Safe School Bus Operations

The privilege of riding a school bus is extended to each qualifying student properly enrolled on a route operated by the Student Transportation Department of the Hallsville Independent School District. No guest riders are allowed. The HISD Student Transportation Department has expectations for student conduct and behavior that will insure the "Safety, Order and Rights" of the students we serve, department employees and the motoring public with whom we share the roadway. These expectations apply to all regular routes, extra-curricular and co-curricular trip operations.

Safety

• While on the bus, passengers will follow the driver's instructions the first time they are given.
• Passengers will, at all times, follow "A Safe Bus Rider's Rules" posted in the bus.
• Keep the aisle clear; passengers must hold any object brought on the bus in their lap.
• Some items are not allowed to be brought on the bus (see page 18); when in doubt, ask the bus driver.
• Passengers may load and unload only at stops designated by the HISD Student Transportation Department.
• Passengers must be at their designated stop when the bus arrives and load the bus in a safe orderly manner.
• Passengers must follow the driver's instructions when loading and unloading the bus.
• Use of light or sound emitting, reflecting or amplifying devices is not allowed on the bus.

Order

• The bus is an extension of the campus. All campus Student Code of Conduct rules apply while on the bus.
• Do not distract the driver. Driving a school bus is a difficult job. Excessive noise detracts from the order of bus operations. Speak in a low voice and avoid making noise.
• The bus driver is authorized to assign seats or change seat assignments.
• Passengers must be seated, facing forward, with backs on the seat back, and feet on the floor while on the bus.
• In an emergency, listen for and follow the driver's instructions quickly. Stay calm.

Rights

• Riding the bus is a Privilege, not a Right.
• All passengers will respect the property rights of fellow passengers.
• Buses are HISD property. Passengers are responsible for damage they do to the bus. Leave the bus clean.
• Respect the property rights of landowners where you wait for the bus.
• Fellow riders have the expectation of a safe, comfortable ride. Do nothing to deny them that privilege.
• Respect the personal rights of others.
• Bus drivers have the right and responsibility to maintain discipline. Always follow the driver's instructions.

Communication

Good lines of communication are vital to effective student transportation operations. To ensure the safety of passengers, drivers, and those with whom we share the road, follow these communications guidelines.

• Passenger to Driver-Wait until the bus is stopped, then come to the front of the bus. Do not block the passage of others. Remember the bus is an extension of the campus and the driver is in authority
• Parent to Driver-For the safety of all, if you must speak to the driver at the bus stop, do so through the driver's window. You are not allowed to enter the bus! You may leave a telephone message for your child's driver with the HISD Student Transportation office at 668-5990, extension 5555. Calls will be returned. Written messages will be accepted. Messages may or may not be read during route operations. The department may need to contact you; please let us know your contact information in written messages. Any change of a student's assigned stop must be processed through the appropriate campus office.
• Parent to Student Transportation-You are encouraged to contact HISD Student Transportation at 668-5990, extension 5555. Please understand that we are extremely busy during route operation times. We will facilitate a face to face meeting you request and provide information requested within depar- ment and district guidelines.
• HISD Student Transportation Department and Bus Driver to Parents-Written communications is the preferred method and may take one of three forms: (1) "Bus Enrollment" forms, (2) "Parental Notification", or (3) department memos. Signature acknowledgement of "Parental Notifications" may be required before a student is allowed to ride the bus. Telephone messages are also used.
• Driver to Passenger-Driver will be polite, courteous, confidential, and respectful of the passenger's privacy rights.

Bus rider privileges may be denied to those who fail to meet Hallsville ISD's Safe School Bus Operations expectations for passengers. The suspension of bus rider privilege is a campus administrator's disciplinary decision and is not subject to Hallsville ISD Student Transportation Department review.

Safe Bus Riders' Rules

Safe bus riders always:

1. respect the bus driver and obey the driver's instructions the first time they are given.
2. sit safely in their assigned seat.
3. respect the personal and property rights of others.
4. know and obey the "HISD Student Code of Conduct".

Safe bus riders never:

1. use profane language or obscene gestures.
2. use tobacco products, alcohol, drugs or controlled substances.
3. eat or drink on the bus.
4. endanger the safety of themselves or others.

Expectations for Safe School Bus Operations and Safe Bus Riders' Rules were compiled by the professional school bus drivers that transport your children daily. They are based on current federal and state law, Hallsville Independent School District Board and administrative policy, the 1995 National Standards for School Transportation, and information provided by the Texas Association of Pupil Transportation. We are committed to protecting the Safety, Order and Rights of the children we serve.