Week Two Tasks: Evacs and Seating Charts

Bus Evacuations
Today marks the beginning of the offical school bus safety training schedule.

We lead off with evacuations at the High School this morning at 9:10.  All students load the buses.  Drivers explain the evacuation process, and the students proceed to evacuate using the rear emergency door of the bus.

The process is something of a joke for High School students.  They don't understand the potential for dangerous events on a school bus.  Though they may not take the evacuation entirely seriously, they are getting practical experience getting off the bus quickly and safely.  They also have the opportunity to witness the operation of a two-way radio and the location of the belt cutter. 

While students see the drill as an escape fom the daily routine, for bus drivers it's something else entirely; an opportunity to practice a simple life-preserving process with students.

We're glad our district performs the drills regularly.

Seating Assignments
Behind-the-scenes, drivers work hard the second week of school to complete Seating Charts.

Our contract with the school district requires assigned seating on buses.

Assigned seats:

• mean every student has a place to go, so loading occurs more efficiently than when they have to search for seats;
• keep students separated by age and experience so the youngest students are not socialized with the older students; 
• help keep the bus in better repair; when a student is "responsible" for a seat, s/he tends not to tear tape or poke holes in the seat;
• separate students who have trouble sitting near each other;
• assist the bus driver with student recognition and route planning.

We follow some basic "rules" for seating charts.  For example younger students must be seating in the front of the bus (both Kindergarten and sixth grade students qualify as "younger" students).  Middle School students must sit forward of seat 16; High School students must seat behind seat 16.  In certain circumstances, students are exempt from being assigned a seat.  One such circumstance occurs when a large number of students is on the bus less than ten minutes (Middle School students who live in large housing developments near the High School qualify).

As always, we encourage parents to call when there is an issue with a seating arrangement.  We'll make changes to accomodate your requests and help your student have a better ride to and from school.

Safe Driving!
Kari