The safety of District students remains a shared responsibility.  Parents/guardians are responsible for getting students on the bus safely.  The District’s responsibility begins when the student boards the bus.  Parents must consider the prevailing climate of the neighborhoods in which they live.  If parents believe their neighborhood is unsafe, they should take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their children while walking to and from bus stops and/or while waiting for the bus to arrive.

It is important that all students riding the bus follow safety rules when going to or from school.  Students who do not obey the rules put themselves and others at risk.  All students and their parents should be aware of and follow these simple safety tips:

1. Be at the bus stop early.
2. Wait for the bus in a safe place – away from the road.
3. Take your seat right away and stay seated at all times. 
4. Keep hands, arms and head inside the bus at all times.
5. Listen to the bus driver and follow directions.
6. Don’t distract the driver.
7. Don’t bother the other students.
8. Leave the bus carefully, using the handrail.
9. Avoid the danger zone that surrounds the bus, and take 10 giant steps in front of the bus beyond the front bumper before turning toward the road.  Never walk behind the bus.  Stop and wait for the driver’s signal, and always look both ways before crossing the road.
10. Keep away from the bus if you drop or forget something – like books or papers.  Never bend down near or under the bus.