Bus Expectations: Behavior & Safety

Parents/Guardians are expected to:

• Check the Bus Status 4 app or blackgold.ca for delays or cancellations.
• Have a backup plan in case of delays or cancellations.
• Ensure your child is at the stop 5 minutes early with their bus pass ready.
• Dress your child appropriately for the weather.
• Supervise your child to and from the bus stop.
• Review bus behavior and safety expectations with your child. Printable version here.

If your child’s regular busing routine changes (e.g., different pickup or drop-off location):
• Notify the driver at least one day in advance as a courtesy
• Don’t have the driver’s contact info? Email [email protected]

❗ Reminder:
Drivers are not responsible for tracking individual schedules.
Parents must ensure children understand their plan.

Bus Expectations: Student Behavior

• The bus is an extension of the classroom; all school rules apply.
• Scan your bus pass when boarding and exiting.
• Only ride your assigned bus; friends or visitors are not allowed.
• Remain seated while the bus is moving.
• Keep the bus aisle and exits clear.
• Do not throw items inside or outside of the bus or put body parts outside of the window.
• Talk quietly to the person beside you.
• Be responsible for your personal belongings.
• Take care of your assigned seat; any damage is the responsibility of the student.
• Cooperate with the driver to keep the bus neat and clean.
• Dress appropriately for cold weather during winter.
• Disrespectful, vulgar, abusive, or harassing behavior is not allowed.
• Recording video, audio, or taking photos is prohibited.
• Electronic devices with headphones may be used if the sound is audible only to the student.
• Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, or other smoking materials are strictly prohibited.
• Weapons or items considered weapons are strictly prohibited.
• Eating or drinking, (including water) is not allowed on the bus. More information here.
• Items larger than (13"x13"x23") are not allowed on the bus. More information here.

Consequences for Misbehavior:
• Misbehavior or damage will be reported to Transportation Services and school administration.
• Misconduct forms may also be submitted if the bus operator requires support.
• Bus service may be suspended if behavior does not improve, or immediately suspended for serious or unsafe behavior.

Bus Safety:

Morning pick-up:
•Students may need to walk up to 0.4 km to the bus stop.
• Arrive at your stop at least five minutes before the bus; buses cannot wait.
• Stay off the roadway while waiting.
• Only cross in front of the bus.
• Important! Stay out of the "Danger Zone"! Learn more here.
• Never pick up items near or under the bus.

Afternoon drop-off:
• If a student misses the bus after school, they must go to the office and call home
• Students should never walk home without parent permission

Large Item Restrictions

• All items must fit within 13"x13"x23" (33cm x 33cm x 59cm).
• Items must not block aisles, exits, or other students’ space.
• Loose items are unsafe — even under a seat.

Prohibited Items include, but are not limited to:

• Large musical instruments
• Sports bags and sticks (hockey, ringette, lacrosse)
• Skis, poles, snowboards, curling brooms
• Skateboards, sleighs, large science projects
• Baseball bats, unsecured balls (basketballs, soccer balls)
• Reminder: Balls must be secured in a backpack.

Legal requirements

• According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation (AR 121/2009) under the Traffic Safety Act, buses must not transport items that could endanger passengers.
• The School Bus Operation Regulation (AR 437/86) requires drivers to enforce these safety rules at all times.

No Eating or Drinking on the Bus

To reduce the risk of choking and to keep buses safe and clean, no food or drinks of any kind, including water, are allowed on school buses. This applies to daily routes and field trips.

Why is this rule important

• Choking risk: A choking child may make no noise, and the driver may not notice until it’s too late.
• Cleanliness and safety: Spills (even water) can create slippery floors and safety hazards.
• Safety certification: This rule is supported by First Aid training and Alberta’s S-Endorsement program (school bus safety certification).

Enforcement

Drivers are required to enforce this policy for the safety of all students.

FAQ

💧 What about water?
Students are encouraged to drink water before and after their bus ride. For safety reasons, no open containers are allowed on board.

Thank you for understanding and helping us keep students safe!

Danger Zone Awareness

Teach your child to avoid the “Danger Zone” — areas around the bus where the driver can’t see them:

• Never walk or cross behind the bus
• Don’t reach under the bus — tell the driver if something is dropped
• Wait for the driver’s signal before crossing the street

🎥 Watch the Danger Zone video for a full demonstration

Bus Evacuations

• There are 2 bus evacuation drills each year — Fall & Spring
• Kindergarten and Grade 1 students receive in-bus safety training through Safely on Board

Surveillance & GPS Tracking

• All buses are equipped with audio/video cameras for student safety
• GPS systems monitor location, speed, and driver activity
• GPS allows for real-time response in emergencies, breakdowns, or lockdowns

Have questions? Start with our FAQs — it’s the quickest way to find answers!
🕒 Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM; 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Mon-Fri

🕒 Summer Hours from July 7 to August 15: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 12:45 PM – 4:30 PM, closed on Fridays.

Need further assistance or have an urgent concern? Visit our Contact Us! page for the best way to reach the Transportation team.