TRANSPORTATION

Coordinator of Transportation: Mrs. Nancy Craig

Phone: 717-248-0148  Fax:717-248-5345

School Bus Safety Tips!

Facts to Know About Transportation

A large number of our pupils are transported to and from school, thus making school bus safety one of our priority concerns.

The school bus driver has a tremendous responsibility and must depend upon the support of both parents and school officials in terms of promoting safe practices.

School bus safety has become an inherent part of the elementary curriculum at every grade level. Teachers, through a planned school bus safety curriculum, teach school bus safety all year long with emphasis in the fall and spring of each school year.

Twice each year bus drivers in cooperation with the principal must conduct emergency bus evacuation drills to familiarize students with proper procedures to be used in the event of an accident or other emergency. Students are expected to be attentive and cooperative during these important drills.

The privilege of riding a bus or van may be removed by the school principal for improper conduct. When the bus-van privilege is removed, parents have the obligation of finding alternative ways to transport their child to and from school. When students are denied bus transportation, they are required to attend school; failure to attend school will result in further disciplinary action.

School Bus Guidelines

As the new school year progresses, parents of pupils who ride the school buses are encouraged to review the rules of conduct with their children. Children should be reminded that breaking one or more of these rules could result in suspension of bus riding privileges.

All students receive their bus transportation assignments in the U. S. mail shortly before the beginning of school. Students are given one school bus assignment for the entire school year. Unauthorized bus arrangements made by parents/guardians create problems in the overall transportation system and are not permitted. Questions about bus transportation should be directed to your principal.

Prior To Loading

• Be on time at the designated bus stop, arriving five (5) minutes before the bus is due.
   
• Wait for your bus at a safe place, well off the highway, on the side of the street on which you live. Cross the street to enter the bus, if necessary, only when the bus is stopped and the red flashing signals are on.
   
• Respect the property rights of people who reside at or near the bus stop.
   
• Do not get into private vehicles with strangers.
   
• Enter the bus in an orderly manner and take your seat. Bus drivers may assign seats.  

While On The Bus

• Observe regular classroom conduct except for ordinary conversation and follow the bus driver's instructions. The bus driver has the same authority on the bus as a teacher has in the classroom.
   
• Remain in your seat at all times, except when boarding and unloading. Do not change seats at bus stops.
   
• Keep your hands, head, and feet inside the bus at all times.
   
• Loud talking, laughter, and other similar conduct diverts the driver's attention and may result in a serious accident.
   
• Do not damage or tamper with any parts of the bus. In addition to disciplinary actions from violating this rule, you or your parents will be responsible for the payment of the cost of repair.
   
• Keep the aisle clear, except when entering or exiting.
   
• Do not throw anything in the bus or out of the bus window.
   
• Horseplay, fighting, eating, and drinking are strictly forbidden.
   
• Be courteous to fellow pupils and the bus driver.
   
• The following items are not permitted in any school vehicle: live animals, weapons, drugs, alcohol or tobacco, flammable liquids (gasoline, propane, fuel), fireworks, firecrackers, smoke bombs, tape recorders, radios, balls (except for team buses), water pistols, spray bottles, pea shooters, and slingshots.  

After Leaving The Bus

• When necessary, cross the road at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus, but only after looking to be sure that no traffic is approaching from either direction.
   
• Help look after the safety and comfort of small children.
   
• Be alert to the danger signal from the bus driver.
   
• Go directly to your school building in the morning and directly home in the afternoon.

In many situations throughout our school district the parents'/guardians' supervision of students at bus stops provide added assurance that the children are safe and secure while loading and unloading on the school buses. It is particularly important and expected that adult supervision be present at bus stops when kindergarten students are loading and unloading, especially during the middle of the day. Kindergarten students will not be discharged at their bus stop without adult supervision clearly observed by the bus driver.  Kindergarten students will be brought back to either the bus garage or the child's school depending on the circumstances where attempts will be made to contact parents or guardians for pick up.  Not having adult supervision at kindergarten bus stops creates a difficult situation for students, parents, school and transportation staff.  Persistent problems in this area may involve Children and Youth Services.