Transportation

The Transportation Department safely transports students to school and back home daily. They also provide busing for school field trips, athletic and fine arts competitions. 

School Bus Behavior Expectations

School buses are one of the safest modes of transportation on the road. In order to help keep students and drivers safe, we encourage families to review the behavior expectations below with students who ride the bus. Thank you for your cooperation in helping make bus rides safe and enjoyable for students and drivers.

While on the bus students are excepted to:

• Cooperate with, and follow the driver’s directions, the driver is in charge on the bus.
• Keep the bus aisle clear at all times.
• Keep feet on the floor and out of the aisles, off seats and off seat backs. 
• Remain in the seat and in a seated position during the entire ride, do not stand up on the seat or in the aisle.
• Sit upright and keep all body parts inside the bus at all times.
• Remain SILENT when the bus is stopped at railroad tracks and crossing railroad tracks. 
• Be courteous and use kind language.
• Keep hands and body parts to themselves.   
• Demonstrate classroom conduct while on the bus and avoid unnecessary or disturbing noises. Do not shout or gesture at passing pedestrians or vehicles.
• Use electronic devices responsibly. Electronic devices are a privilege, not a right. Failure to use devices appropriately may result in devices being removed from the student. When using electronics on the bus students may not: 
  • Record video or sound
  • Take photos
  • Use sound, devices must be muted or have sound turned off
  • Use devices inappropriately
• Keep personal items and school supplies in backpacks and on their laps when riding the bus, including band instruments. Large or fragile items are not appropriate for bus transportation. Balls need to kept in a bag or backpack.

When waiting for the bus or moving around buses, students are expected to:

• Be visible at their scheduled bus stop 10 minutes before the scheduled stop time and remain 10 steps back from the designated stop while waiting.
• Wait to load onto the bus until the bus door is completely open and board one student at a time.
• Only cross in FRONT of the bus when crossing the road or street so the driver can see you and to keep students safe. Crossing behind the bus is not allowed.
• Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before attempting to get on or off the bus. Exit the bus only with the consent of the driver.
• Move at least 10 steps away from the bus when exiting and wait for the driver signal to cross in front of the bus, students should wait for the bus to move on before walking home. Students are not allowed to run alongside, run after, or chase a moving bus.

Additional information for families:

• To ensure student safety and due to the liability, once a student is on the school bus, the bus driver will not release any students prior to the intended bus stop without prior approval of the Transportation Supervisor.
• For safety, district employees and students are the only people authorized to be on a school bus. Any unauthorized person attempting to board or boarding a school bus is subject to citation for a civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $500.00.
• Students are only allowed to ride their assigned, routed bus. Students are not allowed to get on or off the bus with another student unless the students already ride the same bus AND have received approval from the Transportation Supervisor.

Students who struggle to follow these expectations can expect the following:

• A student who violates the bus rules may receive a written warning.
• A student who continues to violate the bus rules may be suspended from the bus for a period of time.
• A student who is persistently disobedient on the bus may lose the privilege of riding the bus.

Our goal is to provide safe, reliable and comfortable transportation for our students. If you have questions or concerns about bus transportation, please contact the Transportation Department at 517.676.6496 or transportation@masonk12.net.