Transportation

Safety for our children is of great concern to our transportation department staff, but school bus safety starts even before they get to the bus stop! Here are some safety tips to share with your children.

Be on time. Walk—don't run—to the bus stop.

Use sidewalks and crosswalks if available.

Stand back from the edge of the road. If you have to cross, wait for the driver to signal it is safe.

Stay in your seat and use an inside voice.

Always keep yourself and all belongings inside the windows and out of the aisles.

Follow the driver's instructions. They are in charge at all times.

Exit the bus carefully and use the handrails.

Take five giant steps in front of the bus, wait for the driver to signal before crossing the road.

Yield to the bus. If you drop something, tell the bus driver—do not try to get it yourself.

Be aware that school buses make frequent stops and children may be crossing the road. When the red lights are flashing and the stop paddle is extended, all traffic must come to a complete stop. The Washington State Patrol, Yakima County Sheriff's Department and Zillah City Police are working closely with our transportation department on all stop paddle violations. The safety of our children should be our first concern.

During the winter months when the mornings and afternoons are dark, it is important for our children to wear reflective clothing, so they are visible not only to the bus driver, but to other vehicles as well. Statistics show that school buses are one of the safest forms of transportation for our children. Please review safety rules with your children throughout the year and help us keep them safe at all times.

If you have questions or concerns, please email Doug Burge or Luisa Brown

It is important that all students conduct themselves in a safe manner on or near the school bus. We would like your assistance in making sure your child understands the expectations for riding the school bus and the discipline procedures should a problem arise.

RULES:          

1. Driver is in charge of bus & passengers at all times.
2. Stop, Look, Listen & Cross only in front of bus at the driver’s signal.
3. Avoid pushing, shoving, playing in the roadway while waiting for the bus. Stand back from the curb at a safe distance.
4. Keep all body parts inside windows.
5. Stay seated while bus is moving.
6. Talk quietly and be courteous to all. The use of profane language will not be tolerated.
7. Help keep the bus clean and aisles clear.
8. Eating or drinking on the bus is an unsafe practice.
9. Respect the property of others. Destructive behavior will not be tolerated.
10. Smoking or use of any tobacco, alcohol or drug related products are prohibited on the bus.
11. Weapons or other objectionable objects are not permitted on the bus.
12. Glass, balloons and other breakable items are not allowed on the bus.
13. Emergency procedure drills will be conducted on routes 3 timer per school year and prior to field or extra-curricular trips.

If a student fails to observe these rules, the bus driver will attempt to work the problem out with the student. The transportation supervisor or principal may be alerted for assistance.

If the problem continues, the driver will write a behavior report. The consequence may be assigned seating on the bus and/or in school penalty. A parent contact will be made by phone or in writing.

If a second offense occurs, the driver will write a behavior report. The consequence may be a short-term (1-3 days) suspension of riding privileges. There will be a meeting with parents, student, driver, principal and/or supervisor to establish a behavior contract.

In the case of a third offense, the driver will write a behavior report. The consequence may be a long-term suspension of riding privileges for 2 weeks, semester, or rest of the school year. Parent will be notified by phone and/or in writing.

Consequences may vary depending on the severity of the problem and the cooperation of the student. In a very severe, unsafe or life-threatening situation any or all steps may be eliminated.

Please discuss the above issues with your child(ren) to help them understand the importance of safety on the bus. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our department at 829-5911 or you may email Doug Burge or Luisa Brown.