Bus Safety

Safety at bus stops and on the school bus depends on the cooperation and responsible behavior of every student.

Please discuss the following safety rules with your child. During the first week of school, bus drivers will emphasize these points with their riders:

  • Be on time to help keep the bus on schedule.
  • Arrive at the bus stop five minutes ahead of the scheduled bus arrival time.
  • Stand back from the edge of the roadway or on the sidewalk while waiting for the bus.
  • Stay out of the street so you do not become a traffic hazard to people driving past the stop. The bus stop area is not a playground.
  • Don't litter. You are a guest at the bus stop area, and it is a privilege for you to use the area.
  • Line up three to five feet away from the edge of the road single file. Do not approach the bus until it has stopped moving and the door is open. Wait for the bus driver to signal you to board the bus.
  • If the bus stop is on the opposite side of the street, wait until the bus has stopped and the red light warning system has been activated. The bus driver will signal you to cross the street. Look both ways before crossing.
  • Board the bus signal file. Use the handrails. Go directly to your seat.
  • Follow the bus driver's instructions.
  • Remain seated.
  • Do not endanger yourself or others.
  • The following items are never allowed on the bus: food, beverages, gum, candy (except when enclosed in a backpack), guns (including toy guns), knives or other sharp objects, gasoline engines or cans, animals, insects, fish, matches, lighters, glass items, aerosol products, laser pens, skis, ski poles, hockey sticks, skateboards, scooters, golf clubs, lacrosse sticks, baseball bats, balloons or any items of dangerous or objectionable nature.
  • Speak and act courteously.
  • Help to keep your bus clean and safe.
  • Wait for the bus to stop before standing. Use the handrail, take one step at a time, do not push or shove, and go directly to the school or home.
  • Students who must cross the road should leave at least 10 feet in front of the bus, look up at the bus driver, and wait for his / her hand signal to cross the street. When crossing the street, look both ways. Remember to move away from the bus after exiting.

Student bus riders are required to receive safety training

Students in kindergarten through 10th grade must be certified for riding the school bus. During the first six weeks of school, students will receive the safety training required for certification. To highlight these activities, the state of Minnesota has designated the first week of every school year as School Bus Safety Week.

Our District's policies on student transportation are found in Policy 709 (Student Transportation Safety Policy) and Policy 707 (Transportation of Public School Students).

Policy 709 reinforces the idea that where safety is concerned, it is a privilege and not a right for a student to ride the school bus.

To ensure that safety is a primary factor in school transportation, Policy 709 defines the responsibilities of parents/guardians, school principals and bus drivers.


Transportation Information


Student Certification Requirements

Student training includes classroom instruction and practical training on a school bus. Upon completing the training, a student shall be able to demonstrate specific knowledge and skills, including:

  • Transportation by a school bus is a privilege, not a right
  • Understanding of the District’s policies for student conduct and school bus safety
  • Appropriate conduct while on the bus
  • The danger zones surrounding the school bus
  • Procedures for safely boarding and leaving a school bus
  • Procedures for safe vehicle lane crossing
  • School bus evacuation and other emergency procedures
  • Pedestrian and bicycling safety procedures

Contact us

Transportation Department
transportation@minnetonkaschools.org
Phone: 952-401-5023
Fax 952-401-5092