CARTHAGE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT COMPREHENSIVE POLICIES 1
INDEX TRANSPORTATION BUS STOPS BUS RIDE MEDICATIONS WHAT CAN I BRING ON THE BUS WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED ON A BUS LOST ITEMS PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTIONS (PDA) ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY PHOTO AND VIDEO IMAGES SECURITY DANGER ZONES TRANPORTATION POLICIES AND SAFETY PROCEDURES PROPER CROSSING PROCEDURES MOTORIST RESPONSIBILITIES BUS RIDERS RESPONSIBILITIES/BEFORE YOU RIDE RESPONSIBILITIES DURING THE BUS RIDE STAY IN YOUR SEAT 2
EXITING THE BUS PEDESTRIANS 3
Transportation Every year the Carthage Central School District buses travel more than 1.1 million miles in its transportation of students to and from school as well as sports and field trips. It takes a staff of approximately 125 people and 104 vehicles to transport the nearly 3900 students in the district each day. The District provides transportation to and from school for all students K-12 who live more than ¼ miles from the school they attend. The Carthage School Transportation Department provides transportation for special needs students and transportation for students living in the Carthage School District that wish to attend a parochial or private school. An application for transportation to a nonpublic school must be submitted to the office of the Superintendent of Schools by April 1 of the preceding school year to be considered for transportation. The School District provides late buses for middle and high school students who stay after normal school hours for academic assistance, sports, or other school related activities. Bus departure times for late activities are 2:45 pm and 5:15 pm. These buses line up in front of the high school for loading. All students will be required to present student ID s while boarding a 2:45 pm or 5:15 pm late bus. Along with a student ID it is mandatory to present a pass issued by the teacher or activity leader the student is obligated or elected to stay for. Student athletes that are involved with a school organized sport will be issued a sticker to attach to the back of their student ID s. This sticker will act as a pass good for the entire season of that program. These changes will allow the transportation department to provide a safer, more accountable atmosphere for our students utilizing the 2:45pm and 5:15pm buses. Students must be involved in some kind of school related activity to utilize these buses. There is NO 2:45 pm buses on Fridays. After registering your students for school through the registration office, this information is then sent to the school that your child will attend. The school then contacts the transportation office for the bus route number, stop location, and pick/drop off times. Each year this information is mailed to the parents/guardians in late August. Transportation information can also be found by visiting the school website at www.carthagecsd.org. Click on District tab then the Transportation tab then the Bus and Route Finder tab and enter your address and the school your child will be attending to find the closest bus stop and route number for your student. Students who use the district transportation services are expected to ride on their assigned bus. Students may be refused entry if they attempt to board a bus other than the one they are assigned to. If a student needs to go to a bus stop other than their normal stop, a note signed by their parent/guardian must be presented to the office of their school at the start of the each day alternate transportation is needed. Long term or permanent change information must be given to the office as well. The school office will forward the new information to the transportation office and get back with you with the busing information. 4
It is not possible for the transportation department to use multiple addresses for a student s primary busing information. For example: alternative babysitters or shared custody with parents. These are listed as alternative sites for transportation. If alternative transportation is needed in the mornings the parent must call the transportation department prior to the bus leaving the bus garage to inform the driver of this. A call must be made every morning that the alternative transportation is needed. As well, if alternative transportation is needed in the afternoon from school, a note must be given to the school office in the morning on the day the alternative transportation is needed. This will allow the school staff adequate time to get the routing information for the alternative site and issue the student a bus pass. Bus passes cannot be used to provide students with a pick up and or drop off at a student s work location. Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion to promote over all safety while riding the school bus. The bus driver is in charge of the bus and the students on the bus at all times. Students should remain seated and obey the driver. The driver has the right to assign students to certain seats in order to maintain good bus conduct and maintain safety for all. Students who do not behave on their school bus risk a suspension of their bus riding privileges or other school administered consequences. Good behavior is important to ensure a safe and pleasant ride for every student. Students are expected to stay in their seats, speak with an inside voice, and listen to the driver s instructions. Bus Stops Due to the large volume of students transported by the Carthage School District designated bus stops must be utilized. In many cases, the district is unable to do home to home or door side pick-ups. The establishment of bus stops was made after considering and balancing issues of student safety, convenience, routing efficiency, and cost. The Safe Bus Stop Guidelines Manual and the School Law Book were referenced extensively while deciding the group bus stops. Each bus stop had to pass the basic safety requirements outlined by New York State Law. If you have any safety concerns regarding your student s bus stop, please call the Transportation Department and it will be reviewed immediately. If your concern is a convenience request, please send a letter to the transportation department at 21796 Cole Rd., Carthage, NY 13619 and your request will be evaluated by the routing department. All students should allow a window of five (5) minutes before or after designated pick up times. Bus Ride The bus routes are developed as efficiently as possible. On average the buses pick-up sixty (60) students with as many as 20 stops during a regular run. The ride times can vary depending on the school and pick-up area. We have tried to limit ride times as much as possible by going to the farthest point on the route and picking up first. If you have concerns about your student s ride time, please submit a letter to the transportation department and it will be evaluated by the routing department. 5
