Newman Academy Parent Bus Safety Policy

Note: All NIA discipline rules and policies that are applicable during school hours also apply to any activity connected to bus transportation, including waiting at the bus stop, entering/exiting the bus and during transport on our morning and afternoon campus shuttles.

Rules for Entering/Getting on the Bus Safely
• Be at the bus stop 10 minutes prior to pick up time. Never run to or from the bus.
• Wait at your designated stop in a safe place, back from the side of the road.
• Remember never to stand in the danger zone that surrounds the bus – the 10 giant steps (or 3 meters) rule is a good measurement for students to identify the danger zone around the school bus.
• If you need to cross the street to get on the bus, always wait until the bus has come to a complete stop. Watch the driver. When the driver is assured that all traffic has stopped, he/she will signal for you to cross the street – but continue to watch for traffic yourself. Always walk; do not run.
• Hold the handrail as you enter the bus. Do not push or shove.
• All students must be rostered on to the vehicle. For morning and afternoon routes, a driver will use a roster provided by the campus the student attends.
Rules for During Transport/Riding in the Bus Safely
• Take your assigned seat promptly, sit properly, face forward always, and never get up out of your seat while the bus is moving.
• Place bags and parcels under your seat or on your lap.
• Always keep the aisle of the bus clear.
• Always keep your head, hands, and arms inside the bus.
• Throwing objects inside or outside of the bus is not permitted.
• No use of cell phones, Bluetooth speakers or other electronic devices.
• Talk quietly; the driver needs to concentrate to safely drive the bus. Fighting, shouting, or use of obscene language will not be tolerated; disciplinary action may result from misbehavior connected to transportation activities.
• Be quiet when approaching a railroad crossing.
• Weapons, contraband, dangerous, disturbing, or annoying objects are not permitted on the bus.
• Eating and drinking (this includes chewing gum) is not allowed on the bus at any time. This rule protects students and drivers that have food allergies and anaphylaxis, prevents choking, and maintains bus cleanliness.
• Be aware that other students, including the bus driver, may have allergies to scents, such as perfume, etc.
• Always follow the bus driver’s instructions.
Rules for Exiting/Getting Off the Bus Safely
• Remain in the seat until the bus comes to a complete stop.
• When you exit the bus, hold the handrail; once down the stairs, take two large steps away from the bus.
• When exiting a vehicle on a Newman campus, riders must either immediately proceed to their parent/guardian’s vehicle or enter Newman building.
• To cross the street in front of the bus, walk ahead at least ten giant steps (three meters). Cross only when the driver gives a signal. Proceed across the street, looking both ways for on-coming traffic. Cross the street in a single file.
• If multiple people are getting off the bus, those at the front who are closest to the door should exit first in a single file manner, followed by those in the row behind them, and so forth. Do not push.
• If you drop something near the bus, do not pick it up. Tell an adult.
• Bus Safety Smarts – Know the Danger Zone
• Rule of thumb – 10 giant steps (or 3 meters) is a good measurement for student to identify the danger zone around the school bus, particularly when crossing in front of the bus.
• Students should never enter the danger zone unless the bus driver has given them permission.
• If a student can touch the bus, they are too close.
• Remember – if you cannot see the bus driver, the bus driver cannot see you.
• While still near a bus, the student must have the attention of the bus driver.
• Students should never play around or near school bus vehicles.
• On arrival at the destination, students must immediately proceed to their designated point; meaning, if they are being picked up by a parent/guardian, they should proceed to the vehicle. If arriving at another Newman campus, proceed inside the building.

Parent Pick Up Policy

• Students must be picked up immediately upon the bus’s arrival.
• Please contact your campus administration if you are running late.
• In the case of “No Shows”, we will attempt to contact parent/guardians. After 15 minutes, students may be returned to the campus where they attend. (This is for non-Newman bus stops only)
• Before returning students to their attending campus, the Bus Driver will contact The Department of Public Safety, who will notify the principal, upon returning to attending campus DPS will meet the bus driver. (This is for non-Newman bus stops only)
• If a student isn’t picked up in a timely manner on three different occasions, Newman reserves the right to refuse offering morning and afternoon transportation services.
Thank for your kind cooperation in each of these areas,
NIA District Transportation Department
NIA Department of Public Safety