Safe Rider Program Introduction

An Introduction for Parents

The safety of your child(ren) is the top priority of the PCSD’s Transportation Department. The “Safe Rider Program” is a student behavior management program that teaches and reinforces proper behavior on the school bus. The program defines consistent rules, expectations and consequences for all students regardless of the bus they ride or the school they attend. The core principles of the program promote personal accountability and empowers both students and parents to help correct unsafe behavior. The processes help preserve the desired atmosphere on our buses, allowing for the safe transportation of all students.

How the Program Works

The program promotes the following concepts:

  • Instant accountability for unsafe behavior

  • Defined, consistent and graduated discipline plans

  • Timely Communication with parents and school Administrators

The program does not stop here. All PCSD Bus Drivers and Bus Monitors receive annual student management training to ensure clarification of the most effective means of managing student behavior on the bus. Students will also receive annual training that reinforces the rules of the bus and the general expectations for all student riders. A training module is included for individual students that continue to display unsafe and unruly behavior. This training module will be used as a mandatory intervention method when deemed necessary by the Transportation Department or the applicable school administrator.

Parent Partnerships

The “Safe Rider Program” requires the partnership of parents to help make our buses a safer and more enjoyable part of our student’s educational day. To ensure the effectiveness of this partnership, all parents and guardians should fully understand the bus rules and the general expectations for their students. Please read and review the “Safe Rider Policies and Procedures” provided in the following sections. After a full review, please confirm your understanding of the “Safe Rider” Program by initialing the applicable field in the PCSD Code of Conduct and Parent-Student Handbook Acknowledgement and Consent Form in the student information system (Infinite Campus: Parent Portal). Please note that your confirmation of this information is required in order for your student(s) to maintain their bus riding privileges.

Tips for Parents and Guardians: When reviewing safe bus practices with your student(s), use the “Four Bs”.

"Be Safe"

  • Stay Seated – Back to Back and Bottom to Bottom.

  • Never Leave your seat until it’s time to exit.

  • Keep backpack on your lap.

  • Body parts must remain inside the bus.

  • Never run.

  • Use the handrail when entering and exiting.

  • Follow the Driver’s instructions the first time.

  • Remain 6 giant steps away from the road when waiting on the bus.

  • Wait for the driver’s signal before approaching the bus or crossing the street.

  • Put all electronics and earphones away when boarding or exiting.

  • When exiting the bus take 6 giant steps away from the bus and go directly home.

  • Never walk behind the bus.

"Be Responsible"

  • Keep feet and personal items out of the aisle.

  • No unapproved eating or drinking on the bus.

  • Keep the area around your seat clean.

  • Always use your assigned bus stop.

  • Arrive 5 minutes early to your bus stop.

  • When boarding the bus, go directly to your assigned seat.

"Be Respectful"

  • Keep your hands to yourself at all times.

  • Follow the driver’s instructions THE FIRST TIME.

  • Respect the bus by not marking or damaging the seats.

  • Always use earbuds/earphones with any electronic device, except when loading or unloading.

  • Never leave litter at the bus stop.

  • Board the bus one at the time.

  • Never push or shove when boarding or exiting the bus.

  • Be respectful of others and their property.

  • Always address you driver and monitor in a respectful manner.

"Be Peaceful"

  • No horseplay.

  • Speak in a calm low voice.

  • Never use bad language or rude gestures.

  • Never threaten or bully another student.

  • Remain orderly at the bus stop.

  • Never run or play in the roadway.

  • Follow the Golden Rule “Do unto others as you would have done to you.”