Each parent has a definite role in the safe and efficient operation of a school’s transportation system. If the transportation program, as a whole, is to function effectively, the parents must assume their responsibilities to the program and extend cooperation and support to the people charged with its operation.

Parents should be aware that the privilege to ride a school bus may be temporarily or permanently revoked if the “Transportation Rules for Students” are violated.

Parents are responsible for the safety of their children from the time they leave home in the morning until the time they board the school bus and, at the end of the school day, from the time the school bus departs the bus stop and the children reach home. Once the child enters the school bus, the responsibility lies with the bus driver and the school administration

In order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the student transportation program, parents must also accept the responsibilities to:

1. Cooperate with the school authorities and the school bus driver in promoting safe and efficient services for all passengers.

2. Insist upon good behavior on the part of their children while riding the school bus.

3. Insist that their children occupy the seats which have been assigned to them.

4. Instruct their children as to their responsibility for damages caused to the property of others, including the school bus.

5. Inform their children that they should arrive at the designated school bus stop five (5) minutes before the scheduled arrival time of the school bus.

6. Make suggestions to the school principal or to the Director of Transportation for improvements in the transportation program.

7. Walk with younger children to and from the school bus stop, using this opportunity to teach the children proper pedestrian practices. If the parents cannot accompany their children, arrangements should be made, if possible, for older children (brothers, sisters, or neighbors) to escort the younger children to and from the school bus stop or school.

8. Encourage their children to obey all traffic rules, signs, and signals.

9. Set an example for their children by their own safety practices.

10. Parents are not allowed to board the school bus under any circumstances

• Arrive at the bus stop Ten minutes before pick-up time.

• Walk safely to the bus stop and wait in a safe manner away from traffic, lined up and ready to get on the bus.

• No pushing, shoving or playing at the bus stop and never run after a bus.

• Respect the right of property owners while walking to or waiting at the bus stop.

• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop prior to approaching the bus.

• Watch your step and use the handrail when getting on and off the bus.

• Board in an orderly manner, without pushing or shoving, at your stop or at school.

• Take your assigned seat promptly and remain seated for your ride to and from school.

• Sit in the seat facing front; keep your feet, books and other articles out of the aisle.

• Keep your hands and head inside the bus.

• Speak quiet and respectfully to your bus driver and other students.

• Do not damage any part of the bus and report any damage that you see to the driver.

• Do not eat, drink, smoke or use vulgar language.

• Do not tamper with any of the bus’ equipment or controls.

• Remain quiet and orderly so the driver is not distracted from the important job of driving.

• Do not throw any object on the bus or outside the bus.

• Listen to the bus driver’s instructions.

• Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before leaving your seat.

• Cross ten feet in front of the bus with the warning lights when crossing in front of the bus.

• Always look left, right, left to check for traffic before crossing any street, even when crossing in front of the bus with its red warning lights on.

• Route, schedule and tier school buses in adherence with Federal, State and local guidelines so that all students eligible for transportation are given access to safe, adequate and economical bus transportation.

• Establish bus stop locations in adherence with State and local policies.

• Address concerns from parents, school administrators, bus drivers, contractors and the motoring public regarding the operation of the Denver Public Schools buses.

• Provide screening and training to ensure DPS school bus drivers and assistants are highly qualified.

• Establish and enforce transportation procedures, regulations and rules.

• Inspect all buses in accordance with Federal, State and Local statutes and regulations.

• Provide data regarding school bus number and general route information to parents through schools and local newspapers. This data is provided in mid August every year. Pick up and drop off times are estimates only and are subject to change.

Bus Driver Responsibilities

• Follow the designated route time and schedule

• Pick up and discharge students at approved stops only

• Ensure the bus is in safe operating condition

• Maintain a safe and orderly environment on the school bus

• Inform students of behavioral expectations

• Report unacceptable school bus behavioral violations to the school administrator as necessary

• Drive the bus in a safe, professional manner

• Demonstrate team work with bus assistant daily

Bus Assistant/Paraprofessional Responsibilities

• Know and interact with each student on the bus

• Watch for any concerns that may arise on the ride to/from school

• Manage student behavior

• Know the routes and assist relief bus drivers who may need help

• Assist the bus driver with the orderly departure of the students and/or emergency evacuations

• Assist with loading and unloading of wheelchairs for special needs students

• Assist the driver with the cleanliness of the bus

• Demonstrate team work with bus driver daily