🚍 School Bus Safety Rules

1. Students should observe classroom rules on the bus.
2. Respect and cooperate with the driver.
3. No fighting or disruptive behavior.
4. No drugs, alcohol, weapons, or tobacco.
5. Stay seated and keep aisles clear.
6. Keep all body parts inside the bus.
7. No profane language or gestures.
8. No eating, drinking, or gum chewing.
9. Do not damage the bus or equipment.
10. No toys allowed on the bus.
11. Use headphones for audio devices.
12. Remain quiet at railroad crossings.
13. No tobacco use at bus stops or on the bus.
14. Secure dangling items from backpacks.

🚌 Bus Service Requirements

Bus service is provided to and from a student's bus stop and school. Students must follow all bus conduct rules or risk suspension of privileges. Parents are responsible for their children before/after bus rides.

• Arrive 5 minutes before pickup time.
• Missed the bus? Go back home—don’t walk to another stop.
• Only authorized Effingham County students may ride the bus.
• Notes from parents are required for different buses or stops.

🚏 Bus Stops

Stops are located as close to homes as safely possible. Central locations are used in neighborhoods or apartment complexes.

• Stops on major roads must be 1/10 mile apart.
• Students walk no more than 1/4 mile if possible.
• No private or unmaintained roads unless approved.
• Flooded/closed roads may cause temporary stop changes.

🚦 Bus Loading Areas

Schools have designated bus loading/unloading areas. Private vehicles are not allowed in these zones for safety reasons.

⛈️ Severe Weather

In the event of school closings or early dismissals due to weather, announcements will be made on local radio and TV stations as soon as possible.

👶 Lack of Supervision Policy

Georgia Dept. of Human Resources – Policy 2104.4

• Children 8 or younger should not be left alone.
• Ages 9–12 may be left briefly, depending on maturity.
• Teens 13+ may babysit for up to 12 hours.

An adult must be visible to receive children 8 and under.

✅ GA DOE Bus Stop Safety

Students must follow these essential bus stop behaviors:

1. Be ready 5 minutes before the bus arrives.
2. If you miss the bus, go home. Never chase or walk to another stop.
3. Keep items in your backpack to avoid dropping them.
4. Wait 12 feet back from traffic.
5. Never talk to or ride with strangers.
6. Respect property and be quiet.
7. Respect others' safety.
8. Wait in an orderly group or line.
9. No horseplay or pushing.
10. Line leader should stand 12 feet from the road.
11. Keep electronics packed up before boarding.
12. Don’t move until the bus driver signals.

For questions, call the Effingham County Transportation Office at 754-3574 (7:00 AM–5:00 PM).