SCHOOL SAFETY WHEN BOARDING THE BUS 

1. Form a line - Don't push or shove; you'll get on the bus eventually.  If you have to cross the street while the bus is stopped, cross carefully.
2. Move along - Step quickly and use the handrail when you are entering or leaving the bus.  Watch your step.
3. Sit down - Go directly to your seat and sit down.  Don't wait for a friend to get on before you take a seat.

1. Be-Quiet - The driver needs your help and he may have trouble concentrating if there is too much commotion in the bus.
2. Keep the aisles clear - Nothing...books, bags, legs, arms or bodies...should block the aisle.  Do not stand in the aisle.  If the driver is forced to make a quick stop, you could be thrown around and hurt yourself and others.
3. Keep Everything inside - If the driver lets you open the windows, keep your hands, arms and head inside.  Don't throw things out the windows.

Additional Tips:

• Be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• When the bus approaches, stand at least 3 giant steps (6 feet) away from the edge of the road, and line up away from the street.
• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says that it is okay, before stepping onto the bus.
• When crossing the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or side of the road to a point at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross.
• When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with a drawstring and book bags with straps, do not get caught in the handrail or door.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• If you drop something near or under the bus, tell the bus driver.  Never try to pick it up.  The driver may not see you and begin to drive away.
• An adult should be at your child's bus stop every morning and every evening.
• Walk (do not run) three giant steps away from the bus when exiting the bus.
• When the bus approaches, step back from the curb at least three giant steps.
• Never run to catch the bus.
• If you have to walk on roads where there is no sidewalk, walk against the traffic and out of the road.
• Stay out of the road and wait for the bus to stop before you walk to it.
• Make sure you can see the bus driver's eyes when boarding or crossing in front of the bus.
• If you must cross the street to get to the bus, wait until the bus driver signals you to cross, then always look left, then right, then left again.
• Use the handrail when you enter or exit the bus.
• Make sure there is no dangling pieces of clothing, drawstrings on hoods, untied shoestrings, key chains or backpack straps that could get caught on the handrail or in the bus door.
• If you drop something under or near the bus, don't pick it up until you tell the driver.  Otherwise, the driver may not see you.