Bus Rules and Safety

Bus Rules

The following rules have been developed for safety reasons:

• Students must swipe their bus pass each time they enter or exit the bus.
• Students must obey the bus driver at all times.
• All riders riding a school bus equipped with lap-shoulder seat belts are expected to use the lap-shoulder seat belts appropriately.
• Noise on the bus is to be kept at a reasonable level. No shouting or other loud noises on the bus or out the windows is allowed.
• Students must remain seated at all times. Aisles are to remain clear of feet and other items.
• The bus must be kept clean at all times.
• Eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus.
• Students waiting to board a bus should stand a safe distance from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop and the doors are opened. Pushing or shoving while waiting to board the bus is not permitted.
• In case of an emergency, all riders are to remain seated in the bus unless otherwise instructed by the driver/other adult in authority.
• Students must ride only their assigned bus. Students will not be allowed to ride an alternate bus.
• If a student disobeys the rules, he or she will be issued a Bus Conduct Report.
  
  

Corrective Discipline

Infractions of the rules result in the following actions:

• First Offense: Bus Conduct Report is sent home for parent’s/guardian’s signature
• Second Offense: Phone call to student’s parents/guardians and suspension of transportation privileges for one day
• Third Offense: Suspension of transportation privileges for three days
• Fourth Offense: Suspension of transportation privileges for five days
• Fifth Offense: Suspension of transportation privileges for 30 days
• Sixth Offense: Suspension of transportation privileges for remainder of the school year
  
  

Please Note: Discipline may carry over to the next year.

Serious Infractions

In cases where more serious disciplinary problems occur, the following procedures are followed:

• The driver reports the incident immediately to the transportation supervisor and fills out a discipline report.
• The Transportation supervisor immediately reports the incident to the building principal.
• The principal meets with the student, and a member of the Transportation Department contacts the student’s parents/guardians with the intended plan.
  
  

For the following severe bus conduct infractions, transportation service may be immediately suspended for a minimum of five days. Transportation privileges could be suspended for the entire semester or school year depending on the severity of the incident and the student’s number of previous discipline infractions. The transportation supervisor and the student’s principal determine the extent of the corrective action.

These incidents include:

• Fighting or threatening others on the bus
• Using profanity or obscene gestures toward the bus driver or others on the bus
• Throwing or shooting items in the bus or out the windows
• Igniting fires, smoking, or using a controlled substance on the bus
• Severe safety distractions such as pointing laser lights at the bus driver or other students on the bus
• Putting hands, arms, and other parts of the body outside the windows
• Any activity on the bus that could severely jeopardize the safety of the students on the bus
• Vandalism
• Harassing behavior

In cases where severe conduct infractions occur, the Transportation Department may send a representative to the bus to remove the child or children involved. Students who feel they are being treated unfairly in a transportation matter should report the matter to the principal.

Video Systems

Video systems are used to monitor student behavior on school buses. The video can be used as evidence in a student disciplinary proceeding. The tapes are considered student records, subject to school district confidentiality, board policy, and administrative regulations.

Seat Belts

West Des Moines Community Schools has begun the process of adding lap-shoulder seat belts on school buses prior to the 2019-20 school year. Along with the implementation is the expectation that all students on a WDMCS school bus that is equipped with lap-shoulder seat belts will use them. Any student not in compliance with all school bus rules and guidelines will be handled in accordance with the usual student disciplinary process.

Bus Safety

School bus safety is a shared responsibility among parents, students, and the bus driver. Please review and reinforce these bus safety guidelines with your children regularly. When we all remember and follow these rules, riding the school bus can be a fun, safe, and pleasant experience.

Safety Tips for Students

Getting Ready

• Avoid loose-fitting clothes and clothes with long strings. This type of clothing is more likely to get caught on the door while entering or exiting the bus.
• Pack all school items in your backpack or bookbag so you won’t drop them when you get on or off the bus.
• Leave home early so you can arrive at the stop five minutes before your assigned stop time.
• Never run to catch the bus. If you miss the bus, go home or to a neighbor’s house.
• Walk on the sidewalk if possible. If not, walk single file and stay close to the edge of the road.
• If you must cross a street, stop and look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
• When possible, parents should go to the bus stop with young children. Older children should walk in groups.
  
  

Waiting for the Bus

• Students are asked to arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• Stay away from the DANGER ZONES AROUND THE BUS.
• Stand at least six feet (three giant steps) away from the road while waiting for the bus.
• Do not play in the street while waiting for the bus.
• Do not push, shove, or play running games at the bus stop.
  
  

Boarding the Bus

• If you cross the street, wait for the bus to come to a complete stop. Wait for the bus driver to signal you. Check for traffic before stepping out. Cross at least 10 feet (five giant steps) in front of the bus.
• NEVER walk between parked cars when entering the street.
• Enter the bus in single file and use the handrail.
• If you drop something, LEAVE IT! Tell the bus driver and wait for instructions. Never enter the danger zone to retrieve a dropped object.
• Students are required to show the bus driver their bus passes each time they board the bus.
• Go right to your seat and sit quietly.
  
  

Riding the Bus

• Obey the bus driver at all times.
• Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
• Keep your feet out of the aisles and off the seats.
• Keep your head, hands, and belongings inside the bus at all times.
• Talk quietly and avoid loud noises that could distract the driver.
• Do not talk when the bus is approaching or crossing railroad tracks.
• Be considerate of others, and use appropriate language and behavior.
• Help keep the bus clean. Do not chew gum, eat, or drink on the bus.
• Do not smoke or light matches on the bus.
• Report any damage or concerns to the bus driver.
  
  

Getting Off the Bus

• All riders will be discharged only at their assigned stops.
• Go directly home.
• Allow anyone who needs to cross in front of the bus to get off first. This is called a “cross over.” These students are at the greatest risk and need the driver’s full attention.
• When unloading, take three giant steps away from the bus. If you can touch the bus, you are too close.
• If you must cross in front of the bus, walk 10 feet forward, stop, and wait for the driver to signal you to cross.
• Cross to the driver’s edge of the bus and stop.
• Before stepping out from the protection of the bus, look both ways for oncoming traffic.
• If the street is clear and all the vehicles are stopped, cross quickly.
• WARNING SIGNAL—two short horn blasts from the bus means danger! Return to the curbside of the bus and away from the traffic.
• Always cross in FRONT of the bus.
• Cross in a group. Do not scatter. This helps the bus driver keep track of all the riders.
• Never return to the danger zone around the bus once you have safely crossed.