A. Procedures While Waiting for the Bus
1. Be at the assigned pickup point up to five minutes before the regular/scheduled pick up time. Drivers will not wait or honk.
2. Stand on the sidewalk or 10 feet away from the roadway while waiting for the bus. Students must respect private property at the pickup point location. Criminal charges could apply if private property is damaged or destroyed.
3. As the bus approaches, form a line and be prepared to load immediately. But, do not approach the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the door is opened. Anywhere within 10 ft. of the bus is considered “the Danger Zone” and is very dangerous.
4. If a student misses the bus, they should go home immediately and notify their parent/guardian. Parents/guardians should instruct their children on what procedures to follow if the bus is missed. The school bus will not return if the student misses the bus.
Back to top
B. Procedures for Boarding the Bus
1. Do not push or shove; load one at a time.
2. Use the handrail and step up onto the bus one step at a time.
3. Go directly to your assigned seat. The bus will not move until all students are seated. All students are required to have an assigned seat. Assigned seating will be determined by the driver, campus administrator, and transportation, not the student.
4. Loading at each school is generally scheduled or announced. The bus stops one time only to load students at the schools. The driver will give the students enough time to load and then leave. Once the bus starts to leave a campus, it will not stop to pick up a late student. Running towards or after a moving bus is very dangerous. The student that misses the bus should return to the office immediately to contact their parent/guardian.
Back to top
C. Conduct on the Bus
1. Each rider is assigned a seat. Each rider will be responsible for his or her space. Report any existing vandalism or damage to the driver immediately. Vandalism repair cost will be paid by the person determined to be responsible. Parents/guardians will be notified and the student’s riding privilege may be suspended until arrangement for restitution is made.
2. Actions that distract the driver may endanger all of the riders. Such actions as loud noises, moving around, throwing objects, fighting or shining a light into the eyes of the driver are unlawful and will not be allowed. The student may be removed if necessary. The MISD Police department may issue citations for Disruption of Transportation or Disorderly Conduct for these acts, resulting in fines or possible incarceration for violators.
3. The emergency door and exit controls should be used by students only during supervised drills or actual emergencies.
4. All body parts (head, arms, long hair, etc.) must be kept inside of the bus.
5. Remain seated in the assigned seat. Do not change seat location without the driver’s approval.
6. Eating or drinking while on the bus is not permitted. Openly carrying drink containers on the bus is not permitted. On high heat days, students may drink water when the bus is at a scheduled stop.
7. All carry-on items will be held in the student’s lap. Nothing will be allowed in the aisle or blocking the exits. Items that block the view of the driver are not permitted.
8. Absolutely no fightingor spittingon the bus will be tolerated. Each will be reported to the student’s campus principal. Action by the MISD Police Department is expected.
9. Normal conversation with other riders is permitted. Use of profanity, vulgar language or gestures or shouting loudly to/at other students is not acceptable conduct.
10. The on-board radio will be controlled by the driver, limited generally to public radio stations approved by the Transportation Director. Individually owned audio tapes will not be played.
Back to top
D. Procedures for Unloading the Bus
1. Stay seated until the bus completely stops and the brake is set.
2. No pushing or crowding, the driver will wait for all to exit.
3. Use the handrail and step down one step at a time.
4. Walk directly away from the bus. Never chase or hang onto the bus. Stay clear of the bus. Do not walk down the side of the bus or behind the bus. Anywhere within 10 feet of the bus is considered “The Danger Zone” and is very dangerous.
5. If you must cross the street, walk ten (10) feet away from the door and then walk fifteen (15) feet forward. Wait for the driver to direct you across the road.
6. If any article drops or rolls near or under the bus, do not go after it. Go to the door of the bus and ask the driver for help.
Back to top
E. Crossing the Roadways at Bus Stops
1. Never cross behind the bus. When crossing the roadway at a bus stop, go ten (10) feet away from bus, then fifteen (15) feet in the same direction the bus is facing, and stop. Wait for the driver to signal you that it is safe to cross. Do NOT run behind the bus.
2. When the driver signals you, move to the center of the road and look again to the driver for approval to cross.
3. Check both directions before and during your crossing. Walk directly across the road. Do not loiter.
Be alert for vehicles that do not stop when the bus is loading or unloading students. Each day drivers carelessly run through the red lights flashing on school buses stopped for children. Look before stepping off of the bus as well as while crossing. Also, cross all streets at intersections while walking to or from the bus stop, and obey all traffic signals and signs along the way.
Back to top
F. Procedures in Case of Accidents or Emergenices
1. Stay calm and quiet; listen to instructions.
2. Follow the driver’s instructions.
3. All students must remain with the bus. Students cannot leave the area, even with parents, until released by the police.
4. The following procedures will be used for evacuation in an emergency situation:
a. The rider nearest the door will open the door, exit and will hold it open. The next rider will exit then assist the first in helping other students exit the door.
b. Evacuation will start with the seat closest to the door. The third rider to exit will act as the guide and will lead the other students to a safe place.
c. Once outside the bus, follow the guide, stay together, and follow the driver’s instructions completely and immediately.
Back to top
|
