Transportation

This form is for parents/guardians who would like to request a change in their child's bus stop for safety reasons.  The following issues will not be considerations reviewed for bus stop change requests: walking distance to the stop, visibility of stop from residence, issues with overseeing non-school age children, or lack of sidewalks.  

Stop Change Request Form

1. If something falls under or near the bus, tell the driver, NEVER try to pick it up yourself!
2. Stand at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) away from the edge of the road.
3. Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early.
4. While waiting for the bus, stay in a safe place away from the street.
5. Always walk in front of the bus; never walk behind the bus.
6. Wait for the driver’s signal to cross.
7. Be sure the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
8. Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay before stepping onto the bus.
9. Stay in your seat and sit quietly so that the driver is not distracted.
10.Follow driver’s instructions

• Teach your child to ask the driver for help if he drops something near the bus. If a child bends down to pick up something, the driver cannot see him and the child may be hit by the bus. Have your child use a backpack or book bag to keep loose items together.
• Have your children put everything they carry in a backpack or school bag so that they won’t drop things along the way.
• Go to the bus stop with a young child and have older children walk in groups. There’s safety in numbers because groups are easier for drivers to see.
• If you decide to meet your child at the bus stop after school, wait on the side where the child will be dropped off, not across the street.
• Children can get so excited at seeing you after school they might forget safety rules and dash across the street. Wait with your child until the driver signals for you to cross the road.
• Make sure your student leaves home on time so that they can walk to the bus stop and arrive five minutes before the bus is due. Running can be dangerous.
• Remind your children to walk on the sidewalks or out of the street, single file, facing traffic, and as close to the edge of the road as possible.
• Have them wear bright, contrasting colors so that they will be more easily seen by drivers. Better still, attach a piece of high visibility fluorescent and reflective material to their clothing or backpack.

 

The Danger Zone is the area close to the bus in the front, sides, and back where the driver may not be able to see you. To make sure that the driver sees you, remain on the side of the street at least 10 feet, or 10 giant steps away from the bus. If you can see the driver's eyes, that means the driver can see you. 

Click Here For The Danger Zone

 

 

Do students practice emergency evacuations from the school bus?

Yes, by law it is required on a semi-annual basis that all students be instructed in the proper way to evacuate a school bus in an emergency situation. Drills are performed on each route in the early fall and late spring of each school year. Drivers are trained in the proper use of emergency exits and procedures.

Who should I call if my child is having a problem with the driver or with another student on the bus

Please call the transportation office at 650-7200 between the hours of 6:00 am and 5:00 pm daily.

My child lives in the country and has not been riding for several days. Do I need to let someone know?

Yes, please call the Transportation Dispatch Office at 650-7200 if your child will start riding the bus after an absence of three days or more.

My child occasionally needs to ride home to a different location. Is this possible?

Students requesting to ride home on a bus other than the one to which they are assigned must present a note from their parent/guardian to their school office before 11:00 am on their riding day. The note must include the student's first and last name, parent and the phone number where the requesting student's parent can be reached to confirm permission. This request must be submitted in writing. It cannot be arranged over the phone. Bus passes will NOT be approved on early release days for grades 7-12.

If my child misses their bus will you send out another one?

A back-up bus will not be provided if students miss the bus. Back-up transportation is provided only if it is verified there has been a Transportation Department error.

 If the bus is late, will my child be marked tardy?

No. Students are not marked "tardy" if their school bus arrives at school late.

What should I do if the bus doesn't show up?

Pick up and drop off times will not vary to any great extent on a normal basis. Circumstances beyond our control could make the bus late occasionally. Vehicle "break downs", detours, emergencies, or weather related problems are a few reasons that could make the bus late. We will always make sure a bus will be at your stop. If you wait is longer than fifteen minutes please contact the transportation office at 650-7200.

The bus goes right by my house. Why can't it stop here?

School bus stops are placed in central locations to shorten route length and travel times. The Transportation Department makes every effort to see that these stops are safe and have appropriate walking routes to them. In many cases a bus will stop at a front door if there is no appropriate stop within a reasonable distance. School bus stops must be placed at least five hundred feet apart. Request for changes in routes or stops must be submitted in writing to the transportation office.

Fort Osage R-1 School District
SCHOOL BUS CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
Behavior Rules and Discipline Procedures for School Bus Riders

Transportation for any student to ride in a school bus is a PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT. The safety and welfare of student riders depends on proper behavior and observance
of the following rules and regulations. Any pupil who violates any of these rules will be reported to the proper authority and his/her privilege of transportation may be denied.
These rules apply to STUDENT ACTIVITY TRIPS as well as regular bus routes to and from school.

