Skip To Main Content

Bus Safety

Hitchcock ISD Bus Rider Safety & Expectations

Riding the school bus is a privilege—not a right. To help keep our students and staff safe, all bus riders are expected to follow the guidelines outlined in this safety section. These rules apply to daily routes and all school-sponsored trips.

We ask that families review this information together to ensure everyone understands their role in promoting a safe and respectful bus environment.

General Safety Expectations

  • Obey the bus driver’s instructions at all times
  • Ride only your assigned bus and board/exit at your designated stop
  • Stay seated, face forward, and keep the aisle clear
  • Loud talking, disruptive behavior, or inappropriate language is not allowed
  • No food, drinks, or gum may be consumed on the bus
  • Items too large to fit on a student’s lap may not be brought on the bus
  • Students must remain absolutely quiet at railroad crossings
  • Never throw objects inside or out of the bus
  • Do not damage, mark, or vandalize the bus in any way

Parent Responsibilities

  • Ensure your child is at the stop 10 minutes before pickup
  • Instruct your child on what to do if they miss the bus
  • Review safety rules and help reinforce proper behavior
  • Ensure your child understands where to safely wait and how to board safely
  • Students must only use the designated stop listed on their transportation form

Pre-K and Kindergarten Riders
A parent, guardian, or approved designee must be present at drop-off.
If no one is present, the student will be returned to the Transportation Department.
Repeated returns may result in suspension of bus privileges:

Loading & Unloading Procedures

  • Stand away from the roadway while waiting
  • Wait for the driver to signal before approaching the bus
  • Use the handrail and take one step at a time
  • Remain seated until the bus comes to a full stop and the door opens
  • Never chase or hang on a moving bus
  • Never cross behind the bus
  • Cross only in front of the bus, after the driver signals it is safe

Prohibited on the Bus

  • Tobacco/vape products
  • Alcohol or drugs
  • Weapons, explosive devices, matches, or lighters
  • Live animals/insects
  • Glass containers
  • Oversized items (band instruments, projects, etc.)
  • Food, drinks, or chewing gum

Electronic Device Policy

Students may bring cell phones and devices but:

  • They must not be heard
  • No photos, videos, or phone calls are allowed
  • If a device becomes a distraction, it may be confiscated and returned only to a parent (a $15 fee may apply)

Lost or stolen items are not the responsibility of Hitchcock ISD.

Discipline Guidelines

The school bus is an extension of the classroom. All behavior expectations from campus apply on the bus.

Progressive discipline process:

  1. 1st Offense – Documented warning
  2. 2nd Offense – Probation
  3. 3rd Offense – 3-day suspension
  4. 4th Offense – 5-day suspension
  5. 5th Offense – 1-month suspension
  6. 6th Offense – Suspension for the remainder of the year

Serious or dangerous behavior (threats, violence, possession of prohibited items) may result in immediate removal from the bus and/or referral to law enforcement.

Video Surveillance

All buses are equipped with video and audio recording devices. Recordings are used to support student safety and discipline. Only authorized school personnel may view footage.

Questions?

For questions or concerns about bus transportation, please contact the HISD Transportation Department at
📍 7802 Neville Rd, Building B
📞 409-316-6545

View the complete Bus Rider Safety Manual by clicking here.