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Rules for riding the bus

The following rules for riding the bus should be read by all parents and discussed with their children. It should be emphasized that riding the bus is a privilege, and that the privilege can be revoked if students do not follow the rules. If all the rules are followed, the school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the road.

Scroll below or jump to a topic:
-Rules to obey at the bus stop
-Rules to obey on the bus
-Rules for crossing
-Items on buses
-What is and is not permitted on the school bus

Rules to obey at the bus stop
Students should be at the bus stop at least FIVE minutes prior to the arrival of the bus.
While waiting for the bus, respect private property and stay off lawns.
Stay out of the street.
Avoid horseplay.
When the bus is in sight, form a straight line. Do not approach the bus until it has stopped moving.
Board the bus one student at a time without pushing. The stairs can get slippery, so use the handrail.

Rules to obey on the bus
Follow the bus driver's directions the first time they are given.
Be courteous to others. Do not use profane language.
Do not eat or drink on the bus.
Keep the bus clean.
Cooperate with the driver.
Keep your arms, head and possessions in the bus at all times.
Do not smoke.
Do not cause damage to the bus or to other's property.
Stay in your seat unless the bus is at rest and you are boarding or departing the bus.
The bus driver is authorized to assign seats.
Make room for those who need a seat.

Rules for crossing
If it is necessary to cross the street after getting off the bus, be sure to cross at least 15 feet in front of the bus in clear view of the driver. Wait for the driver's signal to cross.
Students not having to cross the street should move away from the bus.
No student, under ANY circumstance, will be allowed to cross Route 7 to board or depart from the bus. If any student is found to be doing so, their riding privileges will be revoked immediately.

Items on buses
Students are responsible for any special articles they bring on the bus. They will lose the privilege of bringing these special articles on the bus if there are problems.
Generally, if an item does not fit in the student's lap, it will not be permitted on the bus.
Any large items must be approved by the driver and consideration must be given to room available on the bus. No child will be without a seat because of a large article taking up space.
Any small items like toys, balls, marbles, etc., should be kept in a backpack or other bag. Rolling and thrown objects are serious safety hazards to the driver and the students.

What is and is not permitted on the school bus

Items not allowed on the bus include:
guns (real or toy)
skis and ski poles (not allowed on regular routes, though on trips they are allowed but must be secured or in luggage racks)
sleds
fireworks
bicycles
spray cans
saws or axes
skateboards and scooters
matches and lighters
knives (real or toy)
bags of returnable cans
animals (pets)

Items allowed on the bus only with the listed stipulations include:
bows and arrows -- must be in a case or secured unstrung with arrow tips encased
babies -- only with prior notice and a proper car seat
ice skates -- blades must be covered
musical instruments -- if the instrument fits on the student's lap, or if prior approval from driver is given for larger instruments
lacrosse and field hockey sticks -- if left behind the driver's seat
"Killing Jars" (Iroquois science project) -- if covered

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  This page is maintained by Tom O'Donnell, Director of Transportation, according to web publishing guidelines used by the Niskayuna Central School District. All rights reserved. This web site was produced in cooperation with the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service. © 2003