SCHOOL BUS RIDER S MANUAL Waterville Central School 381 Madison Street Waterville, NY 13480 (315)841-3787 http:/www.watervilleschools.org/transportation
Table of contents Winter Warning 1 Special Information 2 3 Special Education Students 4 Responsibilities 4 9 Board of Education 4 Superintendent 4 Transportation Supervisor 5 Principal 5 6 Bus Driver 6 Parent 6 7 Student 7 9 Discipline 9 10 Special Buses 10 11 Eating on the Bus 11 12 Bus Conduct Form 13
Winter Warning When hazardous road conditions cause the cancellation of school, an announcement will be made shortly after 6 a.m. on the following: TV Stations: WKTV Channel 2 WSTM Channel 3 WTVH Channel 5 WIXT Channel 9 WUTR Channel 13 Radio Stations: WSYR - 94 WOUR - 96.9 WRCK - 107.3 WKLL - 94.9 WIBX - 950 WFRG - 104.3 You can also receive information about school closing by calling 841-3787 after 6 a.m. Please do not call radio or TV stations or school officials. If a storm hits while school is in session, we do not dismiss early. If we stay in school, it gives highway crews a chance to clear the roads. LATE RUNS Late buses are provided for after school activities on Tuesdays and Thursday. Pick up time at the Memorial Park School is at 3:30 p.m. and 3:34 p.m. at the Junior/Senior High School. NO CROSSING ZONES There are several locations in the district that students are not allowed to cross the road because of severe safety hazards. They are as follows: Route 12B Route 315 Route 20 Route 12 South of Sangerfield Route 12 North of Waterville Broad Street, Oriskany Falls, Sanger Hill Road, Waterville 2007/08 BUS ROUTES The 2007/08 Bus Routes will be published in the Waterville Times during the month of August. The Bus Routes will also be available at our website, http:/www.watervilleschools.org/transportation.
Special Information Permission to ride a different bus Permission is required to ride a different bus or to get off at a different stop. Kindergarten through Fifth grade To get special permission, send a written request to school with your child, who should present it to their teacher. The teacher will send the note to the school office. The office will make the proper arrangements with the bus garage and give a note to the driver. Sixth grade through Twelfth The student must present a note from their parents or a pass from the office to ride a different bus or to get off at a different location. This system allows some flexibility in filling temporary transportation needs such as plans to go home with a friend after school. However, there are limitations to the degree of flexibility possible. Requests to ride a different bus may be denied because there is no available space on the bus. Requests to get off the bus at other than the designated stop may be denied because the requested location may be a dangerous place for the bus to stop. Because of these limits, it is important for you to check with the school on the day of the request to confirm approval. Permission is temporary and written parental request is required for each issuance. If you have a long-term need for a change in your child s scheduled transportation you should contact the bus garage at 841-3787. Bus Drills The drills on school buses are required by Section 3623 of the Education Law include practice and instruction in the location, use and operation of emergency doors, fire extinguishers, first-aid equipment, and windows as a means of escape in case of fire or accident. Drills will also include instruction in safe boarding and exiting procedures with specific emphasis on when and how to approach, board, disembark, and move away from the bus. Each drill should include specific instructions for pupils to advance at least 10 feet in front of the bus before crossing the highway after disembarking. Each drill shall emphasize specific hazards encountered by children during snow, ice, rain, and other inclement weather including, but not necessarily limited to, poor driver visibility, reduced vehicular control and reduced hearing. All such drills shall include instruction in the importance of orderly conduct by all school bus passengers.
Pupils attending public or nonpublic schools who do not participate in the drills shall also be provided drills on school buses or shall receive in-class instruction concerning bus safety practices and procedures. A minimum of three such drills shall be held on each school bus during the school year, the first shall be conducted during the first week of the fall term, the second between November 1 and December 31, and the third between March 1 and April 30. School authorities will certify on the annual report to the State Education Department that the district has complied. Supervision Each school will have supervision for bus students during the time between bus arrival and the start or finish of school. The schools are also responsible for the safety of pupils boarding or disembarking. Information for Students Each student must be on time. Students should be ready five minutes before the scheduled pick up time While walking to the bus stop, students should avoid standing or playing in the road; keep books, lunch pails, and instruments out of the road not litter or damage surrounding property; not throw snowballs or rocks at the bus or other students; and not crowd into the road as the bus arrives. No live animals are allowed on buses. Passengers should hold large packages and instrument cases while on the bus not leave them in the front of the bus or in the aisle. Small radios or walkmans are allowed if a headset is used. No skateboards are allowed on the school bus. Items allowed if held on lap Small musical instruments, backpacks Prohibited objects include, but are not limited to, the following: Glass objects and aerosol cans Weapons such as knives or guns Explosive/flammable materials or liquids Live animals Over sized musical instruments, skate boards, athletic equipment such as skis, poles, lacrosse sticks, etc. (objects that cannot be held on the student s lap or between their legs) If there are questions about what may be carried on a school bus, please call the bus garage office at 841-3787.
