Riviera Independent

School District

203 Seahawk Drive

Riviera, TX 78379

www.rivieraisd.esc2.net

RIVIERA ISD 6

Bus Rider’s

Safety Handbook

2004-2005

Dr. Cynthia Clary, Superintendent

(361) 296-3101

Liz Carter, Support Services Supervisor

(361) 296-3316

Riviera Independent School District

Transportation Department

203 Seahawk Drive

Riviera, TX 78379

(361) 296-3316

Dear Parents:

The Riviera Transportation Department is pleased to welcome the parents and students to a new school year.

The State of Texas does not mandate transportation service. Riviera ISD provides bus transportation to and from school as a courtesy service for eligible students residing in the district.

Transportation of students in the safest possible manner shall be the highest priority of the Transportation Department as well as other departments or individuals engaged in such transportation.

Please read this information with your school age child, fill out the registration form and return to the driver. We hope that with this information available to you and a continuing safety program for our drivers, we will have a safe, accident-free school year. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Liz Carter

Support Services Supervisor

Parents and Bus Riders

The goal of the bus rider’s handbook is to help provide safe transportation for children who ride the school buses. Parents should take the time to read and discuss the material in this handbook with their child. Riding the school bus is a privilege provided by the school district and should be treated as such. To ignore these rules may result in disciplinary action or suspension of the privilege to ride the school bus.

General Rules

1. Obey the instructions of the bus driver at all times.

2. Board and leave the bus at designated stops only.

3. Ride only the bus to which you are assigned.

4. Any student attempting to ride a bus, which he/she is not assigned, must have a note signed by the parent. This note must be confirmed and approved by the campus office.

5. Only students enrolled in the Riviera Independent School District are permitted to ride on school buses.

Exception: Parents or guardians on trips, but at no other times.

Procedures for Waiting for the Bus

1. Be at the bus stop at least five (5) minutes before scheduled pick up time. The driver will not wait or honk the horn.

2. Stand on the sidewalk or back from the roadway while waiting for the school bus.

3. When the bus approaches form a single line and be prepared to load immediately.

4. Stand clear of the bus (10 feet) until it comes to a complete stop and the parking brake is applied.

5. If you miss the bus, go home immediately. If at school, go to the principal’s office.

6. Parents should instruct their child on procedures to follow if the bus is missed.

7. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to/from school if a child misses the bus.

Loading the Bus

1. Do not push or shove.

2. Use the handrail and steps.

3. Go directly to your seat. The bus will not move until all students are seated.

Conduct on the Bus

1. Do not change seats.

2. Remain seated while the bus is in motion.

3. A student shall not refuse to sit in an assigned seat or deny another student a place to sit.

4. Each student will be expected to remain seated for the duration of the trip and remain seated until the bus doors open.

5. Normal conversation is permitted; any loudness is not permitted.

6. Scuffling, fighting, and the use of obscene, vulgar or profane language or gestures are forbidden.

7. Arms, head and other parts of the body are to be kept inside the bus.

8. Do not throw objects inside or out of the bus.

9. Do not mark, cut, or scratch any part of the bus. Vandalism costs will be paid by the person(s) responsible for the damage.

10. Students should not use the emergency door and exit controls except during supervised drills or actual emergencies.

11. Students will not attempt to operate the passenger door or other driver controls except in cases of emergency.

12. Students will face forward for the duration of the trip and will keep their feet on the floor in front of them and out of the aisle.

13. Eating or drinking on the regular bus route is prohibited. Extra curricular and co-curricular trips will be allowed to eat and drink on the bus at the sponsor and/or driver's discretion.

Getting Off the Bus

1. Stay seated until the bus is completely stopped and parking brake is applied.

2. Use the handrail and take one step at a time when leaving the bus.

3. Wait for your turn to leave the bus.

4. You must have a signed and approved note to get off at a stop other than your own. Give the note to the driver when boarding the bus. (See General Rules #4)

5. Stay clear of the bus when the engine is started; do not chase or hang on the bus.

6. If any article drops or rolls near or under the bus, do not go after it. Ask the driver for help.

Crossing the Street or Highway

1. When crossing the street or highway, walk 10-15 feet in front of the bus and wait for the driver to signal that it is safe to cross.

2. Check in both directions and walk directly across the road.

3. Never cross the road behind the bus.

4. Caution: Be alert for vehicles that do not stop when the bus is loading or unloading.

5. Cross all streets at intersections when possible. Obey all traffic signals and signs on your way to and from the bus stop.

Prohibited Items

1. Tobacco of all kinds, alcoholic beverages.

2. Live animals or insects.

3. Weapons, explosive devices, fireworks, harmful drugs or chemicals.

4. Open flames of any kind (matches, lighters, etc.)

5. Any object (musical instrument, shop and science projects) too large to be held in the student’s lap at all times to avoid interference with any other riders.

6. On regular routes radios, tapes, and CD players, including Walkman with headset, and hand-held video games are not allowed. On extra curricular and co-curricular trips sponsor and/or driver may allow the use of electronic items.

Accidents or Emergencies

1. Follow the driver’s instructions.

2. If you must leave the bus, stay in a group.

3. The following procedures will be used for evacuation in an emergency situation: The student nearest the door will open and hold or secure the door. Evacuation will start with the seat closest to the door. Leave the bus in a single file as quietly as possible.

4. Emergency evacuation drills may be conducted during the year.

Route Changes

All requests by parents for bus route changes should be directed to the Transportation office at 296-3316. Drivers are not authorized to make route changes except in an emergency.

Emergency or Hazardous Conditions

1. Safety precautions will be exercised in school bus operations at all times. If at any time the bus driver is uncertain about the road, vehicle conditions or other safety factors, the driver will park the bus in a safe location until safe operating conditions are assured.

2. If conditions will not permit the delivery of the student(s) to his/her authorized stop, the student will be returned to the Elementary School.

In case of bad weather, the start of school may be delayed, cancelled, or students released early. On days when hazardous weather conditions exist, please listen to local radio stations for school information, or contact the Transportation Office at 296-3316.

Bus Services Provided

Route service to/from home/school is provided for students living two or more miles from their school of attendance. Parents may designate a childcare facility or grandparents residence as an alternate bus stop. Walk to stop maximum distance for students will be used in planning bus stops. Route service is provided to students living in areas recognized as hazardous for pedestrian traffic. Daily, school year route service to/from Coastal Bend College for students enrolled in dual credit and career/tech classes is provided. Routes will be established and bus numbers assigned at the beginning of each school year and available during registration and throughout the year. Bus stops will be determined to maximize the safety of the students and minimize the miles traveled by the bus. Private roads and driveways are excluded from route service. Information concerning bus routes, bus stops and times should be directed to the Transportation Office, 296-3316.

Riviera ISD also runs additional route services as detailed below:

· Tutorial route service on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The buses depart the school at 4:30 p.m.

· TAKS camp route service on designated Saturdays before TAKS testing days.

· Summer routes for students attending the Extended School Year Program.

Students attending the extra programs listed above and living in areas outside of Riviera ISD boundaries will be transported to the specified drop off point and parents will be responsible for transportation to their home.

Sarita—Courthouse Square

Ricardo—School grounds, bus loading area

Rio Pasiano—main gate at Hwy 285

Laureles—main gate on FM 2045 (Santa Gertrudis Ave)

Extra-curricular and co-curricular trips are scheduled throughout the year, with transportation to and from these events provided by the District. Students must gain written permission to use private transportation to or from these events, as detailed in the Student Handbook.