Medications on the bus Prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines (such as: Tylenol, cold remedies, etc) are not permitted on the school buses. If a student needs medication, the parent should deliver the medication directly to the school nurse. Epi-pens or sweet packs will be given to the bus driver by the school nurse for the driver to carry and dispense. What can be brought on the bus? All items brought to school should be packed in a carry case such as a tote bag or backpack. Carrying cases must be small enough to be held on the student s lap comfortably. Nothing should be dangling from any carry case such as strings, key chains etc. Clothing and bags should not be restrictive in any way and should allow students the ability to move their hands and arms freely in case the bus needs to be exited quickly due to an emergency. What is not allowed on a bus? New York State Department of Transportation and Federal Regulations PROHIBITS bringing large items and many musical instruments on school buses, if an item is too large to be held in a student s lap comfortably it cannot be transported. This prohibition is designed to prevent the blocking of seats and aisles in the event of an accident or emergency exit is needed. Placing large items on the floor of the bus and or holding them in between a student s legs is NOT allowed. Items that are not allowed on the school bus include but not limited to: skateboards, weapons (real or play), pets or any live animals except service animals, glass containers, aerosol cans or bottles, paints, plants, play putty and other arts & craft items, sharp objects or objects with points, food for class parties or large class objects, any athletic equipment, and musical instruments that cannot be transported comfortably on a student s lap. If an item is too large to transport it must be brought to school by alternate means. Please make these alternative transportation arrangements ahead of time. This will help ensure the safety and timeliness of your student as well as others riding the bus. Wearing cleats on the school bus is also prohibited. Cleats can damage the interior of the bus and create unsafe conditions such as slippery, wet surfaces for our student athletes. Lost Items Items left on the bus are normally returned to the bus garage. Students should label their clothing and other possessions to make for easy identification. A parent/guardian may 6
come to the bus garage to identify and reclaim lost items. A student must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to retrieve anything they may have left on the bus. The item will not be returned without a parent/guardian present with the student. Items not claimed within 10 working days may be donated to a local charitable organization. Public Displays of Affection (PDA) Students are to refrain from embracing, kissing, or any other over displays of affection which may be interpreted by others as undue familiarity and improper decorum in a school setting. Consequences may range from a verbal warning to detention or suspension of bus privileges. Electronic Device Policy Electronic devices have become a common means of communication and information access in today s society. However, these devices have the potential to be harmful to others as well as disruptive to the orderly operation of the school district. The Carthage Central School Transportation Department reserves the right to determine when and how these devices may be used on the buses. Electronic devices shall not be used in any way that threatens, humiliates, harasses, or intimidates any school-related individuals. These include: students, employees, and visitors. Electronic devices shall not be used if the use violates any local, state, or federal law. This includes audio as well as video devices. Any intent to annoy, alarm, intimidate, offend, abuse, threaten, harass, frighten, or disrupt will not be tolerated. Anyone who feels they have been a victim of the misuse of an electronic device should report their concerns to the bus driver or transportation department immediately. If an electronic device requires the use of headphones or ear buds, the student MUST only use the device in one (1) ear. It is essential in an emergency that the student be able to hear the safety instructions of the driver. One (1) ear must be left unencumbered to be aware of any instructions/concerns that may be given by the bus driver or develop on the bus route. A student may be asked to be shut off and put away out of sight any electronic devices that are found to be disruptive to the normal operation of the transportation department or violates any afore mentioned policy. If the bus driver or other school personnel deem it necessary, the device may be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian after any other disciplinary action that may be imposed has been fulfilled. These actions can range from a verbal warning, detention, or suspension from bus privileges. Photographs and video images of students and staff are PROHIBITED Photographs and video images of students and staff have been classified as personal data under the Data Protection Act of 1998. Therefore, the use of such images is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. The DPA of 1998 was enacted to safeguard the welfare and privacy of 7
students and staff. Unfortunately images have been known to be used in a harmful manner, inappropriately shared with individuals, and displayed on the internet. The Data Protection Act protects all who are unknowingly or unwillingly captured and applies to all forms of publications: print, film, video, DVD, on websites, or any other forms of photo media. There are NO exceptions to the no photo, no video policy. Consequences may range from but not limited to: a verbal warning, detention, or suspension of bus privileges. Security New York State Law strictly forbids any person from boarding a school bus without the express consent of the bus driver. This includes parents. If at anytime a student tells the bus driver they feel their safety is being threatened by another student(s) or adult(s) the driver will immediately notify his/her supervisor and the school principal. If the driver s safety is threatened the driver will immediately notify his/her supervisor. If any threatening situation seems to warrant more response than this the appropriate authorities will be called to the bus to ensure the safety of students and drivers. The bus driver should be notified by a student anytime they feel they are being bullied or are the object of any negative attention. The driver needs to