This week, October 20-24, 2025, the Gravette School District joins districts across the country in observing National School Bus Safety Week. Student safety is a shared responsibility, so we're taking a moment to reaffirm the essential procedures for our bus riders, and relay important reminders for all motorists to ensure every student's transport is secure.
Safety Reminders for Motorists
All drivers in our community play a crucial role in student safety.
Slow down when driving in neighborhoods and near school zones.
Watch for children who may be waiting for the bus or walking to their stop.
Flashing yellow lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop.
Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm mean the bus is stopped for students to get on or off.
All drivers must stop their vehicles and wait. You may only proceed once the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is pulled back, and the bus begins to move.
Safety Tips for Students and Families
Gravette families can strongly support safety by reviewing these procedures with their students.
Students should be at their bus stop 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled arrival time.
While waiting, students must not stand on the road.
The bus stop is not a place to play, and students should never play on the roadway.
Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver opens the door before moving toward the bus.
Students must wait for the bus to stop all traffic.
Always watch the bus driver and wait for the driver's signal before stepping into the road.
Students must cross the street at least 10 feet in front of the bus, never behind it.
When exiting the bus in the afternoon, students who need to cross the road should do so immediately after the driver signals, allowing them to cross while traffic is still stopped. For students whose homes are on the same side as the bus stop, they should go directly to their driveway, remaining visible to the driver. Please remind students not to stop at the mailbox until after the bus has safely pulled away.
On the bus, students are expected to behave as they would in school. Student should never tamper with safety equipment. Emergency exits are to be used only during an actual emergency or when instructed by authorized personnel.
National School Bus Safety Week serves as a valuable reminder of our shared goal. We appreciate the cooperation of our community's drivers and the partnership of our Gravette families in reinforcing a commitment to safety for the kids.