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Student safety is a top priority for the Freeman School District. The following information is provided to parents as a guide for planning student transportation to and from school.
One of our most important duties is to provide each student with a learning environment that is safe and secure. This includes buses and bus loading areas. The Freeman School District has established expectations for student behavior that we believe will improve the safety of all students who ride school buses. By working together, we can provide school transportation that is safe and enjoyable for staff and students!
Remember: Riding a bus to school is a privilege that can be lost if students repeatedly refuse to follow bus-riding expectations. In addition, Washington State Law, RCW.392.145, makes certain behaviors on the school bus a crime. Student behaviors that require the driver to divert his/her attention from the road place all students' safety at risk and will not be tolerated.
Expectations:
Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Ready to Learn, and Be Safe
Bus Riding Rules:
Students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior while riding the bus (this includes the activity bus) and at bus stops. Bus riders are required to:
- Always follow the driver's instructions
- No eating or drinking
- Remain seated, facing forward
- Keep all parts of your body inside the bus and out of the aisles
- Keep hands to yourself
- Throwing objects is not allowed
- Talk in a "classroom" voice level
- Be respectful to all (NO bullying, harassment, name calling, or foul language)
- No glass, balloons, or aerosol containers
Bus Stop Safety Tips:
- Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early and be in a single line, ready to load the bus.
- Take five giant steps back from the curb; which is in the driver's line of vision.
- Wait until the bus stops completely before approaching the vehicle.
- Avoid pushing or roughhousing while waiting or boarding.
- Pack all belongings in appropriate bags so hands are free to grab the safety rail inside the bus.
- Make sure clothes and backpacks don't have hanging straps or strings that may become snagged in the vehicle.
- When exiting the bus, children must cross in front of the bus, never behind it - ALWAYS wait for the driver to wave you across.
- When approaching and leaving the bus stop, be alert to traffic, look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
Drivers will make every effort to work with students to remind them of appropriate conduct and review the expectations.