Bus Safety Guidelines for Parents and Students.

Our Philosophy:

Riding the school bus is a privilege in Haverhill. We believe all qualifying students have the right to a safe bus ride, and no student has the right to prevent other students from safe transportation. We also believe all students have the ability to behave appropriately when riding the school bus. Improper conduct may result in being suspended from school bus transportation. The following are some bus rules and safety guidelines we would ask you to share with your child(ren).

Bus Rules:

  1. Students should listen and follow directions from the bus driver AT ALL TIMES – NO EXCEPTIONS.  
  2. Students are only allowed to travel on board their assigned bus and must only exit at their designated stop.
  1. Students MUST SCAN Zpass cards when boarding and exiting the bus. This is extremely important, this gives us the ability to know when and where students boarded and exited the bus, in the event of an emergency. 
  2. When boarding the bus students should go directly to a seat; remain seated facing forward for the duration of the bus ride. Students are only allowed to stand when the bus has come to a complete stop and has arrived at the students destination. 
  1. When the student arrives at school or their designated stop, wait until the bus has come to a complete stop. If it is the students stop, proceed to exit the bus; otherwise, remain seated. Students should always be courteous to others when boarding and exiting the bus. 
  2. Swearing, yelling, loud whistling, rude gestures, cruel teasing, and belittling of others are NOT ALLOWED on the bus at any time.
     
  3. Students should keep their heads,bodies, hands, feet, and ALL objects to themselves while on the bus.  
  4. Musical instruments, backpacks, and equipment may not occupy needed seating space and must be under the owner’s control at all times.       
     
  5. No dangerous objects, weapons, alcohol, or tobacco are allowed on the bus. If it is not allowed in school, it is not allowed on the bus. 
  6. Eating food, drinking, or chewing gum is not allowed on the bus at any time.  
  7.  No animals, insects, or reptiles are allowed on the bus at any time. 
  8.  No glass or sharp objects are allowed on the bus. 
  9. The aisle and emergency exit for the bus MUST REMAIN CLEAR at all times. 

Bus Safety: 

Parents/guardians, please share with your child the following safety measures. If possible, parents should accompany their child(ren) to the bus stop and wait until the bus arrives.

 

  • Safety starts at the bus stop.
    • Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Visit the bus stop with your child to show them where to wait for the bus: at least 6 feet (3 giant steps) away from the curb or street. Remind your child that the bus stop is not a place to run or play.

 

  • Boarding and leaving the bus safely.
    • When the school bus arrives, your child should wait to approach the bus door until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says that it’s okay to board. Your child should use the handrails to avoid falling when boarding and leaving the bus. Be careful of straps or drawstrings that could get caught in the door. One person at a time when boarding/exiting the bus.      

 

  • Using caution around the bus.
    • Your child should never walk behind the school bus. If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, inform your child when leaving the bus to walk to the sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least 10 feet (five giant steps) in front of the bus before crossing. Your child should make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing to ensure the driver can see your child and only cross when the driver indicates it’s safe. Teach kids to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street. If your child ever drops something near the school bus, like a ball or book, the safest thing is to tell the bus driver right away. Your child should not try to pick the item up because the driver might not be able to see your child.

To help ensure your child’s safety, it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to discuss the following topics with them:

  • The route your child is to take to and from the bus stop.
  • The assigned bus number and bus stop.
  • They should be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.
  • Appropriate bus stop behavior and bus rules.
  • What to do if the bus is more than 15 minutes late.
  • What do you do if no one is home when they get there in the afternoon?
  • What to do if they miss the bus.
  • Have your child tell the driver if he(she) is on the wrong bus or doesn’t know where to go.
  • Have your child tell their bus driver if they are having problems on the bus.

We can all contribute to a safer and more enjoyable bus ride for our students by following these simple guidelines. We take pride in the fact you entrust our Transportation Department with your child; with your cooperation and commitment to safety, we can maintain safe transportation for all of our students.