Article submitted by Mrs. JIll Shehorn, Transportation Supervisor
YELLOW flashing bus lights indicate the school bus is preparing to stop to load or unload students. Please slow down and prepare to stop.
RED flashing lights indicate the bus has stopped and students will be loading or unloading the bus. State law requires ALL vehicles must stop until the red lights are turned off and the bus begins moving again. Bus drivers are required by law to report any red light violations which may result in a fine.
Students need to observe the following rules and laws while riding the bus:
(These rules are posted in the front of each school bus).
Respect the driver, the bus, and each other.
No loud talking, yelling, profanity or exhibiting obscene gestures inside or outside the bus.
Stay in the assigned seat with seat-to-seat, back-to-back, and feet-to-floor.
No gum. No food. No drinking.
Keep the aisle clear at all times.
No noise or talking at railroad crossing.
All body parts are to stay inside the bus at all times.
Other safety rules and laws which need to be observed include:
It is the student’s responsibility to be at their bus stop 5 minutes prior to the scheduled bus arrival time.
Once the bus arrives, please make sure the student watches the driver for the signal to proceed to the bus.
Students may NOT leave the bus after boarding except at his or her assigned bus stop.
With buses being near capacity, only objects able to fit in a backpack are allowed on the bus.
Expectations for student behavior on the bus are the same as in the classroom. Inappropriate behavior is distracting to a driver and is subject to a write-up. Principals have the authority to dismiss a student from riding the bus due to misbehavior.
Please note, bus drivers will only use their horn when backing or if there is danger present while loading or unloading students. Drivers handle minor infractions by a verbal warning. If the student behavior does not improve, the violation will be reported to the school administrator. Major infractions where NO verbal warnings will be given would include fighting; smoking; destruction of school property; threat of injury or death of another student, the driver or self; violation of State Ohio bus safety rules, etc. The consequences of violating these rules will go directly to the building administrator.
Skilled bus drivers at Wauseon are trained to handle different types of situations. The drivers will do everything possible to safely transport students to school and home. Wauseon drivers are more than “just a bus driver.” They care about the student(s) and maintain the highest standard of integrity. Wauseon Schools is privileged to have the opportunity to provide transportation to students and will do the absolute best to make the ride both safe and enjoyable.