Documents, Policies, and Forms
As the success of our efforts to provide safe transportation for students of the Tukwila School District depends upon the close cooperation between parents, students, bus drivers, and the schools, we are asking that you review the rules and procedures below with your child(ren). The guidelines conform to and enhance state laws governing student transportation. An important aspect of operating a bus safely is the conduct of the riders, since any distraction prevents the driver from devoting his or her full attention to driving.
Riding the School Bus
- The driver of the bus is in full and complete charge of all passengers. Passengers must obey the diver promptly and willingly.
- Riding the bus is a privilege which may be removed if the riders do not obey the driver and follow the rules.
- Students should arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes before the bus is due and must not stand or play in the roadway while waiting for the bus.
- Students must cross the roadway only in front of the school bus. When boarding or leaving the bus, the student should be in view of the driver at all times.
- Students must not cross the roadway until given consent by the driver (by prearranged signal).
- Students must load/enter and unload/exit in an orderly manner.
- Outside of ordinary quiet conversation, good classroom behavior must be observed while on the bus.
- Students are to remain seated, facing forward while the bus is in motion and are not to stand until the bus has come to a complete stop.
- No student shall open a window without permission from the driver. No student shall at any time extend any part of his/her body out of the bus window.
- Students must not have in their possession any item that might cause injury to another person, nor shall students carry on the bus any type of firearm or any highly combustible or easily broken materials.
- Items that may cause injury to others not allowed on the bus include: laser lights, sticks, bats, glass containers, any type of firearms/explosives, knives/sharp objects, skate boards, straps, pins, and large bulky items. Combustible materials such as hair spray, nail polish, etc., shall not be used or displayed. Balls and skates are allowed if contained in a bag. Also no animal, fish, or bird is allowed with the exception of service animals.
- Students are to assist in keeping the bus clean. For sanitary and safety reasons, eating is not allowed on the bus. Students must refrain from throwing objects on or at the bus, or out of bus windows. Waste/trash shall be kept off the bus floor/seats.
- In the event of an actual emergency, exit procedures as established by emergency drills will be followed.
- Students shall never play or scuffle while waiting for the bus. Students shall refrain from destroying private property and should not harass the driving or walking public or property owners.
- While at the bus stop or loading zone, students are to remain at a safe distance from the bus until it is completely stopped. Upon departure in bus loading zones, once the engine is started and the door is closed, students may no longer board the bus.
- Students will refrain from pushing, shoving, or striking other passengers or engaging in other unsafe activities while on or near the bus.
- Students must only ride their assigned bus and get on and off at their assigned stop/school unless written permission from a parent or guardian is received and approved by principal or designee.
- Students shall give their correct name promptly and willingly when asked by the driver.
- A student may be assigned a seat in which he/she/they will be expected to sit at all times when on the bus.
- No student will smoke, ignite matches or lighters, or use any type of flame or sparking device on the bus. The use of any tobacco products is prohibited.
- Students will refrain from using vulgar or obscene language and/or gestures.
- Students are not permitted to sit in the driver's seat nor tamper with bus controls or safety equipment.