Dear Parents or Guardian,

This is information that is important for all students, whether they ride the bus, or walk to and from school. At some point during this year, your child will most likely ride a school bus to school events, on field trips,· or to athletic competitions. The 1994 Legislature enacted MN Statute # 123B.90, which provides that all students must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of these seven concepts related to school bus safety:

1. Transportation by school bus is a privilege not a right
2. District policies for student conduct and school bus safety
3. Appropriate conduct while on the school bus
4. The "Danger Zones" surrounding the school bus
5. Procedures for safely boarding and leaving a school bus
6. Procedures for safe vehicle lane crossing
7. School bus evacuation and other emergency procedures

In enacting this law, the legislature also provided that parents or guardians must review the school bus ridership rules and discipline policy with their child(ren). Please review this policy and the rules for riding our buses with your child.

During the first three weeks of school, your child will receive age-appropriate instruction on Safety, Order and Rights on the bus. The students have reviewed the concept that riding the bus is a privilege not a.right. The student's focus will be on becoming a responsible rider and developing an awareness of the effect of their behavior, to not only themselves, but also the impact they have upon others

As you review the School Bus Discipline Policy with your child, assure him or her that if there is a problem on the bus, they should let the bus driver know. If they are uncomfortable talking to the bus driver, they need to tell a teacher, staff person at school, or you, the parent or guardian, about the problem. Let the child know that if they do not tell anyone that there is a problem on the bus, nothing can be done about it and the problem will only get worse. They need to talk to someone so that the problem can be resolved.

It is our hope that all of our students will act responsibly on the school bus and enjoy a safe ride to and from school or any event they may attend.

Sincerely,
Keith Paulson
Director of Transportation