on the bus. Inappropriate behavior on the bus will result in loss of the bus riding privilege.

APPROPRIATE BUS CONDUCT

• Stay out of the DANGER ZONES outside the bus. If you can touch the bus, you are too close. The DANGER ZONE is an area within ten feet of the bus in all directions.

• Follow driver’s instructions. The driver is the adult in charge of the bus. There may be an adult aide assigned to the bus to assist the driver in maintaining order on the bus. This person carries the same authority as the driver.

• Be on time. You must be at your bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. If the bus arrives on time, the driver will stop, look up and down the street for students, and leave if there are no students at the pickup zone. If you miss the bus it is your responsibility to find a way to school.

• Always sit down. Your personal safety as well as the safety of others is at risk if you should stand while the bus is moving. You must remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop at school or at your drop off zone.

• Be courteous. No fighting, swearing or yelling. Fighting and swearing may be cause for suspension from school or the loss of the bus riding privileges. There is ZERO tolerance of violence. Violence includes physical and verbal attacks and intimidation, or threats. This policy includes the time spent on the bus and at the bus stop.

• No eating or drinking. Food and beverages create garbage on the bus, and it is not fair that other students should have to sit on a messy bus. There is also a possibility that eating or drinking on the bus could result in choking.

• Keep your bus clean. Nobody should have to ride on a bus that is messy or filled with trash. Each student shares a responsibility to keep the bus clean. Any repair costs due to willful damage or acts of vandalism will be billed to the student responsible for the damage.

• Keep your head and arms inside the bus windows. This is just common sense. It only takes a second to incur an injury that could mean permanent disability or even death. Remember that throwing objects out of the windows or yelling at people outside the bus are not acceptable.

LOADING & EXITING THE BUS

Since most serious student injuries occur just prior to loading or just after exiting the school bus, certain precautions must be taken to ensure safety. The DANGER ZONE is the area within ten feet of the bus in any direction. Students who are walking through or standing in the DANGER ZONE are very likely to be outside of the bus driver’s field of vision. It is important to stay out of the DANGER ZONE in order to be seen by the driver. Students who must cross the street after exiting the bus need to be aware of the hazards presented by other vehicles which might fail to stop for the bus.

Correct procedures for loading at bus stops are as follows:

• Wait until the bus comes to a full stop.

• Don’t crowd or push.

• Use the handrail.

• Take the steps one at a time.

• Go straight to your seat.

• Stay in that seat until the bus arrives at school.

Procedures for exiting the bus are as follows:

• Don’t Go Back For a Dropped Item – Tell The Driver!

• Wait until the bus is completely stopped at your bus stop or at the school.

• Stand up and go straight to the front of the bus.

• Don’t crowd or push, wait your turn.

• Use the handrail.

• Take the steps one at a time.

• Move away from the bus (get out of the DANGER ZONE)

The procedure for safe street crossing in front of the bus:

• Tell the Driver You Need to Cross

• Note: When students cross in front of the bus, the 8-way warning lights and STOP arm will be activated. If you are unsure about where to cross the street, ask the driver to explain.

• After exiting the bus move directly to the sidewalk and out of the DANGER ZONE.

• Move forward of the bus to a spot about ten feet ahead of the front bumper.

• Turn back to look at the bus driver and make eye contact.

• When the driver gives the signal, cross the street while checking continuously for oncoming vehicles.

• Upon reaching the far edge of the bus, take a look back to the rear of the bus to be sure no vehicles are passing the bus and running through the stop arm.

• After reaching the opposite side of the street, move onto the sidewalk and proceed directly home.

HELP! I missed the bus!!

• Return home and get help or phone for assistance if you miss the bus.

• NEVER chase after the bus.

• NEVER walk to another bus stop.

• NEVER allow your parents to drive you to another bus stop. Your bus driver will not be expecting you.

Other drivers and bus safety

• If a bus is stopped with red alternating flashing lights on a street or road that has fewer than four lanes, all traffic proceeding in either direction must stop. Traffic should not move until the bus resumes motion or the driver signals traffic to proceed.

• If a bus is stopped on a street or road that has four or more lanes, only traffic proceeding in the same direction as the bus must stop.

• You must not proceed until the school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by the school bus driver to proceed.

If you fail to stop for a school bus, your error will not go unnoticed.  Bus drivers will report the license plate number of any vehicle that fails to comply with the law to a law enforcement agency, and an investigation will be conducted to identify the driver for enforcement purposes.

PENALTIES FOR NOT OBEYING THESE RULES COULD COST YOU UP TO $500  AND A MAXIMUM 1-YEAR  SUSPENSION OF YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE.