Rule of the Week 12/16/2008

Safe Driving!

Kari

Late Buses Due to Weather Conditions

The buses left this morning on time although, due to the road conditions, they are running behind schedule by ten to fifteen minutes. Please be patient!

Safe Driving!
Kari

Rule of the Week

This Week's Rule:
Cell phone use is prohibited on the bus.

What It Means:
Since the school bus is an extension of the classroom, cell phones must be kept out of the driver's sight on the school bus.

Why It Matters:
The bus driver, whose job it is to look forward and pay attention to matters outside the bus, has a difficult time monitoring cell phone use.  In the past couple years, students have used cell phones to harass other riders, encouraged friends to play traffic chicken with the bus, taken inappropriate pictures, and used the phone to defy the bus driver.  Cell phones are no longer permitted on the bus.  A driver who observes a student using the cell phone will confiscate the phone.  Parents will be able to pick it up at the bus company after the first offense.  Future offenses will result in losing the phone for longer periods of time.

Safe Riding!

Rule of the Week

Rule of the Week:
Watch the driver; thumbs UP for safety!

What It Means:
When students are outside the bus and need to approach or are exiting the bus and moving toward their homes, the driver will signal them when it is safe to move. 

Why It Matters:
The driver has the best view of traffic approaching the bus, so the driver needs to control the student approach to the bus.  The same is true as students leave the bus to go home. 

In the past, we use the Safety Wave.  We found that some drivers were confused by the wave, wondering if it meant they could go through the sign.  We've had more success with the "Thumbs UP for Safety" practice.  In fact, some students return the signal to the bus driver!

Safe Riding!