Note for Parents of special education students Welcome to our special transportation system. The Waterville Central School District operates five buses for transportation of special education students to the BOCES Programs at: BOCES Education Center, N. Hartford Clinton Senior High School Lincoln Academy United Cerebral Palsy Center, Utica Westmoreland Schools These special buses operate on a very tight schedule. To keep these schedules running, we have established the rules listed below. If you have any questions, please contact the Bus Garage at 841-3787. Please have your child ready ten minutes before the scheduled pickup. In the afternoon, have someone home twenty minutes before your child s scheduled drop off time. If for any reason your child is not going to school, please call the bus garage before 6:15 a.m. If possible, let us know at this time when your child will return. When we go to your house in the morning and your child does not come out, it causes unnecessary delays in the bus route. This can be avoided if you will call the bus garage. If this happens two days in a row, we will not return to your house until you call and inform us that your child is ready to return to school. We need to know if your child is going to a babysitter after school. Students are expected to behave on the bus or they will be written up. Repeated write-ups will result in disciplinary action or suspension from the bus Responsibilities Each of the following sections points out specific duties of the Transportation Department, schools, bus passengers, bus drivers, parents, and chaperones on a bus. Board Responsibilities It is the responsibility of the Board of Education to set policy regarding bus transportation for the district.
Superintendent s Responsibilities The responsibility for administering the transportation program rests with the Superintendent of Schools. The administration is expected to adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and policies established by federal, state, and local authorities. This responsibility is, in part, delegated to the transportation supervisor who reports to the Superintendent of Schools. Transportation Supervisor Responsibilities The transportation supervisor is responsible for the following: Establish bus rules Assigning bus drivers Arranging for, recording, and reporting bus drivers hours Arranging transportation for special trips, such as outdoor education, recreational programs, educational trips, and other Preparing specifications for bidding new buses and arranging for special transportation for students attending other school districts Reviewing and approving payment of bills for maintenance, special transportation, and overtime Maintaining a continuous analysis of transportation costs and providing reports as requested Preparing State Education Department records Assisting in school bus driver personnel management Assisting in provision of required bus drill instruction Assisting the transportation budgeting process Administering the bus transportation student discipline policy Principal s Responsibilities Each building principal is responsible for the following: Requiring that regular classroom instruction and pertinent safety regulations be provided for all pupils. Providing adequate supervision at school bus loading and unloading zones. Bus riders should not be permitted to move toward the bus at school loading zones until the bus has been brought to a full stop. Pupils should line up and take their turn entering the bus in an orderly manner. Ensuring student awareness that the same student behavior expected in the classroom is to be practiced on the school bus. Taking prompt action on all behavior problems where principal involvement has been requested. Enforcing safe traffic regulations at the school site.
Reporting to the transportation supervisor any unsafe conditions or practices brought to his/her attention relating to the transportation program. Requiring that pupils ride their assigned school bus and do not board a bus going to any destination other than their home or assigned activity without proper authorization. Informing the Transportation Department when bused students have been suspended from school. Bus Driver Responsibilities Each school bus driver is responsible for the following: Drive a school bus safely, defensively, and efficiently. Operate the vehicle at a safe speed according to conditions at all times. Obey all traffic laws and regulations Keep bus clean inside and out. Be present for designated bus run at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled leaving time and complete a daily pre-trip inspection of the bus. Assign seats to students when necessary. Maintain reasonable behavior of students and enforce all rules and regulations. Report, in writing, to the transportation supervisor those cases of student misconduct, which endanger the health, safety, and welfare of self and others. Instruct all pupils who must cross the highway, to cross the highway at a distance of 10 feet in front of the bus so as to be in the vision of the driver. Avoid the use of alcoholic beverages or drugs, which may induce sleep or drowsiness at any time when their period of effectiveness coincides with the time, scheduled for bus driving duties. Report all accidents promptly to the transportation supervisor. Make out daily reports, revised bus lists, seating charts, and time schedules as required. Observe the rules and regulations set forth by the Board of Education, Commissioner of Education, Department of Transportation, and Department of Motor Vehicles. Parent Responsibilities Parents play an important role in the safe and efficient operation of the school s transportation system. If the system is to function effectively, parents must assume an obligation to the program and to the people responsible for its operation.
