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Waterford-Halfmoon Elementary School

School Bus Safety                                                 

You love your children and we do too.

We want all of our children to be safe in and out of school. Please carefully read the following bus safety tips and share them with your child.

Let’s work together to ensure a safe passage for the ones we love!

For Children:

WAITING FOR THE BUS

f     Always be at your bus stop on time.

f     Don't play in the street. Stand back from the curb.

f     Wait for the bus to stop completely before boarding. Never run to the bus.

 

BOARDING THE BUS

f     Form a line - Don't push or shove; you'll get on the bus eventually. If you have to cross the street while the bus is stopped, cross carefully. (Even though motorists are supposed to stop for a school bus, they often don't, and you could be hurt.)

f     Move along - Step quickly and use the handrail when you are entering or leaving the bus. Watch your step.

f     Sit down. - Go directly to your seat and sit down. Don't wait for a friend to get on before you take a seat.

 

THE RIDE

f     Be Quiet- no yelling - The driver needs your help and he may have trouble concentrating if there is too much commotion in the bus. Obey your bus driver’s directions.

f     Stay in your seat facing forward – if there is an emergency and the bus driver cannot hear you, you may get out of your seat to report it.

f     Fighting and physical play is not allowed on the bus

f     Keep the aisles clear - Nothing...books, bags, legs, arms or bodies... should block the aisle. Do not stand in the aisle. If the driver is forced to make a quick stop, you could be thrown around and hurt yourself and others.

f     Never throw things on the bus or out the windows

f     Never put your head or arms out the window

f     Share your seat - Don't save a spot for a friend, but keep the seat open for anyone who wants to sit down. (You'll have plenty of time to talk to your friends once you get to school.)

 

 

 

GETTING OFF THE BUS

 

f     Wait for the bus to stop completely before leaving your seat.

f     Get off in single file. No pushing.

 

 

 

f     Wait for the driver's signal to cross If you must cross in front of the bus, make sure the driver can see you. Look both ways. Cross the street carefully at least 10 feet in front of the bus.

f     Do not run.

f     Never cross behind the bus or crawl under the bus.

 

 

For Parents:

It is up to seven times safer for children to ride the bus to school vs. riding in the private passenger vehicle. Most mishaps take place outside the bus. Here are some safety steps you should take:

 

©      Assure that your child is on time for the bus but don't let your child arrive at the stop too early. They may be tempted to wander or get into mischief.

©      Accompany young children (K-2) to the bus stop and meet them on their return.

©      Make sure your child waits well away from the roadway, and stays well back until the bus has come to a full stop and the door opens.

©      Explain to children they must wait for a signal from the bus driver and walk at least 10 feet away when crossing in front of the bus.

©      Discourage loosely fitting and baggy clothing that can get caught in handrails, in swinging doors, and on seats. Don't buy student raincoats that are yellow, buy another color. The yellow raincoat has a tendency to blend in with the yellow school bus making it hard for motorists to see the student.

©      The most dangerous area is at the loading and unloading areas. Instruct your children to avoid horseplay and to stay back away from the bus until it is okay to board.

©      Instruct your children to remain seated while on the bus, and avoid horseplay or being exceptionally noisy.

©      Tell your child to report dangerous behavior to the bus driver. Call the school if you have concerns about the bus.

©      Stop for school buses with red lights flashing...even at school! Report the license plate numbers of cars passing busses to the police.

©      Make sure your children know what to do if they miss the bus: come back home; or if at school, report to a teacher and never, never accept a ride from a stranger.

©      Plan and discuss with your children where they can go in an emergency.

©      Tell your children to come straight home from the bus no detours

©       Students may only ride on assigned buses as well as board and debark at their designated stops. Parents may request in writing any exception to this rule.

©       Call the school, police or bus company if you witness speeding or unsafe driving around busses or by busses.

 

 

Let us do all that we possibly can to be sure that all of our children are safe on the bus.

Any student that violates safety rules may lose the privilege of riding the bus.

For the sake of all children, please emphasize safety and politeness on the bus to your child!