All Elementary School Principals, School Staffs, and Child Development Center Administrators

Determine the feasibility of conducting the drill if the weather is inclement.

Brief Explanation:

The California Education Code requires that at least once each year school districts conduct appropriate instruction in safe riding practices and pupil participation in emergency bus evacuation drills. The 2000-2001 program requires instructions and drills on the bus. The Bus Evacuation Master Schedule (Attachment 1) indicates the proposed dates for the 2000-2001 Bus Safety Education Program. No formal school assembly is necessary.

Procedures for the Bus Safety Education Program are as follows:

1. Ensure schedule does not conflict with school programs.

2. Send home an informational bulletin explaining the program with a space provided for parents to indicate if their child should not take part in the practice jump (Attachment 2 English) (Attachment 2 Spanish). All students will be asked to execute a practice jump, however, they should not be forced. A student may be unable to do so because of illness, physical condition or other valid reason.

3. Have adult helpers available to assist K-3 students when they jump.

4. Determine from the Bus Evacuation Master Schedule how many buses are assigned to your school. Child Development Centers and state preschool pupils will also participate in the Bus Safety Education Program. Please include these pupils when making your master schedules.

Please schedule groups of 80 students per bus, but not less than 70. The school bus will arrive at the presentation area according to the following schedule:

1st presentation: 9:00 a.m.

2nd presentation: 9:30 a.m.

3rd presentation: 10:00 a.m.

4th presentation: 10:45 a.m.

5th presentation: 11:15 a.m.

5. Use runners to send for the next class to eliminate waiting. The instruction for each group will last approximately 30 minutes. Bilingual instruction, if required, may take up to 40 minutes per presentation. A site bilingual staff member should be scheduled to assist the safety instructor. All buses must depart the school site by 12:00 noon.

6. Determine the feasibility of conducting the drill if the weather is inclement. Please call before 8:30 a.m. for drill cancellation and rescheduling.

Rescheduling your drill, or questions regarding the Bus Safety Education Program, may be referred to John Wade at (858) 496-8792 or jwade@mail.sandi.net.