​Please review the follow safety rules with your child to reinforce the importance of ensuring all students are kept safe on and around the school bus. It is important for all parents/guardians/caregivers to know your child’s route number, time of pick up and drop off, and the name and number of the school bus operator for your child’s route in the event your child should leave something on the bus or in the event of an emergency. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather, buses can be delayed due to inclement weather, traffic, road conditions etc. 

Rules for getting on the bus safely 

Be at the school bus stop 5 minutes prior to the arrival of the bus. Drivers cannot wait for children to arrive to the stop. 

• Never run to or from the bus. 

• Wait at your designated stop in a safe place, back from the side of the road. 

• Do not stand too close to the edge of the road. Never push or shove. 

• Do not play in ditches or on snowbanks. 

• Remember never to stand in the danger zone that surrounds the bus. The danger zone is anywhere close enough for you to touch the bus. 

• If you need to cross the street to get on the bus, always wait until the bus has come to a complete stop. Look for the stop arm to come out and for the flashing red lights. Watch the driver. When the driver is assured that all traffic has stopped he/she will signal for you to cross the street – but continue to watch for traffic yourself. Always walk, don’t run. 

• Enter the bus in a single file. 

• Hold the handrail as you get on the bus. Do not push or shove. 

Rules for Riding the Bus Safely 

• Take your seat promptly and sit properly, facing forward at all times. 

• Place bags and backpacks on your on your lap. 

• Keep the aisle of the bus clear at all times. 

• Windows should only be opened with the permission of the driver. 

• Always keep your head, hands and arms inside the bus. 

• Throwing objects inside or outside of the bus is not permitted. 

• Talk quietly; the driver needs to concentrate to safely drive the bus. 

• Fighting, shouting, or use of obscene language is not permitted. 

• Be absolutely quiet when approaching a railroad crossing. 

• Participate in all bus evacuation training procedures. 

• Dangerous, disturbing, or annoying objects are not permitted on the bus. 

• Eating and drinking (this includes chewing gum) is not allowed on school buses at any time. This rule protects students or drivers that have food allergies and anaphylaxis, prevents choking, and maintains bus cleanliness. 

• Be aware that other students, including the bus driver, may have allergies to scents such as perfume, etc. 

• Smoking is not permitted on the bus. 

• Always follow the bus driver’s instructions. 

• Always treat your driver with respect and courtesy. 

Rules for Leaving the Bus Safely 

• Remain in the seat until the bus comes to a complete stop. 

• Get off the bus only at your designated stop. 

• When you leave the bus hold the handrail. 

• If everyone is getting off the bus, the people at the front leave first. Do not push. 

• Walk straight to the shoulder of the road or sidewalk. If you must cross the road, count 10 large steps along the curb then wait for the driver to give you the signal to cross the road in front of the bus, after checking traffic in both directions. If you do not have to cross the road, wait away from the curb and do not start for home until the bus has left the area. 

• Walk, never run across the road. 

• If you drop something near the bus, do not pick it up. Tell an adult. This is the Danger Zone Remember: 

• If you can touch the bus, you are too close. 

• Use 10 giant steps (or 3 meters) to take you out of the danger zone around the school bus, particularly when crossing in front of the bus. 

• Children should never enter the danger zone. 

• Be sure you can see the bus driver and the bus driver can see you. 

• If you drop anything in the danger zone, never stop to pick it up tell the bus driver and he/she will help you. Children should never play around or near school bus vehicles.