For the safety of our passengers, Goddard School District has a list of bus rules and regulations that must be followed by all students who ride school buses. The rules apply anytime the pupil is riding a school bus (regular routes, activity, or field trips). On activity or field trips, pupils must follow directions of the teacher or chaperone appointed by the school.

Bus rules and regulations for Goddard School District passengers are:

1. The driver is in charge of all passengers while they are riding, loading on, or unloading from the bus.

2. Any act which may endanger the safety of others may be cause for temporary or permanent suspension of bus riding privileges.

3. Prior to loading:

   • Pupils must be on time!

   • Be outside at the stop. In extreme weather pupils may wait inside, but must be on the way to the bus as it approaches. The bus cannot wait beyond its regular schedule for those who are tardy.

4. At the bus stop:

   • Bus riders shall conduct themselves in a safe manner while walking to the bus stop, waiting for the bus, and boarding the bus.

   • Walk on the far left-hand side of the road facing traffic when going to the bus stop.

   • Never stand in the roadway.

   • Stand single file in an orderly manner while waiting for the bus.

   • If you must cross the street to board the bus, do so only after directed to do so by the bus driver and after you have looked both ways before you enter or cross the street.

   • Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the red safety lights are flashing before attempting to enter the bus.

   • The bus will stop at least ten (10) feet away from the closest student.

5. When boarding the bus, go quickly and quietly to assigned seat, face forward in the seat at all times, keep your feet on the floor.

6. While on the bus:

   • Obey the driver promptly and courteously.

   • In the interest of safety, only low conversational volume levels are acceptable.

   • Unnecessary conversation with the driver is prohibited while the bus is moving.

7. Keep arms, head and all parts of the body inside the bus at all times.

8. Assist to keep the bus clean and free from trash.

9. Treat bus equipment with respect.

   • Damage to seats, or any other part of the bus, must be paid for by the offender(s).

   • Any damage to the bus is to be reported at once to the driver.

10. Pupils shall not tamper with the controls or equipment on the bus.

11. Do not throw anything out of the bus windows.

12. Keep books, packages, coats, feet and all other objects out of the aisle.

    • All musical instruments and other personal items must be taken by the student to the seat.

    • If these items are too large for the student to hold without depriving another student of their seat, then the student must make other arrangements for their transportation.

13. Pupils are to remain seated while the bus is in motion.

14. Absolute quiet is necessary at railroad crossings.

    • Drivers may also ask for silence from passengers when they are faced with adverse driving conditions, such as snow and ice.

15. Smoking or chewing tobacco, possession of alcohol, or illegal drugs, swearing, use of obscene language, unacceptable signs or moral offenses are prohibited.

16. Eating and/or drinking while on the bus is an unsafe practice and is prohibited. Gum chewing is allowed if done responsibly.

17. After leaving the bus:

    • Never cross behind the bus. If you have to cross the street after de-boarding, walk along the side of the road in front of the bus, until you can see the driver’s face. Wait until the bus driver signals you to cross. Then walk, checking traffic in both directions before crossing the other lanes of traffic.

    • Remain off the roadway until the bus pulls away. If your child checks the mailbox, teach him to wait in the drive until the bus pulls away before checking the box.

    • Never return to the bus for any reason after de-boarding.

18. We recommend that students have a book bag or sport bag in which to carry all loose items such as paper, books, shoes, etc. This is especially important for younger riders who might forget the danger of chasing a paper or other dropped item under the bus.

19. Preschoolers who wait for brothers or sisters should stay well away from the street and never go near the bus at any time.

20. Bus passes will not be accepted by the driver if they are crushed, spindled or mutilated.

21. Use of electronic games, cell phones, etc., may be refused if creating a disturbance or safety hazard. Cameras are not allowed on regular bus routes.

PENALTY: Pupils may at any time be denied the privilege of riding the school bus because of disorderly conduct, refusal to obey bus rules or failure to follow the driver's instructions.