• Bus procedures and safety
Image of Students Riding Bus

  • Pick-up and drop-off guidelines

    • Be ready for the bus at least 10 minutes before its scheduled arrival time.

    • In the afternoon, pre-K, kindergarten, and 1st-grade students will only be dropped off if a responsible adult is present. If no one is there, the child will return to school or the district office.

    • Items brought on the bus must fit on the student’s lap. Projects, instruments, and other objects must not block the aisle or take up seating.

    • Students may only use their assigned bus stops and cannot ride home with friends.

    • If your child needs help boarding or exiting, a family member must assist them between the home and the bus.

    Bus boarding and exiting process

    Boarding 

    • Stay: Stand at least 12 feet from the road. Wait on your side until the bus stops.

    • Wait: Wait until the stop arm extends and the driver signals with a raised hand.

    • Look: Look both ways. When safe, the driver will give a thumbs-up and point to cross

    • Cross: Walk in front of the bus where the driver can see you. Stay alert and move quickly.

    Exiting

    • Look: Check for cars in all directions before stepping off.

    • Walk: Move past the crossing arm so the driver can see you.

    • Wait: Wait for the driver’s hand signal before crossing.

    • Cross: Cross only when the driver gives a thumbs-up.

    WCPSS bus drivers use standard hand signals to help students cross the street to and from the bus. 

    Safety tips

    • Look both ways before crossing. If a car is approaching, wait.

    • Stay alert. Remove earbuds and avoid using phones.

    • If the bus horn sounds, stop and look for a safe place.

    • Parents: Please follow the same safety steps when crossing with your child.

    • Memorize your bus run number and stop in case of emergencies.

    • Be present at the bus stop whenever possible.

    • Teach children to wait until the stop arm is fully extended before crossing.