Every child who rides a school bus should know what to do should it ever become necessary to evacuate the bus quickly and safely. Usually students remain on the bus during an emergency; however, two situations do require the bus to be evacuated:

FIRE OR DANGER OF FIRE:

A bus should be stopped and evacuated immediately if the engine or any portion of the bus is on fire. Passengers should move a distance of 100 feet or more from the bus and remain there until the driver of the bus has determined that no danger remains. Being near an existing fire and unable to move the bus away, or near the presence of gasoline or other combustible materials should be considered as “danger of fire,” and students should be evacuated.

UNSAFE POSITION:

In the event a bus is stopped due to accident, mechanical failure, or road conditions, it must be determined, immediately, whether it is safe for passengers to remain in the bus or to evacuate.

In compliance with WAC392-145-080, an emergency evacuation drill will be completed within the first six weeks of each school semester for all students riding school buses except those excused by the regulation. Students excused from the drill will be orally instructed three times per year. Drills will be held at school bus loading zones only. Students riding field trip buses will receive verbal reviews of emergency procedures at the beginning of each field trip.

The Emergency Evacuation Drill will proceed as follows. The driver will:

• Provide a short explanation of why it is necessary to conduct exit drills.

• Shut off the motor, set the emergency break, and place the bus in Park or Neutral depending on the bus type.

• Instruct reliable students about use of the 2-way radio.

• Put the microphone outside the window and turn key to accessory, if needed/possible.

• Instruct students on getting emergency help.

• Instruct students on setting highway warning reflector devices.

• Instruct students on removing the first-aid kit.

• Instruct students on use of the fire extinguisher.

• Instruct and assign students to open Exit door (s).

• Explain which windows are “kick out” windows.

• Assist students in leaving via the exit door (s).

Students should also be taught to remember that most accidents are preventable, regardless of who may be at fault, and that proper behavior and good conduct on the bus is the best way to assist the driver in the safe performance of his/her duties.

Bus passes are required for students who wish to depart the bus at a different authorized stop or to ride a different bus to or from school. Passes for riding a bus other then a student’s regular bus are issued on a space available basis only. Therefore, there is no guarantee that a pass will be approved. Schools issue bus passes. The procedure to obtain a bus pass requires a parent note. The school’s office processes the

request and issues either a Permanent or Temporary Bus Pass. No bus passes are issued the first two weeks of school or the last two weeks of school, except in emergencies.

The standard Anacortes School District Transportation procedure is that Preschool/Kindergarten students being transported by bus have a responsible person to receive them at their bus stop. If the parents/guardian believe the child is capable of attending to his/her own needs and may be dropped off without a responsible person in attendance, the District then requires that information to be in writing from the parents/guardian via an opt out form provided by the School office.

Only students and staff of the Anacortes School District are allowed to ride the school bus. However, parents of Anacortes District students may occasionally be given permission to ride the bus to/from school if they are assisting in a classroom. Permission must be pre-approved through Transportation or the school office. The school will then issue a bus pass to the parent. To ride a school bus for any other reason, approval must come from Transportation Management.

Due to safety reasons and time challenges, boarding a school bus to talk to the bus driver or a student is prohibited. It is best to contact the bus driver through the Transportation Department. This will ensure that the driver has adequate time to discuss your needs and concerns. Clarification of the rules and procedures should be directed to the Transportation Supervisor.

The district and bus driver’s goal is to increase safety while transporting students to and from school. Cameras on the bus are a tool to help improve student conduct.

Anacortes school buses are inspected by the Washington State Patrol twice per year. All district buses meet or exceed Federal and State specifications.

To ensure a safe bus ride for your students, each bus driver is an authorized Washington State School Bus Driver who has completed an extensive training program consisting of classroom and on the road training. Each driver has completed a drug screen and has under gone an extensive background check, including State and Federal fingerprinting clearance.