Transportation

Our goal at the Western Heights Transportation Department, is to provide every student with a safe and comfortable ride, wherever the designation might be. Every driver who drives a school bus for Western Heights will be involved in no less than 10 in-service meetings during the school year. These meetings cover a vast array of current topics, from current discipline procedures for bus drivers to safe evacuation of a school bus. Our drivers and bus monitors are treated with respect and dignity allowing each employee to have direct influence on decisions that will enhance the standards of our transportation department. It is the goal of the Western Heights Transportation Department to purchase no less than one bus per year; this will allow us to rotate the older buses out of the fleet there by ensuring a safe fleet of buses. Be aware all school bus pickup and drop-off times are constantly being updated.

For more information, contact the Transportation Department 405.261.6752

Bus Safety

Parent(s), it is STRONGLY suggested by the Transportation Department, that you review with your children the following precautions dealing with bus safety. There will be additional rules that will be discussed by the bus driver to the students.

• Have your children at the bus stop 2 minutes before their AM bus pickup time.
• The following precautions, should be taken by all students while at the bus stop: Stand at least 6 feet away from the curb; avoid behavior that can lead to an accident, such as playing, pushing, etc. Do not stray into the street, alley or onto private property.
• Line up away from the street or road (at lease 6 feet) as the school bus approaches. Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens, before approaching the bus.
• Use the handrail when stepping on and off the bus.
• Students must adhere to all rules while riding the buses. Loud talking or other noises can distract the bus driver and is not allowed. Never put your head, arms or hands out of the window.
• When the bus has to stop at a railroad crossing, all students MUST be completely silent.
• Keep aisles clear of books, bags and instruments, which are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency.
• Before you reach your stop, prepare to leave by getting your books and belongings together.
• At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat.
• There are only four times you will stand up on the bus, during those times, the bus must be stopped before you stand up:
  1. At your AM bus stop.
  2. When you arrive to school in the morning.
  3. During the PM loading at your school
  4. When you arrive at your PM stop.
• Always use the handrail when getting on or off the bus.
• When crossing the street to the bus, wait at the curb or edge of the road.
• Stay away from the rear wheels of the bus. Again, you must always cross in front of the bus.
• If a parked car or other obstacle blocks students’ vision, they should move to a location where the bus driver can see them and they can see moving traffic.
• If you have to cross the street from the bus, cross in front of the bus. Walk at least ten feet (ten giant steps) ahead of the bus along the side of the road. You must be able to see the driver and the driver must be able to see you.
• Wait for a hand signal from the driver, and then you may start to cross the street. After the driver has signaled you to cross, stop at the left headlight of the bus then look left, look right, then look left again, making sure no cars are coming before stepping out into the street, keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.