Bus Safety and Guidelines
Overview:
Red Deer Public Schools transports approximately 4,500 students via yellow charter bus, City transit, and Action bus. Our primary obligation is to provide a safe environment for both students and drivers involved in daily school transportation. To achieve this goal, collaboration and adherence to certain expectations are essential.
Below are guidelines for students and parents to follow to ensure bus transportation is safe and enjoyable:
- Arrive Early: Ensure students are at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time.
- Wait Safely: Stay away from the curb and wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching.
- Boarding and Exiting: Enter and exit the bus in an orderly manner, using handrails for safety.
- Seating: Find your assigned seat quickly and remain seated throughout the ride.
- Behavior: Respect the driver and other passengers. Keep noise levels down and avoid distracting the driver.
- Keep Aisles Clear: Store bags and personal items under the seat or on your lap to keep aisles clear.
- Follow Instructions: Always listen to the driver’s instructions and follow them promptly.
- Emergencies: Know the location of emergency exits and how to use them in case of an emergency.
- Respect Property: Take care of the bus and avoid causing any damage.
- No Eating or Drinking: Refrain from eating or drinking on the bus to keep it clean and prevent spills.
By following these guidelines, we can ensure a safe and pleasant bus transportation experience for everyone.
- Most of these expectations will also apply to students utilizing City bus or Action bus.
Parent Expectations:
- Review Rules: Review student expectations with your child to ensure they understand the importance of following the rules.
- Timely Arrival: Ensure your child is at the bus stop at least 5 minutes prior to the bus arrival time.
- Appropriate Dress: Make sure your child is dressed appropriately for cold or wet weather.
- Traffic and Bus Rules: Encourage your child to obey all traffic rules and bus regulations.
- Communication: Communicate any concerns regarding your child or issues with other students to the driver. The driver will typically collaborate with school staff to implement an appropriate seating plan if there are student conflicts.
- Alternate Plans: Have alternate plans in place for your child in case the bus is late or canceled.
By adhering to these expectations, parents can contribute to a safe and efficient transportation experience for all students.
Student Misconduct Procedure:
- Initial Warning: The driver may issue a warning to the student for misbehavior, depending on the incident.
- Misconduct Report: If misbehavior persists, the driver submits a misconduct report to the school. The Principal then meets with the student to discuss their behavior.
- Parental Contact: If the behavior continues and another misconduct report is submitted for the same student, the Principal will contact the parent or guardian to seek their support.
- Suspension or Revocation: In cases of ongoing issues, the Principal has the authority to suspend or revoke the student's transportation privileges.
By following this procedure, we aim to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff involved in school transportation.
Other Guidelines:
Student Bus Information: Specific registered student bus information can be found on the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
School Messenger Communication: School Messenger is used to communicate messages about late buses, bus route and time changes, and other important transportation updates. Ensure your contact information in PowerSchool is current to receive these messages accurately.
Kindergarten and Grade 1 Students: Kindergarten and Grade 1 students must be accompanied at the bus stop by a parent, older responsible sibling, or guardian. If the guardian is not a family member, their name must be provided to the driver via a letter or email to the transportation department.
Using a Different Stop: Students will not be permitted to use a different stop than their registered stop. Exceptions to this guideline are grades 6-12, or grades 2-5 with a note from a parent.
Friends on Bus: Students are not permitted to take friends home with them on the bus, regardless of whether they are registered on another bus route.
Approval for Items on Bus: The driver has the authority to determine if items brought on the bus are safe to store. Please consult with the driver before attempting to bring any items on board. Examples include:
- Skates: Must be stored in a bag or have skate guards.
- Instruments: Must fit under the seat and not obstruct the aisle.
- Skateboards: Must be kept in a backpack.
- Prohibited items include hockey sticks, skis, lacrosse equipment, curling brooms, and any dangerous items.
Prohibited Items: Absolutely no dangerous items are allowed on the bus, including firearms, explosives, flammable devices, smoking items (e.g., tobacco, lighters, e-cigarettes), animals, or any item that could jeopardize the safety of passengers.
Fee Collection: Schools handle fee collection, and parents are encouraged to pay fees online through the PowerSchool parent portal. Contact the school directly for alternative payment options if needed.
Inclement Weather: Schools are rarely closed due to inclement weather. Buses will continue to run as long as roads are passable and schools remain open. School Messenger will be used to communicate important updates regarding bus status.
Address Changes: If you are moving and require transportation from a new address, please notify the school as early as possible to ensure a bus stop is available.
Bus Loading/Unloading Zones: Familiarize yourself with the bus loading/unloading zones at your child's school. It is crucial to keep these zones clear for the safety of students. Buses operate on tight schedules and cannot wait for parents dropping off or picking up students in these zones.
Following these guidelines helps maintain a safe and efficient transportation system for all students using school buses.
