"School buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road, and students are 70 times more likely to get to school safely aboard a bus than in a car, according to the administration. The buses are designed to be safer than passenger vehicles."
Want to learn more about the safety benefits of the school bus?
Visit schoolbusfacts.com for more information.
Bus Safety Facts: Every day across the country, nearly 500,000 buses carry more than 25 million students to and from school and activities.
Cotopaxi Transportation Department
719-942-4142
Cotopaxi School Bus Drivers
Tammy Nuss - Transportation Director
Ryan Christensen - Howard route 1
Jason Highfill - CR 1A/Gulch route 3
Tammy Nuss - Texas Creek/Gulch route 4
Ernie Trujillo - Sub/Activity Driver
For changes to your child’s drop-off or pickup location, please contact the district administration office at (719) 942-4131.
RULES OF SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
FOR STUDENTS:
Be at the bus stop at least 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
When the bus approaches, stand at least 3 giant steps (6 feet) away from the edge of the road, and line up away from the street.
Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it is okay before stepping on the bus.
When crossing the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or side of the road to a point at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure the bus driver can see you, and you can see the driver.
When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps do not get caught in the handrail or door.
Never walk behind the bus.
Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus any time you are walking beside the bus.
If you drop something near or under the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up. The driver may not see you and begin to drive away.
FOR MOTORISTS:
When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch for children traveling to school. They are unpredictable in their actions, and it is your responsibility to anticipate and prepare to react to what they may do.
Drive slowly: Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.
Watch for children playing and gathering near school bus stops.
Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
Learn and obey the school bus laws in your sate.
Learn the flashing light system that school bus drivers use to alert motorists about stopping.
Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop and load or unload children. Motorists need to slow down and prepare to stop.
Red flashing lights and extended stop arm mean the bus has stopped and children are boarding or exiting the bus. Motorists must come to a complete stop a safe distance from the bus and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the arm is retracted, and the bus begins moving before they start driving again.
The privilege of riding a school bus is contingent upon a student’s good behavior and observance of the student code of conduct and established regulations for student conduct both at bus stops and on-board buses.
Alternate Schedule Information
Two hour Delay:
The bus stops will remain the same. Pick up time will be 2 hours later.
Early Release:
The bus stops will remain the same. Pick up times will be adjusted based on the time school is released.
Combined routes:
Deer Mountain Volunteer Fire Station will be dropped off at the “Y”. Barry’s Den will be dropped off at HWY 69 and Gulch Road. Bus stop times are altered. The combined route schedule is on the school website.
I hope this information clarifies any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact the Transportation Department at 719-942-4143.
Thank you,
Tammy Nuss