The goal of this Bus Rider's Handbook is to help provide a safe and enjoyable experience for children and adults who ride school buses.  Parents should take time to read and discuss the materials in this handbook with their children.  Riding a school bus is a privilege provided by the school district and should be treated as such.  School bus rider's contract is to be completed and turned into the driver within three days.

Video Cameras on the School Buses

The Big spring Independent School District uses video cameras to help control discipline.  Your child should act as if they are being filmed everyday.  Parents will be called in to watch their children if they misbehave on the school bus/

General Safety Rules

1. Obey the instructions of the bus driver.  At no time will a student act toward, or address comments to a bus driver in a disrespectful manner, or refuse to cooperate with the driver.

2. Board and leave the bus at designated stops only.

3. Only students who are eligible to ride may be transported and must ride their assigned bus.

4. Do not ask to ride home on another bus with a friend or bring a friend with you.

5. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide transportation to school if a child misses the bus.

Procedures for Waiting for the Bus

1. Be at your bus stop five minutes before scheduled pick-up time.  Driver will not wait or honk.

2. Stand on the sidewalk or back from the roadway while waiting the bus.

3. When the bus approaches, form a line and be prepared to load immediately.

4. Stand clear of the bus until it comes to a complete stop.

5. If you miss the bus go home immediately.  Parents should instruct their children on what procedures to follow if the bus is missed.

6. Students will abide by the individual school's rules and regulations concerning bus students, including conduct and dress code.

Loading the Bus

1. Do not push or shove.

2. Use the handrail and steps.

3. Go to your seat.  The bus will not move until all students are seated.

4. The driver has the authority and may assign seats to all students or selected students.

Conduct on the Bus

1. Remain seated while the bus is moving.

2. Do not change seats.

3. A student shall not refuse to deny another a place to sit.

4. Each student will be expected to remain seated for the duration of the trip, and remain seated until the bus door opens.

5. Normal conversation is permitted; any loud noises may distract the driver and create an unsafe condition.

6. Scuffling, fighting, and the use of obscene, vulgar, or profane language and gestures are forbidden.

7. Do not throw objects inside or out of the bus.

8. Do not mark, cut, or scratch any part of the bus.  Vandalism costs will be paid by the person who is responsible.

9. The emergency door and exit controls should be used by pupils only during supervised drills or actual emergencies.

10. Students shall never attempt to operate the passenger door or other driver controls except in cases of extreme emergency.

11. Students shall face forward for the duration of the trip, and shall keep their feet on the floor in front of them and out of the bus aisle.

12. Students must not extend their hands, arms, feet, or head out of the bus windows at any time.  Students must keep hands off other riders as well as the driver at all times.

Getting off the Bus

1. Stay seated until the bus is completely stopped.

2. Use the handrail and take one step at a time when leaving the bus.

3. Wait for your turn to leave the bus; pushing and crowding will only slow exiting and may cause an accident.

4. You must have a signed note from the principal to get off at a bus stop other than your own.  The note must be given to the driver when boarding the bus.

5. Stay clear of the bus when the engine is started.  Do not chase or hang on to the bus at any time.

6. If any article drops or rolls near or under the bus, do not go after it.  Go to the door of the bus and ask the driver for help.

Crossing the Street or Highway

1. All students living on the left side of the roadway shall exit the bus and move to a point 10 to 12 feet in front of the right bumper and wait for the driver to signal you that it is safe to cross.

2. Check in both directions and walk directly across the road.

3. Never cross the road behind the bus.

4. CAUTION! Be alert for the vehicles that do not stop when the bus is loading or unloading students.

5. Cross all streets at intersections.  Obey all traffic signals and signs on your way home.

Prohibited items

1. Tobacco.

2. Live animals or insects.

3. Glass containers.

4. Alcoholic beverages.

5. Weapons, explosive devices, harmful drugs or chemicals.

6. Any object (musical instrument, shop project) too large to be carried by the student.  All other items must be kept on the student's lap at all times.

7. Lighted matches or cigarette lighters.

8. Food or drinks (no drinking on the bus is permitted).

9. Radios or tape players become school property.

Accidents or Emergencies

1. Follow the driver's instructions.

2. If you must leave the bus, stay in a group.

3. The following procedures will be used for evacuation in an emergency situation:

   1. The student nearest the door will open the door and hold it open.

   2. Leave the bus in a single file as quickly and quietly as possible.

   3. Evacuation will start with the seat closest to the door.

   4. Once outside the bus, follow the driver's instructions completely.

Extra Curricular Trips

1. Bus rider rules apply to all school-sponsored events.

2. Discipline will be the responsibility of the trip sponsor and transportation director.

3. The bus must return clean when returning from the trip.

Discipline

It is the belief of the Big Spring Independent School District that proper conduct by students is essential for the safe operation of school buses.  Misconduct could result in a student not being allowed to ride a bus.  Students may be suspended from the buses if: (1) they willfully or through negligence cause damage to the bus: (2) if their behavior is such that it causes pain, or embarrassment or disruption to the driver or to other students.

Discipline procedures may include, but are not limited to: