Beware of the Danger Zone: Be AWARE

 Even with lots of big mirrors, there are areas around the bus, the driver cannot see! Explain this to your child so that they can be safe getting on and off the bus.  

 

Bus Danger Zones     

Do your children know?

      

 

Walking To School: Safety Rules  

Even if you don't ride the big yellow school bus, it is important to be safe while walking! Review the following advice for parents and students so that you know how to get to and from school safely.

 

Be a Hero: Legal Routes article about saftey tips following an attempted abduction in a Missouri School District

 

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School Bus Rules

Transportation provided by the district is a privilege. Inappropriate conduct at bus stops, on District vehicles, or in the process of boarding or exiting from a vehicle may result in student disciplinary action including, but not limited to, supension of transportation privileges.

Listed below are some general rules to follow:  

 Obey the driver’s instructions and don’t distract the driver through misbehavior

 

• Remain seated and keep the aisles clear.
• Remain seated until the scheduled stop.
• Keep hands, arms, feet, legs and head inside the vehicle.
• Talk quietly. Do not yell or use vulgar or abusive language.
• Be courteous to the driver and others.
• Do not throw anything inside the vehicle or from the vehicle.
• No smoking, drinking or eating is allowed.
• Do not bring animals, weapons, dangerous instruments, tobacco, alcohol or drugs in the vehicle.
• Maintain orderly conduct at designated bus stops.
• Provide proper identification when asked to do so.

 

Parents and Guardians with your assistance and cooperation, together we can make every effort to ensure the safety of your children while they ride the bus and as they walk to and from the bus stop.

 

School Bus Conduct

Conduct while waiting for the bus:

• Be at your bus stop approximately ten minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• Stay at a safe distance from the curb on the sidewalk area. Do not wander into carports or onto lawns. Do not sit on fences.
• Do not play games in the street.
• When the bus approaches, get in line. Line up parallel to the street away from the curb.
• Stand clear of the bus until it has come to a complete stop. Do not push or shove while waiting. Let smaller children board first.
• If you miss the bus, go straight home. Remember, your bus driver has a schedule to keep and if you are not at the bus stop, he cannot wait for you.
• Parents should instruct their children on what to do if the bus is unable to pick them up, i.e.,
  • Where to go and wait (back home or to a friend’s house).
  • Whom to telephone (parents, school, or a friend).

Conduct while boarding the bus:

• Always use the handrail
• Go up the steps one at a time.
• Avoid pushing and shoving.
• Go directly to your seat. The bus will not move until all passengers are seated.
• Regulations do not permit passengers to stand in a moving bus.

Conduct on the bus:

• Passengers are to remain seated while the bus is in motion.
• Place books, parcels, and musical instruments on your lap. The bus aisle must be kept clear.
• Loud talking, screaming, and unnecessary movement could distract the driver and create an unsafe condition.
• Normal conversation is permitted, but vulgar or profane language is prohibited.
• When stopped for railroad tracks, keep quiet so the driver may listen for the sound of approaching trains.
• Do not change seats. Stay in the first seat selected.
• Arms, head and other parts of the body are to be kept inside the bus.
• Throwing objects inside or out of the bus may cause an accident and is not allowed.
• Chewing gum, drinking pop, or eating food or candy is not permitted.
• Do not mark, cut, or scratch any part of the bus. Vandalism costs everyone.
• The emergency door and exit controls shall be used by students ONLY during supervised drills or actual emergencies.
• Reasonable requests: Student’s refusal to give correct name, accept temporary or permanent seating assignment, or give positive response to reasonable requests will be grounds for suspension of the bus privilege.

Conduct while getting off the bus:

• Stay seated until the bus is completely stopped.
• Use the handrail and take one step at a time when leaving the bus.
• Pushing or crowding shows poor manners and could cause an accident.
• Move away from the side of the bus immediately. Go directly home.
• You must have a note signed by the principal to get off at a bus stop other than your regular stop.
• If a dropped article rolls near or under the bus do not crawl or reach under the bus. Go to the door of the bus and tell the driver. She/he will help you retrieve the article.
• Do not chase or hang onto the bus as it is starting up.

Conduct while crossing the highway:

• If you must cross the road, walk about ten feet in front of the bus, then wait for the driver to signal that it is safe to cross.
• Look continuously to the left and right as you cross the road. Proceed directly across road in a courteous manner. Do not stop or walk slowly up or down while you are in the street. Do not run.
• Never cross the road behind the bus.
• Caution! Be alert for vehicles that do not stop when the bus is loading or discharging passengers.
• When crossing at an intersection, check traffic in all directions. Be sure to obey traffic signals and signs. Stay in the designated crosswalk. Cross only when it is safe to do so.

Prohibited Items:

• Smoking is not allowed on the bus.
• Animals or insects are not allowed onto the bus.
• Glass containers are not permitted on the bus.
• Alcoholic beverages shall not be carried in a school bus.
• No weapon, explosive device, harmful drug, or chemical shall be transported in a school bus.
• Any object (musical instrument, shop project) too large to be carried by the student will not be transported in the school bus. Students must be in control of personal items at all times.