Below are several “rules of the road,” that all children should follow when riding — or waiting for — the school bus.
Remember – a safe and enjoyable bus ride makes for a great start to the day. And a great start to the day improves the chances that students will come to school with an open mind ready to learn.
AT THE BUS STOP
Students should be at the bus stop at least FIVE minutes prior to the arrival of the bus. Children should also be dressed properly in the event of bad weather (e.g. raincoats in rainy weather or coats, hats and gloves in cold weather). Above all else, children should not run after a missed school bus – doing so can be dangerous!
- While waiting for the bus, respect private property and stay off lawns.
- Stay out of the street.
- Avoid horseplay.
- When the bus is in sight, form a straight line. Do not approach the bus until it has stopped moving.
- Board the bus one student at a time without pushing. The stairs can get slippery, so use the handrail.
CROSSING THE ROAD/GETTING ON OR OFF THE BUS
- Parents should keep safety in mind when choosing children’s clothing. Items with drawstrings or straps can get caught on handrails as children exit or enter a bus. This is especially true during fall and winter, when children wear bulkier clothing.
- If it is necessary to cross the street after getting off the bus, be sure to cross at least 15 feet in front of the bus in clear view of the driver. Wait for the driver’s signal to cross. Children should always maintain eye contact with the driver when boarding and disembarking from the bus.
- Students not having to cross the street should move away from the bus.
- Children should never reach for something (like a homework paper) that has fallen beneath the bus. Likewise, they should not attempt to go back on the bus for a hat or a lunch box left behind. Many children will do this because they are afraid they will be in trouble. Parents can help by assuring them that it’s more important to be safe.
ON THE BUS
- Follow the bus driver’s directions the first time they are given.
- Be courteous to others. Do not use profane language.
- Do not eat or drink on the bus.
- Keep the bus clean.
- Cooperate with the driver.
- Keep your arms, head and possessions in the bus at all times.
- Do not smoke.
- Do not cause damage to the bus or to other’s property.
- Stay in your seat unless the bus is at rest and you are boarding or departing the bus.
- The bus driver is authorized to assign seats.
- Make room for those who need a seat.
ITEMS ON BUSES
- Students are responsible for any special articles they bring on the bus. They will lose the privilege of bringing these special articles on the bus if there are problems.
- Generally, if an item does not fit in the student’s lap, it will not be permitted on the bus.
- Any large items must be approved by the driver and consideration must be given to room available on the bus. No child will be without a seat because of a large article taking up space.
- Any small items like toys, balls, marbles, etc., should be kept in a backpack or other bag. Rolling and thrown objects are serious safety hazards to the driver and the students.
WHAT IS AND IS NOT PERMITTED ON THE SCHOOL BUS
Items not allowed on the bus include:
- guns (real or toy)
- skis and ski poles (not allowed on regular routes, though on trips they are allowed but must be secured or in luggage racks)
- sleds
- fireworks
- bicycles
- spray cans
- saws or axes
- skateboards and scooters
- matches and lighters
- knives (real or toy)
- bags of returnable cans
- animals (pets)
Items allowed on the bus only with the listed stipulations include:
- bows and arrows — must be in a case or secured unstrung with arrow tips encased
- babies — only with prior notice and a proper car seat
- ice skates — blades must be covered
- musical instruments — if the instrument fits on the student’s lap, or if prior approval from driver is given for larger instruments