Safety Information for Parents

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Reinforcing safety rules at home will help our drivers transport our precious cargo in a safe and timely manner. Our drivers know that SAFETY is first and students can to. Communicate with your child:

that playing about at pick-up points or on buses can cause accidents and injuries

how to behave in a safe manner. For example, by:

• waiting for an "OK" from the driver, that it is safe to cross;
• never opening any door on the bus except in an emergency;
• never throwing anything out of the bus window;
• not distracting the driver by fighting or shouting on the bus

to ensure children know what to do if the bus is late or does not arrive

the financial consequences of vandalism on the bus. Payment to the bus company for any damage caused by a child will be the parents/guardian's responsibility

that unruly or dangerous behavior on the bus will not be tolerated nor will foul language, spitting, or any abuse towards the bus driver or other students. Any child who misbehaves may be excluded from the school bus

to report to their driver, school or parent of any dangerous or unruly behavior occurring on the bus

that you support appropriate action taken by the School or the bus company to deal with unacceptable behavior

Help Increase Your Child's School Bus Safety

School Buses are the Safest Form of Mass Transit in America

Every day, school buses travel through congested city traffic and on isolated country roads in all types of weather, safely transporting millions of children to and from school and school-related activities. Federal and state standards for school bus construction and maintenance and highly trained drivers are essential elements that make school bus travel safe. A third and equally important factor is student behavior on the school bus. For that reason, to safely transport students, APPROPRIATE STUDENT BEHAVIOR IS REQUIRED.

MANAGING BEHAVIOR

Acceptable and unacceptable behavior must be clearly spelled out, including consequences for unacceptable behavior. Inappropriate behavior on a school bus can have potentially fatal consequences. For example, when the driver looks into the rearview mirror to identify and correct student behavior, who is driving the bus? Safe and appropriate behavior is the expectation, and NOTHING LESS SHOULD BE ACCEPTABLE. Ideally, managing or controlling student behavior on the school bus is a team effort involving the DRIVER, PRINCIPAL AND PARENTS. The goals are to ensure a safe ride to and from school and to help school children develop appropriate behavior over the long haul.

Rules Sudents Should Follow Prior to Entering the School Bus:

• Get to the bus stop at least ten minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it's okay before stepping onto the bus.
• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least 10 feet ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver. Wait for driver to give thumbs up to cross in front of the bus.
• Use the handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps don't get caught in the handrails or doors.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• Walk at least 6 feet away from the side of the bus.
• If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.

Acceptable Behavior on a School Bus:

• Take the first available seat in your grade section or your assigned seat
• Stay seated facing forward
• Talk in a quiet voice
• Keep your hands to yourself
• No eating or drinking
• Keep aisle clear of any belongings
• Respect your driver and also your peers
• The school bus is an extension of the class room. Therefore, the same rules you follow in school should be followed on your bus

DISCIPLINE STRATEGIES

Discipline on School Buses is the Biggest Problem Confronting School Bus Drivers

Students are responsible for their own conduct on the school bus. As the school bus is an extension of the school, drivers have the support of the school principal to effectively manage behavior on the bus.

When a Discipline Problem is Serious:

• Student may receive a discipline slip.
• Drivers may stop the bus in a safe place, stand up and speak to the offender(s) in a courteous but "I mean business" tone.
• In some cases, drivers may move students seat to the front of the bus closer to the driver.
• If necessary, the driver may call dispatch to contact school.
• In certain unsafe instances, drivers may return to school only after confirming with dispatch.

PARENTS:

• Teach your children to follow these safety rules and guidelines to make school bus transportation safer. Be sure your children know and understand each rule.
• If your children ride the school bus, walk with them to the bus stop and wait with them until they get on the school bus.
• Remind children to always use handrails.
• Be alert. There may be children arriving late for the school bus and may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
• Communicate with your children's school bus driver to maintain and encourage appropriate behavior.
• For students, riding the school bus is a privilege that is contingent upon their continuous observance of bus rules and established regulations. If there are infractions, consequences will be implemented which could lead up to temporary or permanent loss of bus privileges.