School Bus Rules & Expectations

Please be on time at the designated pick-up location:

• All riders should be at their stop 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• Riders should line up and stand away from the curb/traffic lane until the bus is ready to load.
• Buses are on a tight schedule and can not wait for late riders.
• Riders should only ride their assigned bus to and from their assigned stops.

Please be respectful of others:

• The driver is ultimately responsible and as such is in charge of the bus. Please follow all driver (and other district staff supervision) directions.
• Riders will observe standard rules of classroom conduct while on buses.
• Talking is allowed at a level that is not distracting to the driver (inside/classroom voices).
• Please keep the buses litter free.
• Do not use profanity or offensive language.

Please act in a safe manner:

• Never get on or off the bus while it is moving.
• Riders should go directly to their seat and remain seated whenever the bus is in motion.
• Windows may only be open with permission of the driver.
• Nothing should ever be extended out of the bus windows.
• When exiting the bus and crossing the street, always cross in front of the bus to take advantage of the bus traffic gate and lights for safe crossing.
• No open flames or burning is allowed on buses.

The following are NOT allowed on the bus:

• Alcohol, drugs and vaping
• Weapons
• Profanity 
• Bullying, fighting and other aggressive behavior
• Scooters, skateboards and bicycles
• Loose sports equipment. All sports equipment should be secured inside a bag or backpack.
• Large musical instruments (see below)
• Laser lights, flashlight mirrors or any other device on the bus that may interfere with the safe operation of the bus
• Acts of vandalism and/or intentional damage. This behavior may result in discipline in addition to being charged the cost of repairs/cleaning.
• Eating unless specifically authorized by the transportation department on a case-by-case basis. This is not only due to cleanliness but also the wide variety of allergies present across the district.

Participating in instrumental music opportunities such as band and orchestra can be among the most transformative and engaging activities for students. The district as well as the transportation department seeks to support these opportunities as much as possible.

State law prohibits the transportation of certain instruments on school buses because they are heavy, bulky, sharp and/or could be hazardous in the event of an accident or emergency stop. Specifically, instrument cases can be no larger than 42 inches tall, 12 inches wide and 9 inches deep; any instrument cases must be able to held between a student’s legs and be controlled at all times and the instrument, student and student’s backpack cannot take over another student’s seat.

The following instruments not allowed on morning and afternoon bus routes are:

• Cellos
• Trombones
• Tubas
• Guitars
• Amplifiers
• French Horns
• Large Drums
• String Basses

Please keep these considerations in mind if your child rides the bus regularly and intends to participate in instrumental music activities.