MUSD Buses: Rules of Conduct
- Student Safety
- Transportation
Bus Rules Overview
Riding a bus to and from school in MUSD is a privilege not to be taken lightly. All students attending MUSD schools will at times ride a bus, either to and from school, for field trips, athletic trips, or other school functions. All students must understand and observe good conduct, courtesy, cooperation, and respect for the authority of the bus driver. Arizona state law states that the driver of the school bus is responsible for orderly conduct and safety of pupils and other passengers being transported in accordance with the policy established by the Governing Board of the district.
Arriving at bus stop:
- Leave home in good time so that you will arrive at the pickup point five minutes before the school bus is scheduled to arrive.
- If other students are waiting at the bus stop, get in line without pushing or crowding and stay off the roadway.
Crossing the roadway:
- If you must cross the road, walk to a point about ten (10) feet in front of bus but do not cross until you can see that the driver has indicated that it is safe to do so.
- As you cross the road, look continuously to the right and left. At an intersection, look in all directions.
- Cross at right angles. Never cross the roadway diagonally.
- Walk briskly across the road, but do not run.
Boarding the bus:
- Line up in single file parallel to the roadway, with younger students in front, so they can board first.
- Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to get on board.
- Board the bus quickly but without crowding or pushing.
- Never run on the bus, as the steps or floor may be slippery, especially in wintertime. Place your foot squarely on the step, not on the edge, and use the handrail.
- Be particularly careful if you are carrying books or parcels, as it is difficult to see the steps and to hold the handrail.
- Go directly to your seat and sit straight, well to the back of the seat, and face the front of the bus.
Conduct on the bus:
Please note that the driver is required to assign a specific seat to each student. Generally kindergarten students are assigned to sit in the first few rows of seats. Other students may sit with friends, but may be re-assigned to another seat if conduct does not meet expectations.
- Seatbelts must be worn at all times.
- No eating or drinking (other than water) is permitted on the bus.
- Remain seated throughout the trip, and leave your seat only when the bus has reached its destination and comes to a complete stop.
- Keep your belongings, including electronic devices, on your lap or put them under the seat. Musical instruments must not occupy space required for seating of other students.
- Keep the aisle clear.
- Avoid doing anything that might disturb or interfere with the driver. Refrain from loud or boisterous talking or yelling; use your classroom voice.
- Aerosol sprays, perfumes, etc., must be kept secure and unopened during the bus ride.
- Never stick hands, arms, head, or feet out of the windows of the bus.
- Do not throw anything within the bus or out of a window.
- Do not touch the emergency door or exit controls or any of the bus safety equipment.
- Do not discard trash in the bus.
- Follow the directions and instructions of the school bus driver.
Prohibited items:
- Tobacco is not allowed in a school bus.
- Alcoholic beverages shall not be carried in a school bus.
- Insects, reptiles, or other animals shall not be transported in a school bus. [A.A.C. R17-9-104]
- No weapon, explosive device, harmful drug, or chemical shall be transported in a school bus.
- No skateboards, glass items, or balloons will be allowed in the school bus.
Exiting the bus:
- Remain seated until the bus has reached its destination and comes to a complete stop.
- Do not push or crowd when leaving the bus.
- Transportation