• Be on time: Arrive 10 minutes ahead of your scheduled bus stop time. Allow extra time to walk to bus stop in bad weather.
• Dress for the weather.  Wear clothing that is safe, visible, and warm.
• Carry your belongings in a backpack or book bag.  
• Do not cross major roadways.  
• Go directly to your own bus stop.
• Show respect and care for the property of others.
• Walk facing traffic; stay on the sidewalk when available.
• Don’t bring pets, small children, or large objects to the bus stop.
• Don’t talk to or go with strangers.
• Stand back from the road at your bus stop (on the sidewalk or another safe place).
• Do not play at the bus stop or school loading zone.
• No pushing or fighting at the bus stop.

RULES FOR CROSSING TO THE YELLOW SCHOOL BUS

• Never cross between parked cars; always cross in FRONT of the bus.
• Look at the driver and wait for the signal before crossing the road.
• Listen and LOOK BOTH WAYS (LEFT—RIGHT—LEFT) for any moving traffic. Keep looking and listening.
• Do not text, play video games, watch movies, or listen to your electronic devices while crossing.
• Walk quickly in a straight line.  See the bus driver’s face at all times.
• If you drop something near or under the bus, ask the bus driver to help you get it.

RULES WHILE RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS

• Listen to and follow all instructions of your school bus driver.
• Remain seated at all times while the bus is moving.
• Keep aisles clear; stow bags under the seat.
• Do not shout or yell.  It distracts the driver.
• Never throw things in, out, or at the bus.
• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before standing up to exit.
• No sharp objects, matches, lighters, unsafe objects, or weapons of any kind are allowed on the bus.
• Do not litter, damage seats, or otherwise vandalize the bus.
• Keep arms/head inside the windows.
• No eating, drinking, or smoking on the bus.
• No fighting, spitting, swearing, teasing, provoking others, or inappropriate conversations.
• To prevent being caught in a school bus door or handrail, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that coat drawstrings be no more than three inches in length at the waist.
• Parents should caution children about attaching key rings and other items to their backpacks/coats as these too may become caught on the handrail or door.
• While oversized and baggy clothing may represent the latest fashion trend, children should avoid wearing any article which may cause a snagging incident.

SEAT BELTS

• Each student on a school bus which is equipped with seat belts shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt at all times while riding a school bus.  Whenever a pupil fails to comply with this provision, it shall constitute good cause for exclusion/suspension of that pupil from the bus.  (N.J.S. 18A:25-2) (As of October 1992, all buses must have seat belts.  Buses older than 1992 do not have to have seat belts.  All buses used by the Ramsey School District  or our contractors have seat belts.)

 RULES FOR CROSSING LEAVING THE YELLOW SCHOOL BUS

• Always cross in FRONT of the bus, never behind.
• Walk forward along the side of the road (10 Giant Steps) until you can see the driver’s face.
• Look at the driver and wait for the signal to begin crossing.  Walk straight until you are even with the outer edge of the bus and stop.
• Listen, and LOOK BOTH WAYS (LEFT—RIGHT—LEFT) for any moving traffic.  Keep looking and listening. When the road is clear, cross quickly--do not run.
• Do not text, play video games, watch movies, or listen to your electronic devices while crossing.
• If the driver blows the horn, go back to the side of the road and wait for the driver to signal again.
• If you drop something near or under the bus, ask the driver to help you get it.

Remember:  Riding the school bus is a privilege—not a right.  With that privilege comes the responsibility of each student to behave in an orderly and safe manner.  Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying will not be tolerated at any time.

Enjoy your ride!