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Students riding the school bus are expected to observe the following rules and regulations:

1. Students are to wait for the bus on the sidewalk until the bus comes to a complete stop.
2. Students should board and leave the bus in a single file.
3. Students are to remain seated until they reach their destination.
4. Students should not put any part of their body out of the bus window.
5. Students should not eat on the bus. No food should be carried on the bus from the lunch programs in school.
6. Bus windows will be opened by the driver or his aide.
7. No objects should be thrown on or off the bus or extended out of it. Such action is subject to fine by State Law.
8. Students should not damage the bus in any way.
9. Smoking is not permitted on the bus.
10. Students should observe the rules of courteous, considerate behavior on the bus at all times.
11. Students shall have written parental permission to leave the bus other than at home or school.
12. Fighting, vulgarity, loud noise and other aggressive behavior will not be tolerated on the bus.
13. Students who refuse to obey promptly the directions of the drivers or aides, or refuse to obey regulations may forfeit their ride on the bus for a specified period of time.

*Considered Major Offenses

1. Verbal warning should be given to offenders by the bus aide, driver or both.
2. All serious offenses should be reported to the Principal by the driver or aide no later than one day following the incident on the prescribed two part form. The Principal shall send the appropriate part of the form to the parent, keeping the second part on file in the school office for the remainder of the school year.
3. After a major offense, the Principal may request the parents to visit the school. At this time, the Principal may direct the parents to provide their child's transportation to and from school for a specified period of time. Students suspended from riding the bus must still attend school.
4. Principal should send a copy of the parent notification to the Assistant Superintendent for Special Services, as is the procedure for suspension from school.

With the increase in mobile technology, students and motorists can easily become distracted. The few seconds it takes to talk on a cell phone, text or change songs can take a student’s focus off of walking safely to the bus stop or cause a motorist to not see a bus’s important safety features like stop arms and warning lights.

Motorists should remember that wherever there is a school bus, there are children around. Always heed the school bus stop lights. When the stop lights are activated, children are entering or exiting the bus, and motorists must stop until the area is clear.

New Bedford is focused on delivering safe and reliable transportation to the students of the community every single day.

• Do not be tardy for the bus. Getting to the bus stop 5 to 10 minutes prior to the arrival of the bus prevents rushing.
• Stay 10 giant steps away from the outside of the bus.
• Follow all safety protocols when walking to bus stops or when waiting at bus stops and never engage in horseplay at a bus stop and never wait in the street.
• Wait for the bus to stop completely before approaching or preparing to leave.
• Before approaching a school bus to get on, wait until it comes to a complete stop and activates flashing red lights. Be alert if crossing to a bus to ensure that cars have stopped.
• Wait until the driver lets you know it is OK to cross the street or walk in front of the bus.
• Always sit properly on the bus. Avoid standing and obey bus driver’s instructions.
• No horseplay, shouting or yelling while getting on or off or riding on a school bus. Always be courteous and respectful of others.
• Avoid picking up any items they may have dropped near the bus. Instead ask the driver for help.
• Stay away from the bus wheels at all times.
• Keep hands and arms inside of the bus and never throw anything from a school bus.
• Wait until the bus stops before getting out of your seat.
• Always be aware of other traffic when getting off of a school bus.