Middlebury Elementary School

Pupil's behavior while waiting for the school buses and riding on them is of continual concern because of the potential for injury caused by inappropriate bus behavior. The procedures that follow have been developed in the interest of the safety of all pupils.

Waiting for School Buses and Boarding

• Children should be at the bus stop on time and should start early enough so that running to catch the bus is unnecessary. If the child has to walk to a bus stop where there are no sidewalks, he should walk facing the cars.
• While at the bus stop, children should stand and wait in safe areas, not running into, or playing in the streets. They should not push, shove, fight or engage in other disorderly behavior. Private property at the bus stop should be respected.
• As a bus approaches, children should form a line and wait until the bus comes to a full stop before boarding. Unless special seats are assigned by the driver or principal, pupils should sit in the nearest seat available upon entering the bus and move toward the window to allow others to sit in the seat.

Riding the Bus

The bus driver is fully occupied driving the bus and alert to traffic, pedestrians, and other hazards. Therefore, it is particularly important that children abide by the following specific rules of safety and courtesy:

• Pupils must remain seated while the bus is in motion. While the bus is at rest, pupils may change seats only with the permission of the driver.
• Conduct on the bus should be substantially the same as classroom conduct.
• No indecent or profane language shall be permitted on the bus nor there any rowdyism or loud talking.
• Food shall not be eaten on the bus.
• Pets will not be permitted on the bus.
• Unnecessary talking with the driver is prohibited.
• Smoking and the throwing of any object on the bus are specifically prohibited.
• Pupils must not at any time extend their arms or heads out of the bus window.
• Bus windows shall not be opened without the consent of the driver.
• Pupils shall assist in keeping the bus clean, sanitary and orderly and shall refrain from abusing the bus, its cushions or other equipment.
• Upon entering or leaving the bus, pupils shall avoid crowding or in any way disturbing others.
• No pupil shall leave the bus without permission from proper school authorities, except at his or her designated stop.
• Pupils shall enter and leave the bus only by the front door except in case of emergency.
• When seated, pupils must at all times keep their feet out of the aisles of the bus.
• The only time a child can go home on another bus is for childcare purposes; a note must be sent to school indicating this. 

Sanctions

• The bus driver will immediately report any pupil who violates any of the regulations to the principal.
• The principal may forbid pupils who commit violations, either temporarily or permanently, from riding the bus to school. Parents will then have the full responsibility for assuring that pupils arrive at school on time.

Leaving the Bus and Going Home

Crossing the road is the most dangerous time. Traffic should stop but.... DON’T depend on it.

Pupils should get off promptly as soon as the bus comes to a full stop. They should cross in FRONT of the bus away from the bumper so that the driver can see them. The children should stop and wait until the driver gives the signal to cross, then DOUBLE CHECK both ways themselves, to make sure. They should walk across quickly and not stop, run or turn back. If something is dropped, they should leave it until they get someone to help pick it up. If pupils have to walk beside the bus after getting off, they should keep well away from it. If they can touch the side of the bus, they are TOO CLOSE.