Walking Bus Rules
1.
Every walking bus will be accompanied by two adults,
the “driver” and the “conductor.” They are there to ensure that students
(“riders”) arrive at school safely and on time.
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Rule #1: Riders will obey the driver and conductor
at all times.
2.
To help keep the students safe, the driver will walk
in front of the group, and the conductor will walk behind.
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Rule #2: Riders will walk in a group, behind the
driver and in front of the conductor.
3.
The bus routes were chosen based on a variety of
factors, including distance, traffic, accessibility, and changes in weather. We
will walk on paved paths and sidewalks, staying off dirt paths and grass. We
will cross the street at corners, not in the middle of the block.
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Rule #3: Riders will stay with the group until they
reach their official drop-off point. No shortcuts or detours. Riders may not
leave the group to get into a vehicle.*
4.
The bus routes pass by lawns, gardens, plants, and
trees. We want to respect the environment and our neighbors’ property.
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Rule #4: We will respect the environment by staying
off lawns, and leaving flowers and plants alone.
5.
We all want to enjoy the ride. The walking bus is a
perfect time to talk with friends and enjoy the fresh air. Disrespectful
behavior (such as name calling, hitting, or teasing) will absolutely not be
tolerated.
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Rule #5: We will treat everyone on the bus, and
everyone we pass along the route, with respect.
6.
The walking buses will leave at their scheduled times
every day. Each family should have a backup plan ready so that if a student
misses the bus, he or she has a safe way to get to school in the morning and
home in the afternoon.
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Rule #6: Riders will do their best to be on time
for the bus. Every rider will know their family’s personal backup plan for what
to do if he or she misses the bus.
* If the group encounters unsafe walking
conditions or an emergency arises, the driver and conductor may make an
exception to this rule.
Tips for Parents
- The bus runs every school day, no
matter what the weather. Be sure your student is dressed appropriately for
wet or cold days!
- The bus driver and conductor can
only be responsible for the safe arrival of students who are at the bus stop
on time. Each family should have a backup plan so the student knows what to
do if he or she misses the bus. Here are a few suggestions:
Morning
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The student could return home to walk or get a ride
with a family member.
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The student could walk to a designated neighbor’s
house for help getting safely to school.
After School
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The student could go into the school office and tell a
staff member that they missed the walking bus.
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If the student has a cell phone, he or she could call
their parent or other designated adult.
Every family should come up with
a backup plan that works for them. Be sure your student knows what to do and is
able to do it.
- Except in case of a true emergency,
students will not be allowed to leave the group to get into a car, truck, or
other vehicle, even if driven by his or her own parent. Please do not
attempt to pick up your child along the route and ask them to get into your
car. This is for your student’s safety, as well as the safety of the group
as a whole.
- The walking bus depends on parent
volunteers. Every bus route has a leader who will coordinate scheduling
parents to be drivers and conductors. Please get in touch with your route
leader and let him or her know when you are available to walk with the bus.
We recommend that each parent sign up to walk with the bus at least 15 days
during the school year. You may want to sign up for more than that, though.
The walking bus is a great way to get exercise, get to know your neighbors,
have fun with your kids, and do something positive for Rosa Parks Elementary
School!
