Transportation

School Bus Safety

The Northport-East Northport School District is proud of its bus safety record. It must be remembered, however, that bus safety depends greatly on the behavior of the students who ride the bus. Safety on the school bus is a matter of teamwork that requires the constant support and attention of the students, parents and the personnel of the schools. We ask that parents discuss the transportation rules with their children. Also, note parents/guardians are not permitted to board bus for any reason.

RESPONSIBILITY OF STUDENTS

Students who ride the school bus must adhere to the following conduct and safety rules. Students who do not adhere to these rules will be reported to the school principal and his/her designee for disciplinary action.

• For their safety, students should always cross the street 10 feet in front of the bus. When crossing the street students should only cross when they can see the driver’s face and should wait for a signal from the driver that it is safe to cross the street. Students should never walk along the side of the bus, or cross the street behind the bus. Students also should never reach for anything that has fallen near the side or under the bus.
  
  
• Students should follow the instructions of the bus driver at all times. The bus driver is the adult responsible for safety on the bus and deserves the same courtesy and respect as a parent or a teacher.
  
  
• Students should arrive at the bus stop on time, at least ten minutes prior to scheduled pick-up time. While waiting, students must stay on the side of the road away from traffic or off the road if possible. Students must wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching the bus.
  
  
• Students should respect the property of others, especially if the bus stop is in front of someone’s house. Inappropriate behavior at the bus stop will lead to disciplinary action by the school principal.
  
  
• Students should never open windows unless authorized by the driver. Students must always keep their heads, hands and/or other parts of their bodies inside of the bus windows at all times.
  
  
• Students should talk quietly on the bus and keep noise to a level acceptable to the bus driver. Vulgar language and indecent talk are not permitted and will be reported to the building principal for disciplinary action.
  
  
• Students should treat the bus equipment with respect. Damage to the bus seats or other equipment will be paid for by the offender(s). Students are expected to help keep the bus clean and properly dispose of any litter they bring onto the bus.
  
  
• Students may not bring large objects on the bus (i.e. large musical instruments, science experiments, and bulky sports equipment). Aisles must be kept clear at all times. If the object cannot be held on the student’s lap it should not be brought on the bus.
  
  
• Students should take a seat immediately upon entering the bus. Riders are not permitted to stand, leave their seats or kneel on their seats while the bus is in motion.
  
  
• Parents should be aware of any objects of clothing which might get caught on the bus, such as, hood strings, backpacks, jackets, gloves, scarf’s, etc.
  
  
• Students are expected to be courteous to the bus driver and their fellow passengers.
  
  
• Students are not permitted to eat or drink on the school bus.
  
  
• STUDENTS MUST NEVER SMOKE, LIGHT MATCHES OR LIGHTERS ON SCHOOL BUSES. Violations of the smoking policy are punishable by the Suffolk County Dept of Health of a fine up to $500.00 for each offense.
  
  
• Students must never throw objects on the bus or out of the bus.
  
  
• Horseplay is not permitted on or around the school bus.
  
  
• Students must never tamper with the latches on emergency doors or windows.