Safety Tips

The safety of children is our top priority, and to that end, we encourage students to abide by our safety tips and rider rules. Students who use our bus service can greatly increase their own safety by following these safety tips.

•  Leave plenty of time to get to the bus stop safely.  

•  Walk on the sidewalks, where available. 

•  When waiting for the bus, stay away from the street or curb. Wait on the sidewalk if available.

•  Make sure the driver can see you at all times by staying 10 giant steps away from the outside of the bus.

•  Wait for the bus to stop completely and the driver signals it is ok, before you approach the bus.

•  Use the handrail so you don’t trip on the stairs. 

•  Find a seat and sit down immediately and stay seated.

•  Talk and laugh quietly with friends, but do not scream. It distracts the driver. 

•  Don’t put your head, arms, papers or anything out the window. 

•  If you have to cross the street, wait until the driver lets you know it’s OK to cross. 

•  Stay away from the bus wheels at all times – especially the back wheels where it’s hard for the driver to see you. 

Expectations for Bus Behavior

• Observe classroom conduct.

• Be courteous, use no profane language.

• Do not eat or drink on the bus.

• Keep the bus clean.

• Co-operate with the driver.

• Do not damage or tamper with bus or equipment.

• Stay in your seat.

• Keep head, hands, and feet inside bus.

• Do not fight, push or shove.

Do not lose your bus privileges! Follow these rules.

Big Bus Expectations and Responsibilities

When a bus arrives at a bus stop, the safest place for the student to be is at the bus stop waiting. It is for this reason that all students must be at their bus stop five minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time. Students must be standing at the bus stop, not running down the street trying to catch the bus. If running on time, big buses are not required to wait for students who are not standing at the stop when the bus arrives. Please have your student at his/her bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. Please note, in the winter, when road conditions are less than ideal, bus drivers adjust by starting their routes earlier. The result is the first stops in the route may be a little earlier and the last stops due to the bad road conditions may be a little later.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child missed the bus. How do I get him or her to school?

If a parent can drive the child to school, the bus will provide transportation after school, as usual. 

What should I do if my child is not riding the bus?

If you know in advance, please inform the Transportation Coordinator (815)721-4762.

If your child wakes up and is ill. Please call in to the Transportation Department (815)522-2687. 

When should you stop for a bus that has its sign out?

You must stop before meeting or overtaking a school bus loading or unloading passengers.

A warning will be given at least 100 ft. (200 ft. in rural areas) in advance of a stop.  

The bus driver will flash amber and red lights on the front and rear of the bus. 

amber (slow down, prepare to stop, bus is about to stop.) 

red (stop, bus has stopped and is opening its service door)  

The stop signal arm will be extended after the school bus has come to a complete stop. You must then come to a complete stop. 

You must remain stopped until the stop signal arm is no longer extended and the flashing red lights are turned off. 

You do not always need to stop when meeting a stopped school bus on a roadway with four or more lanes. You do not need to stop if you are traveling in the opposite direction of the bus, on a road with four or more lanes, but you should drive cautiously.