be aware of these circumstances so that they may take appropriate action. If your student is uncomfortable sharing this information with their driver, please contact the transportation department. Your student s safety is our highest priority. Our staff is always willing to discuss these issues with you and your concerns will be addressed immediately. Video cameras are used on many of the buses to help monitor activity and reinforce acceptable behavior. Danger Zones The first ten (10) feet around the perimeter of the school bus is a danger zone. Please instruct your student to be careful in the danger zones. There are many blind spots inherent to a school bus because of its size. The most dangerous spots are in the front and back right corner. Parents/Guardians, please make your student aware of these areas. Bus stops are another danger zone. With groups of kids gathering in one spot, for their safety, they should always be on their best behavior. They should never play catch or any rough housing in anyway at the bus stops. Please make sure your student is on time to avoid running to and from the bus stops. National statistics have shown the most hazardous time of student transport is at pick-up and drop off. It is essential for their safety that students be aware of bus stop dangers. Transportation Policies and Safety Procedures At the start of each school year it is helpful to review school bus regulations, safety tips, and procedures with all students and drivers in your family and to encourage everyone to 8
follow them. Examples of these regulations are: stopping when encountering a school bus with flashing red lights and obeying school zone speed limits. These are a state law, whether you are on the road or in a school parking lot. These regulations were established for the safety of everyone on the roads especially our children! The following guidelines will help ensure we can provide our students with the safest, most efficient transportation experience possible. Proper Crossing Procedures If a child has to cross in front of the bus, knowledge of safe crossing procedures is vital. Waiting for a signal to cross. A student getting on or off the bus should use the sidewalk and walk in front of the bus and make eye contact with the driver. When it is clear to cross the driver will give the student the universal signal to cross. As a precaution the student should always look both ways before crossing. The bus horn warns of danger. If a driver blows the horn the student should immediately return to the side of the road which they started crossing from. When parents are meeting the bus they should wait on the side of the road where the student will be getting off and then follow the above procedures for crossing. Parents need to discourage their student from running across the road to greet them. Motorist Responsibilities Stop from either direction even on divided highways when encountering a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. The bus is either picking up or discharging students. Proceed only when the red lights are turned off and the bus is moving again. Flashing yellow lights warn that the bus is about to stop. SLOW DOWN and prepare to stop. Students may be coming from any direction. Be aware. School buses DO NOT turn right on red. School buses also stop at all railroad crossings. Any vehicle that passes a school bus that has its flashing red lights activated will be reported to the police and/or New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. 9
Bus Riders responsibilities/before you ride Carrying loose articles. Homework, books, pens, pencils, etc. are to be carried in carry cases. Arrive at the bus stop at least five (5) minutes before the bus is scheduled to be there. DO NOT wait inside your home and then run out to the bus. Do no play or rough house at the bus stop Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and the bus door is open before approaching it. If you need to transport an item too large to fit on your lap make other arrangements to get it to school that day. Responsibilities during the bus ride Listen to all instructions from the bus driver. The driver is there to prevent injury to you and others. Oversized items or items that appear on the not allowed list may NOT be transported on the school bus. Parents and students should review the not allowed category to become familiar with restricted items. The driver WILL NOT allow any of those items on the bus. Please call the transportation department at 315-493-0950 about specific items. Threatening gestures and/or comments will not be tolerated on the bus. Behave on the bus as you are expected to behave in the classroom. Be courteous and do not use profane language. Eating, drinking, and smoking on the bus is not permitted and will not be tolerated. Keep the bus clean. Whatever you bring on the bus must leave with you. Don t damage the bus. It is school property and owned by the residents of the district. Students who damage school property may face restriction or suspension. Parents/guardians may be held financially responsible for repairs to damaged property. Cooperate with the bus driver. They are authorized to assign seats. Fighting, pushing, and verbal abuse will NOT be tolerated. 10
Keep head, hands, and feet inside the bus and to yourself at all times. Nothing is to be thrown out of the windows of the bus. STAY IN YOUR SEAT! Especially when the bus is moving. All Carthage buses are equipped with seat belts. Although, it is not state mandated that seat belts be worn, all students are encouraged to use them. If a student needs assistance with the function of the seat belt they should ask the driver. Exiting the bus Wait for the bus to stop completely and the bus doors open before leaving your seat. Get off the bus in single file. No pushing. Take all possessions and trash with you. Wait for the driver s signal to cross. Never cross behind the bus or crawl under the bus. Do not run. Pedestrians Look in all directions before crossing the street. Be SURE the way is clear. Watch for turning cars from both the left and right. Walk. Do Not Run into the street. Cross only at corners. Never cross or enter the roadway from between parked cars. Where there are NO sidewalks, walk on the left side of the roadway facing traffic. If there is a sidewalk use it. 11
The Carthage Central School District takes great pride in accepting the responsibility of transporting the districts most precious cargo. Many of our drivers have over 25 years of experience. The transportation staff makes it their mission to make sure our children are transported to and from school SAFELY each and every day. Carthage Central School District Transportation Department 21796 Cole Rd. Carthage, NY 13619. Phone: 315-519-0950 Fax: 315-493-0167 12