Parents are expected to ensure that their children are at the proper bus stop on time and properly clothed for the weather. Parents are expected to insist on the good behavior and full cooperation of their children at bus stops and on the bus so the drivers can concentrate on safely driving the bus. Parents should make written suggestions to school authorities for any improvements of the bus transportation program. Student Responsibilities Waiting for the bus: Students should be ready five minutes before scheduled pick up time. They should wait several feet away from the highway or designated bus stop. Any students who are not on time will be left behind. While walking to and waiting at the bus stop, students should: Avoid standing or playing in the road Keep books, lunch pails or instruments out of the road Not litter or damage surrounding property Not throw snowballs, stones, or other items at the bus or other students Not crowd into the road as the bus arrives Not arrive at the bus stop earlier than 10 minutes before the time at which the bus usually arrives Not allow younger children who are not attending school to come to the bus stop Please observe all safety precautions while waiting for the bus: If possible, avoid crossing streets. Whenever you must cross a street, look both ways and cross only if no moving vehicles are approaching from either direction. Do not push, pull or chase any other student. Avoid trespassing on private property and being noisy. As the bus approaches: Line up at least six feet off the highway. Do not approach the bus until it has stopped and the driver has opened the door. Loading the bus: When crossing the road, wait to be signaled to do so by the bus driver. Cross the road 10 feet in front of the bus (never in back). At school dismissal time, go immediately to your bus. Students who miss their bus should report back to the school s main office. The bus will not stop to board students once departure from the bus stop has begun. Get on the bus quickly, in an orderly fashion and be seated at once. Listen carefully and obey any directions issued by the bus personnel.
Remain on the bus until arrival at your destination. Bus personnel may, at any time it is necessary, assign seats. Bus routes are established, in part, on the basis of three riders to a seat. Do not board the bus with any object, which cannot be held on your lap or between your knees. Do not bring objects on the bus, which are potentially dangerous or distracting to other students or bus personnel. Be courteous to other students and bus personnel. Bus driver may require students to wear seatbelts to assist in providing safe transportation to and from school. Riding the bus: Stay in your seat while the bus is in motion. It is appropriate for three to sit in each seat being careful not to block the aisle. Heads, hands, and legs must stay inside the bus. Listen carefully and obey any directions given by the bus driver. No profanity, loud talking, horseplay, or behavior, which might divert the bus personnel s attention, will be permitted. Keep the bus clean and care for the bus equipment. Emergency doors and windows, as well as other bus equipment, are to be used only when appropriate. No live animals are allowed on buses. Hold large packages and instrument cases while on the bus. Do not leave them in the front of the bus or in the aisle. Show identification upon request and comply with all requests by the bus driver, the monitor, or other district personnel. Do not throw any articles in or at the bus or at any other vehicle. You may not use or possess tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs on or near the school bus at any time. These products will be confiscated according to school district policy. You are not permitted to eat food or candy on regular bus routes. Students will not change seats while the bus is moving. Upon boarding the bus in the morning, students will remain on bus until it arrives at school. Students will not be allowed to get off the bus in the afternoon prior to arriving at the authorized bus stop unless they have a written authorization from a parent or guardian. Pupils transported in a school bus are under the authority of and directly responsible to the driver of the bus. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver is sufficient reason for a pupil to be denied transportation on a school bus.
The driver of any school bus will be responsible for the orderly conduct of the pupils transported. No school bus can stop to load or discharge pupils except at stops regularly designated by the school. No student will be allowed to occupy a position in a school bus that interferes with the vision of the driver in any capacity. Unloading the bus: Students will remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop and the driver has opened the door. Students will exit the bus quickly but in an orderly manner. When getting off the bus, cross the road 10 feet in front of the bus so as to be in the vision of the driver (never in back) and wait to be signaled to do so by the bus driver. Stop at the center of the roadway and look both ways before proceeding. Violation of these rules may result in loss of bus privileges. Observe all safety precautions as you travel from your bus stop to your home. DISCIPLINE Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the bus personnel is sufficient reason for a pupil to be denied transportation on a school bus. The school district may deny students bus transportation if these safety guidelines are violated. Parents and guardians still have the legal responsibility to have their children attend school and must assume any transportation responsibilities if the student is suspended from school bus transportation. Consequences for inappropriate student behavior The transportation supervisor or his/her designee will deal with reports from bus personnel concerning student misbehavior. The transportation supervisor may request a meeting with the parents of a student who misbehaves and has the authority to prevent that student from riding the bus. Bus personnel are obligated to report violations of rules to the transportation supervisor. Bus personnel will complete the bus conduct report and forward to the transportation supervisor. The transportation supervisor s actions will be filed and copies sent to the student, parents, principal, and bus personnel. Student conduct on buses The district has adopted these regulations as guidelines for dealing with students who act in an unruly manner while on the school bus. All students must behave appropriately as passengers on our school buses.
