Student Conduct and Bus Rules

The Poway Unified School District is committed to providing a safe environment for all students using transportation services. Students must always conduct themselves in a manner that shows respect for themselves and consideration for others. Conduct expectations and rules are to ensure that the bus is safe for all passengers. Students who fail to follow these rules and disrupt the safe operation of our buses can lose their riding privileges and or face additional consequences at school. The safe transportation of our students is a responsibility that the Poway Unified School District takes very seriously.

Pedestrian Safety Rules

Cross only at street corners, so that drivers can see you.
Always use a crosswalk when available but make sure the traffic sees you and has stopped before stepping off the curb.
At intersections with traffic signals, use the push button when possible and cross when the WALK signal is displayed.
Look in all directions for cars, pedestrians and bicycles before crossing.
While crossing, watch for cars that are turning left or right who may not see you.
Never cross the street from between parked cars— drivers can’t see you.
Walk on the sidewalk, or if there are no sidewalks, on the left side of the road facing traffic, so you can see oncoming traffic.
Wear or carry something white at night to help drivers see you.
Always walk in an orderly manner and avoid running, pushing and playing near streets and vehicles.

Escorted Crossover Instructions for Kindergarten to 12th Grade

Wait until instructed by the school bus driver that it is safe to cross.
When directed by the school bus driver, students must cross between the bus and the school bus driver, directly to the opposite side of the street.
Students must also be escorted across the street in the morning if they arrive at the stop after the bus has arrived. The student must wait until the students waiting at the bus stop have boarded the bus, then the bus driver can properly shut down the bus to perform the escorted crossover.

Bus Stop and Boarding Conduct

Arrive at your bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled stop time.
Any damage done to private property at a bus stop may result in transportation privileges being suspended.
Pupil clothing shall comply with PUSD standards.
Conduct yourself in an orderly manner while waiting for the school bus.
Non-high school students must be delivered to their assigned bus stop or released to a school administrator.
Non-high school riders must have a note from their parents, signed by a school administrator, to use a different bus stop.
When the bus approaches, stay back 12 feet, with pass holders boarding first.
Have your bus pass out and ready to scan when entering or exiting the bus.
Show the driver your bus pass, prepaid ticket or fare as you board the bus.
Scan your bus pass or deposit the ticket or money as directed by the bus driver.
Find a seat quickly.
Board and exit the bus in an orderly manner.
Make room for others.

Riding Rules

Pupils being transported are under the authority of the bus driver (CCR 14103).
Bus passes are the property of PUSD and may not be used by other students.
Students who are riding on a school bus equipped with seat belts are required to properly wear the seat belt provided.
Eating, drinking, gum or tobacco chewing, spitting, vaping and smoking are not permitted.
Fighting, wrestling, or boisterous activity is prohibited on the bus.
Pupils shall use the emergency exit only in case of an emergency.
Animals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects, breakable containers, hazardous materials, weapons, or unsafe objects will not be transported.
Objects shall not be thrown at, within, or out of the bus.
Pupils shall sit upright, face the front of the bus, keep all body parts out of the aisle.
Keep your hands to yourself.
Pupils may be assigned seats by the bus driver.
Always remain seated while the bus is in motion.
Pupils shall not extend their hands, arms, or body parts through the bus windows.
Harassment, profanity, vulgarity, or obscene gestures will not be tolerated.
Pupils shall keep the bus clean and shall refrain from damaging or vandalizing it.
All pupils are prohibited from creating disturbances such as taking pictures, filming with a cell phone, sharing videos, or any activities that could distract the driver.
Use your regular voice to talk inside the bus.
Be respectful to the driver and others on the school bus.