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Book B

TRANSPORTATION POLICY

SCHOOL BUS ROUTES

Prior to the opening of school in the fall, the Laidlaw Bus Company will mail each student notification of the route the student will ride throughout the school year.  Parents should review the information sent by the bus contractor and help their child determine the appropriate bus stop. 

During the first few days of school, routes may be altered.  If a child boards the wrong bus during the first few days, he or she will be taken home at the end of the driver's run.

ALTERNATE PICK UP AND DROP OFF LOCATIONS

It is the intent of the D.C. Everest Area School District to try to accommodate the special needs of parents and children and to help working parents, whenever possible, by allowing transportation to babysitters or day care centers. 

The concern of the school district and the transportation company is for the safety and welfare of our children.  Therefore, effective with the 1988-89 school year, all children must be picked up and/or delivered to the same location on a regular basis.

The district will honor requests for multiple pick-up or delivery points for the same days during the same week, providing the alternate drop-off and/or pick-up location is on an established bus route in the school's attendance area.  Parents are required to provide the district with a schedule for the alternate pick-up and/or drop-off location.

Requests to have children change bus routes to go to a babysitter or day care center may be granted only when it is determined by the transportation company that there is room on the affected bus.

Requests for a change in bus stops that are on existing bus routes and for a period of at least 30 days will be considered.  Pick-up and delivery to a location outside the school's attendance areas will be considered if the pick-up or delivery point is on an established bus route.

Requests for alternate pick-up and drop-off locations must be in writing, must meet the above criteria, and be approved by the Supervisor of Personnel.  Temporary bus changes will be approved on a short-term basis for emergency situations only.  Requests of a social nature will not be approved (sports, parties, lessons, etc.).

Transportation Change Request Forms can be obtained at Laidlaw, the individual school offices, or at the Administration Building.  Requests for the next school year must be submitted no later than July 15th, so the change, if approved, can be incorporated into the bus routing. 

BUS TRANSPORTATION RULES AND REGULATIONS

The rules and regulations in this booklet are designed to ensure the safety and welfare of all our students.

Student Rules and Regulations (General)

·         Parents and pupils must assume that school bus transportation is a privilege to the student, not a right.

·         Remember that misbehavior of any kind will not be tolerated.  Pupils who misbehave will be referred to the principal.  Two such referrals will result in suspension from bus transportation.

·         Be courteous.  Help look after the safety and comfort of small children.

·         Students are not allowed to leave school grounds after getting off the bus in the morning or before entering the bus in the afternoon.

·         No snowball throwing is allowed while waiting for the bus.

Previous to Loading

·         Be on time at the designated school bus stop--the bus cannot wait for those who are tardy.

·         Wait for the bus as far to the right side of the road as practical.  Conduct yourself in a safe manner while waiting.

·         Do not accept rides from strangers.

·         Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to enter the bus.  Line up in an orderly fashion in single file.  Do not rush or push to get on the bus.

·         If there is no sidewalk, it is recommended that you walk on the side of the road facing traffic to get to the bus stop.

·         Use the grab rail and watch your step when getting on the bus.

While on the Bus

·         The driver is responsible for controlling the bus riders.  While you are riding the bus, you must obey the driver promptly and cooperatively.

·         Students will be assigned a seat as the bus is loaded and are expected to stay in that seat until they reach their destination.

·         Conversing with the bus driver while the vehicle is in motion is absolutely forbidden.

·         Keep your hands and head inside the bus at all times after entering and until leaving the bus.

·         Assist in keeping the bus safe and sanitary at all times.  Eating will not be allowed.

·         Remember that loud talking and laughing or unnecessary confusion diverts the driver's attention and may result in a serious accident.

·         Keep books, packages, coats, and all other objects out of the aisles.

·         Treat bus equipment as valuable furniture in your own home.  Damage to seats, etc., must be paid for by the offender.

·         Never tamper with the bus or any of its equipment.

·         Leave no books, lunches, or other articles on the bus.

·         Do not throw anything out of the bus windows.

·         Always remain in your seat while the bus is in motion.

·         Be courteous to fellow pupils, the bus driver, the driver's assistants and passersby.

·         Keep absolutely quiet when approaching a railroad-crossing stop.

·         Parents will be notified if there is continuous misconduct on the bus.  Bus riders may be denied the privileges of riding.

After Leaving the Bus

·         Cross the road, when necessary, after getting off the bus (at least 10 feet in front of the bus) but only after checking to be sure no traffic is approaching and after receiving the signal from the driver.

·         Be alert to the danger signal from the driver.

·         Riders are not permitted to leave the bus at other than regular stops unless proper authorization has been given in advance by parent and school officials.

·         Students must go directly to the school building after getting off the bus in the morning.  No student that rides the bus may leave the school grounds without parent permission.