Fighting or physical endangering another student will result in an automatic three-day suspension. Major infractions such as smoking, possession of illegal substances, or possession of weapons will also result in an automatic suspension, the time to be determined. Problems of misbehavior on District buses will be addressed in the process. (Copies of all written disciplinary notices will be forwarded to the transportation supervisor and the appropriate building principal). A. Verbal Warning The bus driver will attempt to correct any discipline problems by asking the student to behave, and, if necessary, to assign seats to certain pupils. B. First Written Notice The bus driver will write a Disciplinary Notice and inform the student that he/she is being written up. There can be only one write-up per student per trip. Copies of the write-up will be given to the driver, transportation supervisor, the appropriate building principal, and the parent. The copy given to the driver will describe the action taken. C. Second Written Notice The second written notice will follow the same procedure as the first. addition, a hearing will be scheduled with the parents, building administrator, driver and transportation supervisor. If the parent fails to appear, a summary of the findings will be sent. If warranted, the building principal will suspend the student from bus riding privileges for a maximum of three (3) days. D. Third Written Notice The third written notice will follow the same procedure as the first and second and will be reviewed by the Superintendent or his designee. If the facts are confirmed, immediate suspension of bus riding privileges will be automatic. A hearing must be held with the parents to determine when or if appropriate building principal, parents, bus driver, transportation supervisor and superintendent of schools.) Inappropriate behaviors: Abusive language to bus personnel Striking bus personnel Fighting on the school bus, whether started or participated Smoking or use of smokeless tobacco Exiting a bus without permission Alcohol on bus Drug-related incident Interfering with the health, safety, and welfare of self or others Special buses (Field trips/athletic trips/boces/handicapped)
Chaperones should discuss their seating arrangements with the driver. Chaperones should report promptly to the bus driver any damage done to the bus. Persons causing damage will be expected to cover the full cost of repairs. Use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances is prohibited. Violators will be dealt with on returning to school through district discipline procedures. Cheering and singing will be permitted as long as it is at a reasonable level and not vulgar or offensive in nature. Bus riding rules for morning and afternoon buses apply to special buses. The chaperones and bus personnel have a mutual responsibility to report any infractions to the transportation supervisor. BOCES buses If a student is suspended from morning and afternoon buses, he/she will still be allowed to ride the BOCES bus. If a student is suspended from the BOCES bus, the nature of the incident will determine if he/she is also suspended from the morning and afternoon buses. Sports buses If a student is suspended from regular morning and afternoon buses he/she will still be allowed to ride these buses. Handicapped/Special class These incidents will be reviewed on an individual basis and bus monitors will work with the schools and parents involved when student suspension may be necessary. Eating on the bus New York State regulations prohibit any eating on the bus while in motion (Section 721.21 (e) Regulations of the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation. If a group wishes to stop to eat at a restaurant, prior approval must be obtained from the transportation supervisor and, where applicable, from the athletic director. If a group wants to pack a lunch to eat either at their destination or at a rest stop along the way, they may do so with the following provisions: Have prior approval with the building principal and/or athletic director and the transportation supervisor and or designee. No glass containers will be allowed on the bus. Food and beverages must be in plastic or metal containers. Food packed in containers (for more than one individual) will be transported in the baggage compartment located under the bus, if available, and all leftovers will be returned to the compartment for the remainder of the trip back to school.
If more than one bus is on a trip, they all will either stop or come directly home. If food and/or beverages are to be eaten on the bus the chaperones must notify the driver prior to leaving school grounds. Food may be eaten only when the bus is parked off the road. The transportation request should include a request for such permission and be approved by the transportation supervisor Students are responsible for cleaning the bus of all food, beverages, and containers. Chaperones are responsible for ensuring that students clean the bus. Do not lose your bus privileges follow these rules: 1. Observe classroom conduct. 2. Be courteous; use no profane language. 3. Do not eat or drink on the bus. 4. Keep the bus clean. 5. Cooperate with the driver. 6. Do not smoke. 7. Do not damage bus or equipment 8. Stay in your seat while bus is in motion. 9. Keep head, hands, and feet inside the bus. 10. Keep the center aisle of the free from book bags, knees, etc. 11. Do not fight, push or shove. 12. Do not tamper with bus equipment. 13. Do not bring pets on the bus. 14. Do not bring flammable material on the bus. 15. Remember-the bus driver is authorized to assign seats. Have a safe trip!