Transportation, Student, and Parent Partnership

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to:

  • Arrive at their assigned bus stop at least ten (10) minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

  • Wait in a safe location away from traffic until the bus arrives.

  • Follow all directions given by the school bus driver.

  • Remain seated and facing forward while the bus is in motion.

  • Wear seat belts when provided and instructed to do so.

  • Speak quietly and avoid behavior that may distract the driver.

  • Treat fellow students, the driver, monitors, and school property with courtesy and respect.

  • Keep aisles, exits, and emergency equipment clear at all times.

  • Eating and drinking are not permitted on school buses.

  • Refrain from fighting, bullying, horseplay, abusive language, or any behavior that could jeopardize the safety of others.

  • Leave toys, sports equipment, balloons, glass containers, and other items that may create a safety hazard at home unless specifically authorized by the school.

  • Help keep the school bus clean by removing all personal belongings and disposing of trash properly.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Parents and guardians are essential partners in maintaining a safe transportation system. Parents are responsible for:

  • Ensuring their child arrives at the assigned bus stop at least ten (10) minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

  • Supervising younger children while they are walking to and waiting at the bus stop.

  • Teaching and reinforcing safe school bus behavior and bus stop safety.

  • Keeping all emergency contact information current with their child's school.

  • Informing the school of any medical condition or behavioral concern that may affect their child's safety while riding the school bus.

  • Ensuring Kindergarten through Grade 2 students are met at the assigned bus stop by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult, in accordance with district policy.

  • Understanding that school buses operate on established schedules and drivers cannot wait for late students or return to pick up students who miss the bus.

  • Transporting their child to school if the bus is missed.

  • Respecting the authority of the school bus driver and supporting school transportation rules.

  • Contacting the Transportation Department with any transportation concerns or questions rather than addressing drivers while they are operating a school bus.

Transportation Home Page
Working Together for Student Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
School Bus Safety
Share the Road with School Buses

Working Together

The North Kingstown School Department Transportation Department is committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services for every eligible student.

By working together—students, parents, schools, drivers, and the Transportation Department—we can ensure every student begins and ends each school day safely.

Carry-On Items Policy

To help provide a safe and comfortable ride for all students, items brought onto a school bus must be carried in a manner that does not create a safety hazard for passengers or the driver.

Permitted Carry-On Items

Students may bring personal items such as:

  • Backpacks

  • Lunch boxes

  • Coats

  • Small musical instruments

  • School projects that can be safely secured

All carry-on items must:

  • Fit completely on the student's lap or under the seat.

  • Remain under the student's control at all times.

  • Not block the aisle, emergency exits, or the driver's view.

  • Not interfere with the safety or comfort of other passengers.

Oversized Items

Large musical instruments, oversized school projects, athletic equipment, or other bulky items may only be transported if they can be safely secured without creating a safety hazard.

Items that cannot be transported safely on the school bus must be transported by the student's parent or guardian.

The Transportation Department reserves the right to prohibit any item that interferes with the safe operation of the school bus or creates a safety concern.

Prohibited Items

The following items are not permitted on school buses:

  • Glass containers

  • Animals (except approved service animals)

  • Weapons or look-alike weapons

  • Fireworks or explosive materials

  • Hazardous materials

  • Any item that blocks the aisle or emergency exits

  • Any item that creates a distraction for the driver

Lost and Found

Items left on a school bus may remain on the assigned bus or be turned in to the student's school office.

Unclaimed items may be donated or otherwise disposed of at the end of the school year.