• The DRIVER is in FULL charge of the bus and its passengers and has authority to enforce all the rules. Respect the authority of the driver by obeying promptly and courteously. Students and parents are to refrain from unnecessary conversation with the driver.
• BE AT THE BUS STOP 5 MINUTES EARLY. The BUS CAN NOT WAIT for those who are tardy. DO NOT run after the bus if you are late.
• Wait for the bus to come to a COMPLETE stop before trying to board or depart. If you must CROSS THE ROAD, wait for the DRIVER TO SIGNAL (thumbs up) you across when he/she has determined all traffic has stopped. ALWAYS cross at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus, whether boarding or departing.
• After boarding the bus, sit down and remain seated in your assigned seat until the bus reaches your stop.
• NO fighting, pushing, tripping, kicking, etc. will be tolerated on the bus.
• NO tobacco, drugs, alcohol, matches, lighters, weapons, or explosives on the bus.
• NO loud or boisterous speech, swearing or shouting in the bus or out the windows will be allowed. Rude and abusive language will not be tolerated.
• DO NOT extend any part of your body out the bus windows.
• DO NOT throw anything in or out of the bus window.
• DO NOT eat or drink on the bus.
• DO NOT bring glass containers, live animals, reptiles, insects, etc. on the bus.
• TREAT THE BUS WITH RESPECT. ANY DAMAGES TO THE BUS WILL BE PAID FOR BY THE STUDENT OR HIS/HER PARENTS. VANDALISM MAY RESULT IN THE LOSS OF RIDING PRIVILEGES UNTIL PAID FOR.
• Keep the aisle clear. Store personal items on your lap. Bulky items may be brought onto the bus as long as they can safely fit into the seating compartment and do not pose a safety hazard or occupy space needed for a bus rider. All items must be in a backpack or case.
• USE HANDRAILS when boarding or departing the bus.
• CELL PHONES are not to be used, displayed, heard or visible on the bus.

In summary, no distracting or dangerous activity will be allowed on the
bus.

DISCIPLINE PROCESS

For the safety of all students inappropriate behavior on the school bus will not be tolerated. Transportation to and from school is part of the school day, and all of the rules governing student behavior are in force. The issue of safety requires that students be on their best behavior while on the school bus.

Students, parents and school employees must understand that rules are to be consistently and fairly enforced and obeyed.

Such misbehavior as rudeness, pushing, fighting, throwing objects, obscenity, and other offenses may result in immediate suspension of all transportation services.

The following will be observed in dealing with violations of the school bus safety rules.

1. First Offense - Warning
Parents will receive a notification letter from the Assistant Director of Transportation stating the infraction. A copy of the misconduct will be issued to the building principle
and student. Parents signatures are required on the report to be returned to the driver the following day.

2. Second Offense - Short Term Suspension. A second misconduct will result in a three day suspension. Parents will receive notification by phone from the Assistant Director of Transportation regarding the students infraction.
A copy of the misconduct will be issued to the building principle and student. The misconduct must be signed and returned to the driver by the student before transportation
can be resumed.

3. Third Offense - Short Term Suspension
A third misconduct will result in a five day suspension. Parents will receive notification by phone from the Assistant Director of Transportation regarding the students infraction.
A copy of the misconduct will be issued to the building principle and student. The misconduct must be signed and returned to the driver by the student before transportation
can be resumed.

4. Fourth Offense - Long Term Suspension
A fourth misconduct will result in a ten day suspension. Parents will receive notification by phone from the Assistant Director of Transportation regarding the students infraction.
Parent/guardian may be called in for a conference before transportation can resume. A copy of the misconduct will be issued to the building principle and student. The misconduct must be signed and returned to the driver by the student before transportation can be resumed.

5. Fifth Offense - Extended Suspension
A fifth misconduct may result in a ninety day suspension. Parents will receive notification by phone and a conference will be scheduled before transportation can resume.

IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION CLAUSE: Defiance of driver, flagrant safety violation, or hurting another
student will result in immediate suspension and a conference before the student may ride again.
The safety of all students riding the bus is dependent on the driver's ability to attend to driving. Unauthorized behavior draws the driver's attention away from the important task of attending to the safe transportation of students. District buses are equipped with video cameras and the student's behavior is subject to being reviewed on videotape. Videotapes are to be reviewed by district personnel only in accordance with Federal Education Right to Privacy Act guidelines.