Bus Rider's Safety Handbook

Dear Parent:

Pasadena Independent School District provides bus transportation to and from school as a courtesy  service for eligible students residing in the district. The State of Texas prescribes the conditions governing school bus operations and partially funds the service by allotting the district a given amount for eligible students transported.

Eligible students are defined by State statute as those residing in the District at least two miles from the school they should attend, as measured by the nearest practical route on a public road. Pasadena ISD also chooses to transport ineligible students at District expense if hazardous conditions exist.

In order to meet the conditions outlined by the State and provide safe, prompt movement of students, the Transportation Department has adopted standard regulations and procedures and has provided restrictive measures for violations of the rules. They are herein outlined for your information and for the guidance of your child.

Pasadena ISD is pleased to provide transportation for its eligible students and solicits your assistance in helping create a safe, healthy operation. I ask that you read and discuss the contents of this handbook with your children to promote a clear understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of those pupils who ride buses.

Please contact the Transportation Department at 713-948-4477 if you have any questions concerning bus routes, etc. If you should need information concerning student misconduct on buses, call the student's school.

With your assistance, this school year will be a safe and successful one for all of our students. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Sincerely,
James R. Smith
Director of Transportation

Video Audio Monitoring System (VAMS):

All of the school buses in the Pasadena Independent School District are equipped for a VAMS. Students should be aware that their actions and communications could be recorded at any time by the utilization of the VAMS and upon review of a student's action on the VAMS tape, a discipline notice may be issued. Parents should be aware that the recorded video will not be made public and will only be viewed by authorized district personnel.

Responsibility of Parents:

Parent cooperation is essential to the well-being of a student on the bus as well as in the classroom. Parent obligations are as follows.

1. To provide the necessary protection for students traveling to and from the bus stop during
    times of inclement weather.
2. To assume joint responsibility with school authorities for the proper conduct of students.
3. To explain the bus rules and regulations to their children so that both parents and student
    understand.
4. To provide transportation to the school of a student who is suspended from riding the bus.
5. Parents should instruct their children on what to do if the bus is missed.

Bus Rider Responsibilities:

Prior to loading/going to the bus stop:

1. Dress for the weather and time of day: If it is rainy or dark, and visibility is poor, wear a
    raincoat or bright colored clothing with reflective material, etc. Start extra early, walk
    carefully and stay alert.
2. Be on time. Plan to be at the bus stop five (5) minutes before the bus will arrive. Other
    people are waiting on the bus and the bus driver cannot wait around for you. The driver will
    not wait or honk. If a bus must wait one (1) minute at each bus stop for the students to get
    to the bus stop, this could required the bus to start its route 30 minutes earlier.
3. At the bus stop, wait away from the edge of the road, so you won't get hurt.

Loading the Bus:

1. Line up. Let the bus come to a full stop and wait for the driver to open the door before you
    move toward the bus.
2. Do not push or shove.
3. Use the handrail provided as your enter the bus.
4. Go to a seat, or an assigned seat. The bus will not move until all students are seated.

Riding on the Bus:

1. Follow all directions the first time they are given by the bus driver.
2. Bus rides are expected to be courteous to fellow students, the bus driver, and all school
    personnel.
3. Stay seated on the bus with feet on the floor, keeping hands, feet, and objects to oneself
    and the aisles clear. Bus riders are not permitted to leave their seats while the school bus is
    in motion. Avoid leaning against the windows.
4. Visiting with neighbors is fine as long as you talk softly and are seated correctly/properly
    and do not use offensive language, gestures or tease anyone on the bus.
5. Keep your belongings in your lap where they can't slide or fall, never on the edge of a seat
    or in the aisle. This includes books, book bags, band instruments, shop projects, packages,
    coats, etc.
6. Keep hands, arms, head and objects inside the bus at all times.
7. Prohibited items: alcoholic beverages, food or drinks, glass containers, matches or
    cigarette lighters, radios or tape players, tobacco products, weapons, devices, harmful
    drugs or chemicals
8. Horseplay, scuffling or fighting is not permitted around or on the school bus.
9. Throwing anything inside the school bus or out of the school bus will not be permitted.
10. Bus riders should never tamper with the school bus or any of its equipment. Treat school
      bus equipment as you would valuable furniture in your home. Damage to seats, etc. must
      be paid for by the offender.
11. In case of an emergency or mechanical problem, students are to remain on the school bus
      unless otherwise instructed by the bus driver.

Departing the Bus:

1. Gather your belongings and be ready to depart the bus.
2. Students will remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.
3. Use the handrail provided as you exit the bus.
4. Wait for your turn to leave the bus; pushing and shoving will only slow exiting.
5. You must have a signed note from the principal to get off at a bus stop other than your own.
    The note must be given to the driver when boarding the bus.
6. Elementary students: Wait for the driver to assist you in crossing the street.
    Secondary students: Cross the street in an orderly fashion. Traffic should stop, but be very
    careful as you cross the street in front of the bus.

Accidents or Emergencies:
1. Follow the driver's instructions.
2. The following procedures will be used for evacuation in an emergency situation:
    - The student nearest the emergency door will open the door and hold it open.
    - Leave the bus in a single file as quickly and quietly as possible, leaving books, coats, etc.
       on the bus.
    - Evacuation will start with the seat closest to the door.
    - Once outside the bus, follow the driver's instructions completely.

Extra-Curricular Trips:

1. Bus rider rules apply to all school-sponsored events.
2. Students will respect the instructions of the sponsor appointed by the school.
3. The students are responsible for seeing that the bus is clean after the trip.
4. Parents who are sponsors may not bring other children on the trip.

Discipline:

The school bus is an extension of the classroom, and discipline will be administered by the principal with assistance from the bus driver.

1. Students are encouraged to ride school buses in a safe and orderly manner.
2. If a student displays improper conduct on a bus, the driver will attempt to talk to the student
    about his/her behavior.
3. If the student does not respond in a positive manner to the corrective action, the driver will
    fill out a Transportation Safety Report and give this to a school official.
4. The school official will make the decision as to the punishment of the student. Students and
    parents must realize that riding a bus is a privilege and not a right. Students may be
    suspended from a bus for a specified period of time.

School Closing:

When severe weather conditions or other factors pose a threat to the normal operations of school, school officials shall evaluate the hazards and determine if school is to be held on a particular day. In the event that schools are closed, announcement will be made by radio and television stations.