In the interest of the student’s safety and in compliance with State law, students are also expected to observe the following:

1. Dress properly for the weather. Make sure all drawstrings, ties, straps, etc. on all clothing, backpacks and other items, are shortened or removed to lessen the likelihood of them getting caught in bus doors, railings or aisles.

2. Arrive on time at the bus stop and stay away from the street while waiting for the bus.

3. Stay away from the bus until it stops completely and the driver signals you to board. Enter in single file without pushing. Always use the handrail.

4. Take a seat right away and remain seated facing forward. Keep your hands, arms, and head inside the bus.

5. Talk quietly on the bus. No shouting or creating loud noises that may distract the driver. Tablets, computers, smart phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices must be silenced on the bus unless a student uses headphones.

6. Help keep the bus neat and clean. Keep belongings out of the aisle and away from emergency exits. Eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus.

7. Always listen to the driver’s instructions. Be courteous to the driver and other students. Sit with your hands to yourself and avoid making noises that would distract the driver or bother other passengers.

8. Wait until the bus pulls to a complete stop before standing up. Use the handrail when exiting the bus.

9. Stay out of the danger zone next to the bus where the driver may have difficulty seeing you. Take at least five giant steps (10 feet) away from the bus and out of the danger zone, until you can see the driver and the driver sees you. Never crawl under a bus.

10. If you must cross the street after you get off the bus, wait for the driver’s signal and then cross in front of the bus. Cross the street only after checking both ways for traffic, even after the driver’s signal.

11. Never run back to the bus, even if you dropped or forgot something.

12. Parents will be liable for any defacing or damage students do to the bus.

Additional Resources
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - School Bus Safety

 U.S. Department of Transportation - School Bus Safety Campaign Material

 National Safety Council - Tips for a Safe Ride

 Illinois State Police - School Bus Safety

 Illinois State Board of Education - School Bus Safety What Parents Should Know  

 Illinois State Board of Education - Instructions To School Bus Riders

Bus pick-up and drop off locations for students that ride the bus to and from school will be determined at registration. If bus pick-up or drop off location changes at any time during the school year, parents/guardians must contact the bus garage at 618-952-2604, not the school office.

If it is necessary to have a child dropped off at a different location, YOU MUST CALL a) the bus garage at 618-952-2604 AND b) your child’s school before 2 p.m. (If no one answers at the bus garage, you must leave a message).

If your child wants to ride home with another child on a bus, the parents/guardians of BOTH children must a) call the bus garage at 952-2604 AND b) the child’s school before 2 p.m. and give permission. If we don’t hear from BOTH sets of parents, the student will be denied. Also, if the bus is overloaded, which rarely happens, but could, the student will be denied.

For questions regarding school transportation issues, contact Becky Vancil, Director of Transportation, at 618-952-2604.