Trespassing on a school bus in the state of Missouri is a Class A Misdemeanor

Per § 569.155, RSMo Tresspass of a school bus - A person commits the crime of trespass of a school bus if he/she knowingly and unlawfully enters any part of or unlawfully operates any school bus.The terms "unlawfully enters" and "unlawfully operates" refer to any entry or operation of a school bus which is not:

1. Approved of and established in a school district's written policy on access to school buses; or

2. Authorized by specific written approval of the school board.

• Wear bright clothing so the bus driver and other motorists can see you in the early morning and late evening.

• Dress properly for the weather.  Winter clothing, warm coats, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and boots will help you keep warm.  Don't wear clothes with toggles or dangling key chains as they can get caught in the bus doors or on the handrails.

• Allow extra time in the morning to get to your stop on time.

• Stay alert!  The old adage of "stop, look and listen" is so important for school children.  Hoodies, headphones and portable electronic devices can distract students from paying attention to surrounding traffic.

• Watch traffic while walking to your stop.  Vehicles may lose control in the snow and ice and you need to be aware of your surroundings.

• Stand back from where the bus stops.  Buses need extra room to stop when there is snow and ice.

• Students should never run after the bus.  Plan ahead and allow sufficient time to get to the bus stop.  Be at the stop waiting for the bus.  As the weather gets colder, the temptation to wait inside until the bus gets there is stronger.  Please remember, when we wait on your student to run out of the house to get to the bus, the bus falls behind on the route and it forces all of the other students on that route to wait in the cold.

• Be cautious at the bus stop.  Snow and ice accumulates under the powder and it is easy to slip and fall.

• Don't throw snowballs at the bus, other vehicles or people.

• Don't slide on the snow or ice patches in driveways or on the street.  You could accidentally slide under the wheel of the bus, another car or get hurt.

• Don't push and shove around the bus.  Someone could fall down on the ice or fall beneath the bus.

• Use the handrail when boarding or exiting the bus to prevent slipping on the wet steps.

• Keep the windows rolled up to prevent frostbite.

• Listen to the driver at all times as they must pay extra attention to the road conditions and other vehicles.

• Remember the "Danger Zone" around the bus.  Loading and unloading is the most dangerous time when riding the bus.  Staying out of the danger zone will help ensure the driver is able to see you and make loading and unloading safer.

Don't try to catch the bus at another stop with your vehicle if your students miss their pick-up. Take them all the way to school. The bus driver may not see the car in back of the bus and as the students attempt to run along the side of the bus to board, they may fall underneath the wheels and be injured or killed.

Parents and students should check the district web page, local media, and/or social media for school cancellations and/or delay information.