Transportation Policies

Policies 

Safe and dependable pupil transportation requires a constant team effort from all those involved in the process.  This letter is designed to describe for students and parents the behavior which will result in a safe and satisfactory school bus trip.  It is of great concern to all of us that each child is safe every day.  Teachers are requested to spend sufficient time during the school day to see that all pupils are thoroughly familiar with the school bus safety rules listed below.  It is expected that students be at the bus stop prepared to catch the school bus five to ten (5-10) minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

·         PRE-K, KINDER, 1ST & 2nd GRADE -- All Pre-K, Kinder, 1st & 2nd grade students must be received by a guardian or emergency contact. These students cannot get off the bus alone. The person receiving the student must be listed in the student’s file at school. A 3rd grade or older sibling can get a Pre-k, Kinder, 1st  or 2nd grader off the bus. 

·         WRONG DESTINATION -- A student shall no be allowed to be dropped off at any location other than the stop they are assigned. Friends can not ride home with friends nor can they get off at a friends stop. In the event a pupil is on a bus they are not assigned they will be returned to campus. Students will not be dropped off at places of business, a family members house or a guardians place of employment. Students will only be transported to the physical address on file at the school. All address changes are taken care of at the campus, transportation does not handle address changes. 

·       Where Will my Child Be Taken? -- In the event there is not a legal guardian or emergency contact available to receive a Pre-K, Kinder or 1st grader, we will return them to the campus they go to if it is before 4:45 p.m. If it is after 4:46 p.m., they will be taken back to transportation. We will continue to attempt to contact the numbers in the student’s profile. If we cannot get in contact with anyone by 5:30 p.m., the local authorities will be contacted to help contact the parent.

·       ON TIME -- In order that drivers may meet their schedules, students must be at the proper location for boarding the bus on time. Running to the bus presents added danger.

·       WAITING -- All students must stay clear of traffic lanes while waiting for the bus. Running, fighting, or shoving must not be allowed. The lives and safety of the students and our community depend upon good order during this time.

·       COURTEOUS -- Each student who rides a school bus is expected to demonstrate a courteous and cooperative manner to all personnel.

·       GOOD ORDER -- Students must maintain reasonable order so that the driver may be alert for any traffic hazards, signals, or emergency vehicles.

·       REMAIN SEATED -- All students are to be seated and remain seated for the total trip. The driver may assign any or all students to certain seats.

·       PROPER DESTINATION -- Students must ride to their proper destination. This is defined as the registered physical address on file with the school.

·       EMERGENCY SITUATIONS -- In the event of an emergency, and the students safety is a concern, contact the Director of Transportation to see if special arrangements can be made . 

·       NO SMOKING -- Smoking, eating, drinking, and/or profanity are prohibited on the bus.

·       KEEP INSIDE -- No student is allowed to place their head, hands, or arms outside of the bus window for safety reasons.

·       GETTING OFF -- If a student must cross the road after getting off the bus; they shall walk across approximately twelve (12) feet in front of the bus. The driver will make sure traffic has stopped in both directions and then signal for the student to cross.

·       STAY CLEAR -- Students must never horseplay getting on or off  the bus at any time to a sure a safe entry or exit of the bus. Pushing, kicking, slapping, or any inappropriate behavior can be extremely dangerous. Safety first!

·       ELIGIBILITY -- A student shall become ineligible for transportation when his/her behavior is such as to cause driver distraction on a school bus, or when they do not follow state or local laws and regulations pertaining to pupil transportation.

·       RESPONSIBILITY -- It is the personal responsibility of the student and his/her parents to maintain eligibility to ride the bus. Smart Tags are required to enter and exit the school bus and the student correct permanent address is on file.

·       PAY FOR DAMAGE -- Students who are known to inflict damages to the bus will pay the cost of repairs. This may be part of the principal’s disciplinary action.

·       PRINCIPAL IN CHARGE -- The principal of the school in which the student attends is in charge of student behavior on the bus just as in the classroom. Drivers will report to the Director of Transportation of any student who needs correction. Director will contact the school. The principal of the school will administer discipline for said behavior as required. This punishment may include suspension from the bus. When suspended from the bus, a student is suspended from all buses.

·       RAILROAD CROSSING -- Students must reduce the noise level and assist the driver in listening and looking in order for a safe crossing.

·       PRE-K BOARING --  Pre-K students always board and unload the bus first to facilitate sign-on/sign-off and ensure student safety.

·       PRIVATE PROPERTY – As a common best practice, we do not travel on private property.

·       NON DRIVE-ABLE ROADS – In the event a road becomes unsafe for a bus to travel we will move the stop to the closest area accessible by a commercial vehicle.

·       BUS STOP LOCATION --  The transportation department will assess all bus stops yearly. A bus stop will be in a location that is safe for pupils being picked up or dropped off. This does not mean door to door or curb to curb service. For efficiency, in the event there is a safe walking path for multiple pupils to access and wait for the bus in a group location, we will utilize a group stop.

 

NOTE:  This list is not all inclusive and parents are encouraged to review the bus rider handbook for additional safety expectations and consequences associated with violation of expectations. 

 

 

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