Bus Rules

General

School bus routes are planned to provide the safest, most efficient and cost-effective service under all weather and road conditions. Students typically ride the bus 30 to 60 minutes each way. Riding times may occasionally be longer due to traffic jams, breakdowns or inclement weather.

Students should utilize the bus stop closest to their residence. Those who need to be dropped off at a location other than their original stop must have special permission, which may be granted after the parent/guardian has notified the school office in writing.

Students who must go to another designated bus stop must give the bus driver a note signed by a parent/guardian and by the school administration. These notes are valid for one day or a specific period of time that is listed on the permission slip.

Bus stops

Stops may be as far from home as:

Four blocks or .25 mile for kindergarten through fifth grade students Six blocks or .5 mile for sixth through eighth grade students

Eight blocks or .75 mile for ninth through twelfth grade students

Boarding the bus

In the morning

Students need to be at their designated bus stop no later than five minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. When they see the bus coming, students need to form a line starting well back from the curb. Unfortunately, buses cannot wait for students who are not at the bus stop.

After school

Students need to go to their buses quickly. Buses leave:

Five minutes after elementary school dismissal Seven minutes after secondary school dismissal

Students who miss their regular bus must be picked up by a parent.

Activity/Program Bus

Middle and high school students who participate in after-school activities (i.e. sports, clubs) may ride the school’s activity bus (with school approval). Secondary school students must present their ride ticket for the appropriate time to the driver when boarding. Each school will determine departure times for its activity bus. Please note that activity buses do not stop at every stop scheduled for A.M. and P.M. routes but will primarily utilize neighboring elementary schools.

Elementary school students who participate in after-school programs may ride the school’s program bus (with school approval). Each school will determine departure times for its after-school program bus. Please note that after school program buses do not stop at every stop scheduled for A.M. and P.M. routes but will primarily utilize neighborhood stops.

Student Management

Student management procedures are designed to help change student behavior. Involving parents at the start of a discipline issue helps decrease the chance of more serious disciplinary problems, which may result in suspension from transportation services.

Therefore, updated phone numbers and parental involvement are critical to providing a safe bus ride for our students.

Rules and Regulations

Students are expected to follow the same rules at bus stops and on buses as they are in the classroom. Students who misbehave may lose their bus riding privileges.

The following rules apply to all district buses and bus stops:

• At bus stops, wait in a line that starts well back from the curb, off the street.
• When crossing a street to or from a school bus, cross in front of the stopped bus, and only when the “stop” paddle is out, red lights are flashing and when the driver has signaled that it is safe to cross.
• Students may not cross any roadway having 3 or more marked traffic lanes.
• At an intersection with a traffic signal, cross only on the green light and “WALK” signal.
• Get on or off the bus only when it is fully stopped and the driver has directed boarding or disembarking.
• Give your name to the driver or monitor when they ask for it.
• Obey drivers and/or bus monitors.
• Animals are not allowed on buses without prior written approval from the Director of Transportation (service animals must be approved).
• Sit in only one seat and do not save a seat for anyone.
• Stay seated at all times until the bus has arrived at your destination.
• Seat belts must be worn, when available.
• Keep aisles clear.
• Keep hands to yourself.
• Alcohol, tobacco, flammable items and incendiary devices are prohibited.
• Perfume, cologne and body spray are prohibited
• Ask the driver’s permission before opening a window. Windows may not be opened lower than designated line.
• Keep head, hands and arms inside bus windows.
• Do not damage or deface bus seats or equipment.
• Do not throw anything from the bus.
• Fighting is prohibited.
• Students that have zpass card must have this card with them at all times and use the zpass on and off the school bus.

The parent or guardian must communicate, in writing for special needs students, their request to the transportation department if they wish to change whether or not their child is to be released with or without an adult present.

• AM half-day students delivered to bus stop at noon: Students will be retained on the bus if no one is at the bus stop to receive them and will be returned to school.
• PM half-day and all day students delivered to bus stop in the evening: Half day (ECEAP/HEADSTART) students will be retained on the bus if no one is at the bus stop to receive them and will be returned to school, Special needs students will be returned to Clover Park School District Transportation Department at 9219 Lakewood Dr. SW. If students are not picked up in a reasonable time, law enforcement will be called. Anyone other than a parent/guardian must have written permission or be on the student’s card and picture identification must be presented before they can pick up the child.