Skip To Main Content

Expectations for Riding the Bus

Bus Expectations

Dear Lakewood School District Students, Parents, and Guardians,

Ensuring the safety and well-being of all students is our highest priority. As part of this commitment, we would like to remind you of the importance of safe and appropriate behavior while riding the school bus. The school bus is an extension of the classroom, and students are expected to adhere to the same standards of behavior.

To help maintain a safe environment for everyone, we ask that you review the following guidelines with your child:

  • Obey the Driver and Staff: Students must follow the instructions of the bus driver, aide, or any other staff member at all times.
  • Assigned Buses and Stops: Students are to ride only on their assigned bus and may not leave the bus at any stop other than their regular one unless written permission is provided.
  • Assigned Seating: If a seat has been assigned, students must use only that seat.
  • Classroom Conduct: Students should observe the same rules of conduct as they do in the classroom. Noise must be kept to a minimum to avoid distracting the driver. The use of obscene language or gestures is strictly prohibited.
  • No Smoking or Ignition of Flames: Smoking and the use of lighters or matches are not allowed on the bus.
  • No Eating Without Authorization: Eating on the bus is not permitted unless specifically authorized. It is important to keep the bus clean at all times.
  • Bus Windows: Windows may only be opened with the driver's permission. Students must not extend any part of their body outside the bus windows.
  • Prohibited Items: Students are not allowed to bring or carry items that could cause injury to others. This includes, but is not limited to, sticks, breakable containers, weapons, or large, bulky items that cannot be securely held. All personal belongings should be kept out of the aisles and the back-window ledge.
  • Animals: Animals are not permitted on the bus, with the exception of those that assist students with disabilities.
  • Orderly Boarding and Exiting: Students should always get on and off the bus in an orderly manner and must never cross the roadway behind the bus.
  • Responsibility for Damages: Parents/Guardians will be responsible for the cost of any damage caused to the bus by their child. Students who cause damage may also face suspension from bus transportation.
  • Misconduct and Consequences: Any misconduct on the bus may result in suspension of transportation privileges.

By following these guidelines, we can ensure that every student enjoys a safe and pleasant ride to and from school. We appreciate your cooperation and support in reinforcing these rules with your child. We ask all passengers to respect these guidelines to help us maintain a safe and respectful atmosphere for all.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your child’s school.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.