Bus Information

These rules and regulations have been established for the safety, well-being and conduct of students.

Prior To Loading

• Students are to be at their designated bus stop at the scheduled time. They should arrive five minutes before pickup time. The bus cannot wait for tardy students; it has a schedule to keep.

• Students are to walk on the left shoulder, facing oncoming traffic.

• At the bus stop, while waiting for the bus, students are to stay off the traveled portion of the roadway. Stand on the sidewalk, if there is one. Students are not to engage in horseplay and are to respect the property of homeowners in the area.

• When crossing the roadway to get on the bus, students are to walk, not run. They are to cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus and not behind it. They are to check traffic from both directions, make sure the stop sign on the bus is out and look at the bus driver to be certain it is okay to cross.

• When loading, be careful. Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before moving toward it. Do not push forward or crowd. Be courteous and remain in line.

• Upon entering the bus, students are to go directly to their seats, sit down and remain seated.

• Students who miss the bus are to return home. Any alternative arrangement for getting to school needs the permission of a parent or guardian.

While On The Bus

• Students are under the supervision of the driver and must obey at all times.

• Students are not to stand or sit in the step well and at NO time sit in the driver’s seat. Students are to be seated while the bus is in motion, facing forward with all parts of their body out of the aisle.

• Students are to conduct themselves in a manner that will not distract the driver and not disturb other riders on the bus. Do not talk to the driver, except on important matters or emergencies while the bus is moving.

• The same behavior is expected on a bus as is expected in a classroom. Noise is to be kept to a minimum.

• Absolute quiet is necessary while the bus is approaching and crossing railroad tracks so the driver can listen for approaching trains.

• Students are to ride only their regularly assigned bus and leave the bus at their regular stop. To ride another bus or get off at a different stop requires the written permission of a parent/guardian or the principal (or designee).

• Students on all trips other than regular to and from school will be required to have written permission from parent/guardian or principal/designee in order to go to or leave an event other than by bus transportation provided.

• Students are to go promptly to their bus when dismissed from school. When they leave the bus they are to go directly home. 

• Balloons are not allowed on the bus.

• Open bus windows only three (3) notches if the driver gives permission. Hands, head, legs, etc. are to be kept inside the bus at all times. No objects are to be thrown or passed through open windows or doors. Students will refrain from calling out to passersby.

• Damage to the bus is to be paid for by the offender. Any damage is to be reported to the driver.

• In accordance with Policy 4210, firearms or dangerous weapons are NOT allowed on the bus. Dangerous Weapons under state law includes:

  • Any firearm;

  • Any device commonly known as “nunchakunun-chu-ka sticks,” consisting of two or more length of wood, metal, plastic, or similar substance connected with wire, rope, or other means;

  • Any device, commonly known as “throwing stars,” which are multi-pointed, metal objects designed to embed upon impact from any aspect;

  • Any air gun, including any air pistol or air rifle, designed to propel a BB, pellet, or other projectile by the discharge of compressed air, carbon dioxide, or other gas;

  • Any portable device manufactured to function as a weapon and which is commonly known as a stun gun, including a projectile stun gun which projects wired probes that are attached to the device that emit an electrical charge designed to administer to a person or an animal an electric shock, charge, or impulse;

  • Any device, object, or instrument that which is used or intended to be used as a weapon with the intent to injure a person by an electric shock, charge, or impulse;

  • The following instruments:

    • Any dirk or dagger;

    • Any knife with a blade longer than three inches;

    • Any knife with a blade that which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device;

    • Any knife having a blade that which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement; and

    • Any razor with an unguarded blade;

  • Any slung shot, sandbag, or sand clubs and club;

  • Metal knuckles;

  • A sling shot;

  • Any metal pipe or bar used or intended to be used as a club;

  • Any explosive;

  • Any weapon containing poisonous or injurious gas;

  • Any implement or instrument that which has the capacity to inflict death and from the manner in which it is used, is likely to produce or may easily and readily produce death.

• In accordance with Policy 3207, the use of profane language will not be tolerated. In addition, harassment, intimidation or bullying of the driver or other students is prohibited.

• In accordance with Policy 4215, the use of tobacco products and delivery devices include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, electronic smoking/vapor devices, and vapor products, non-prescribed inhalers, nicotine delivery devices or chemicals that are not FDA-approved to help people quit using tobacco, devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances and any other smoking equipment, device, material or innovation, are prohibited on the bus.

• Students are to help keep the bus clean. Paper or other objects are not to be left on the bus, except in the trashcan provided.

• Keep the aisle and front door well clear of books, lunches, coats, packages, and band instruments. When departing, remove all items which are brought onto the bus. Special written permission must be granted by school authorities to transport any large items with approval from the driver.

• Leave the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and emergency door alone. Use them only in an emergency and then usually with the permission of the driver or another authorized person.

• In the event of an actual emergency, emergency exit procedures, as established by the emergency exit drills, will be followed.

• Students are expected to be courteous with fellow students and driver. Do not take advantage of small children in order to get a seat. Horseplay, fighting, hitting, scuffling, or slapping will not be tolerated.

• Do not stand up until the bus has come to a complete stop. Students in the front of the bus will unload first. Leave the bus in an orderly fashion.

After Leaving The Bus 

• When it is necessary to cross the road after getting off the bus, cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus. Before stepping into the lane used by oncoming traffic, look both ways to be sure no traffic is approaching from either direction. Glance at the driver, who will signal it if is not safe to cross. Walk; do not run, when crossing the highway.

• Do not loiter around the bus or run beside it when it is moving.

• If there is a shoulder or sidewalk, use it. When it is necessary to walk along the roadway, walk on the left-facing traffic.

• Do not throw balls, rocks, or objects of any kind in the area of a school bus stop. 

• The use of profane language to the driver or others is harassment and will not be tolerated.

Procedures Following Infractions 

• These rules and regulations are for the benefit of the students. Bus drivers are instructed to report to the Director of Transportation any infraction of these rules or disobedience towards the drivers.

• A student discipline notice will be issued to a student who misbehaves. 

Special Arrangements For Pupil Transportation

Special Bus Riding Arrangements: We try to accommodate students who need to ride home in a manner other than their usual for special childcare arrangements, birthday parties, sleepovers, etc. We must have a note or verbal communication from the custodial parent, asking permission for a student to go to an alternate destination. Students will not be allowed to make these arrangements after they arrive at school. This also applies to students who wish to get off of their bus at a different stop. Unless the bus driver has word from our office and/or a note from the custodial parent, he/she will be dropping the child off at their usual stop. In instances where younger children notify the driver that there will be no one home and they don't have a note to go somewhere else, the driver will radio the bus garage and the bus garage will notify the school office. It will be the immediate responsibility of the parent to see that appropriate arrangements are made to pick up the child. In most cases, the child will be brought back to the school.