Rules and Responsibilities

Rules and expectations for students are directly related to student safety. The safest ride possible will be provided by the school district through the cooperation of the students, parents, faculty and drivers. These rules are enforced by the Transportation Staff and the building administrators. Your child should realize that riding the school bus is a privilege and permission to continue to ride can be withdrawn if order and conduct are unruly. Students who violate safety procedures will be reported by the Transportation Staff to the appropriate building Principal or Administrator. Violations will result in a series of disciplinary actions by the schools, from a discussion with the student to a loss of riding privileges, depending on the infraction.

• Parents of all students must notify schools with change of home, work and cell phone numbers, as well as student emergency list contacts.

• The District understands that it may be raining some mornings and that winter mornings can be very cold. Please furnish your child with an umbrella and warm clothes so they can safely wait at their stop. In addition, a student who arrives at the stop after the bus door has closed cannot be allowed to board the bus. NJ Law requires a school bus driver to activate the warning lights of the bus at least 200 feet before the stop. This is not possible once the doors have closed.

• Parents waiting at or near the bus stop are very much welcome and appreciated. However, please put your child’s safety ahead of comfort and have them waiting at the stop, (not arriving at the stop), ready to board when the bus arrives.

• Only eligible students will be permitted to ride the bus. In addition, students may only ride on their assigned bus and exit at their assigned bus stop.

• Please be sure to be at the bus stop at least 10 minutes prior to your stop time. Also, you must remain for 10 minutes after your stop time in case there are any unforeseen circumstances that might cause a bus to be late, such as traffic or weather. If the bus does not arrive within a reasonable amount of time, it is recommended that you call the Transportation Department.

• Wait for you bus in a safe place. Do not play or wait in the road and respect the property where your stop is located.

• Do not approach the bus until it has completely stopped and the driver has opened the door. If you must cross a roadway to get to your stop, you should cross only when the school bus arrives and stops, the red lights are flashing, the stop arm has been engaged, and the driver has signaled you to cross. Always cross in FRONT of the bus (at a distance of 10 feet).

• Enter the bus in an orderly manner, take your seat, buckle your seat belt and remain seated. Keep your head and arms inside the bus at all times. Keep the aisles clear of feet, legs, arms, backpacks, etc.

• Keep the noise level at a minimum for the safest driving conditions.

• Follow the instructions of your bus driver. The driver has the authority to assign or change seats whenever necessary. Behave appropriately and be courteous to the driver and your fellow passengers.

• Students are required to maintain classroom-like behavior. Keep your hands to yourself. Pushing, grabbing, and reaching over the seats is not permitted.

• Vandalism to any part of the bus will not be tolerated and will be treated with appropriate disciplinary action.

• No smoking, gum, food or drinks are permitted on the bus.

• Be on time at the end of the school day. Once the driver closes the door and the bus begins to move, they is not permitted to open the door for anyone else under any circumstances.

• Many of our buses are equipped with video surveillance for the safety of all passengers.