Dear Parent/Guardian:

To acknowledge that you have received and understand this handbook, the form below must be signed by both the parent and the student. If you have any questions please call the transportation office. Please return this form to your bus driver within ten school days to continue with bus riding privileges.

I have read and understand the RULES and REGULATIONS of the Transportation Handbook.

Parent/Guardian Signature

Parent/Guardian Signature

Student Signature

Student Signature

Student Signature

Student Signature

Student Signature

Rec’d

Date                                                  Bus #                                                      

Bus Driver                                                                                                                                                                                           

Welcome to the USD 443 Transportation Program! Our goal is to safely and efficiently transport students to and from school while supporting a respectful and positive riding experience. 

Please read this handbook with your child. It outlines expectations, safety reminders, and guidance to help all students have a successful year on the bus. 

●    Certified Drivers: All bus drivers are trained in CPR, first aid, defensive driving, and student safety. They hold Class B Commercial Driver’s Licenses and undergo regular physicals and drug/alcohol screenings.
●    Safe Buses: Buses are equipped with radios and are inspected yearly by the Kansas Highway Patrol. We also maintain buses throughout the year to keep them in great condition.
●    Group Service: School buses serve multiple students and stops. We cannot wait at individual homes or customize routes for personal schedules. Please be ready on time at designated stops.

●    Only students assigned to a route may ride.
●    Call the transportation office at (620) 471-2106 if your child will not ride.
●    After 5 missed days without contact, the stop may be removed.
●    Students must ride their assigned bus. Any changes must be requested in writing.
●    Address changes require 3 days’ written notice.
●    Daycare transportation is only available if it's on an existing route and the student qualifies for transportation.
●    Students should go directly to the bus after school.

●    Students should arrive 5 minutes early and wait safely off the street.
●    When crossing the street, wait for the driver’s signal, then cross in front of the bus.
●    Buses will not stop at private drives unless over 1/8 mile with a turnaround.

Students must have one consistent pick-up and drop-off address on file. These may be different but must remain the same each day. 

●    Changes must be made in writing at least 3 school days ahead.
●    Students must board and exit at their assigned stops.
●    Students will not be released along the route or at the transfer station.
●    If your child missed the bus, take them to school — not to the next bus stop or transfer station.

●    Remind young riders of the rules regularly.
●    Teach your child to respect the bus, listen to the driver, and watch for the crossing signal.
●    Younger students must have someone at the stop to receive them.

●    Teach your child their name, address, and school.
●    Practice sitting calmly and talking quietly.
●    Show them how to walk to the bus stop and cross the street safely.
●    Set a clear plan about where they go after getting off the bus.
●    Never encourage your child to run to or from the bus.

If no adult or approved sibling (2nd grade or older) is present at the stop:

●    First Time: Driver calls the transportation office; family is contacted.
●    Second Time: Child is returned to the transportation office for pickup.
●    Third Time: Becomes a Tier 2 Infraction (see Tiered Response System)
●    Fourth Time: Becomes a Tier 3 Infraction- Could result in loss of transportation.

Two drills are held each year to prepare students for emergency situations. Students learn how to safely exit the bus with and without driver help. Types of drills: 

●    Front door exit
●    Rear door exit
●    Split (front exits front, back exits rear)

●    Dress appropriately for the weather.
●    In severe weather or mechanical issues, buses may be delayed.
●    If roads are impassable, parents may be asked to meet the bus at a main road.
●    Watch local news/radio for school delays or closings.

    The administration reserves the right to search and seize when there is reasonable belief that some material or matter which is detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the student or students exists. 
    Items which are used to disrupt or interfere with the driver may be removed from the student’s possession. 
    Items seized may be held by the school, returned to the parents or turned over to the appropriate enforcement agency. The method of disposal will be the responsibility of the school administration. 

●    All school rules apply.
●    Students must be supervised by a staff sponsor or driver.
●    Eating and drinking are only allowed on long trips (70+ miles) with permission.
●    Keep aisles and exits clear.
●    Large items must fit under seats or be transported separately.
●    Drivers work with school staff to ensure safety.

●    At the start of the school year, drivers will review safety expectations using a kid-friendly presentation.
●    Posters will be on every bus.
●    Principals will reinforce rules during the first week.

Before Boarding: 

●    Be at your stop 5 minutes early.
●    Wait in line calmly off the street.
●    Cross only after the driver signals and traffic is clear.

On the Bus: 

●    Follow the driver’s instructions.
●    Talk quietly. No yelling, swearing, or teasing.
●    Stay in your seat facing forward.
●    Keep your hands and belongings to yourself.
●    Keep arms, head, and objects inside the bus.
●    Don’t damage or write on bus seats or walls.
●    Don’t throw objects inside or outside the bus.
●    Don’t touch emergency exits or bus controls.
●    Food and gum are not allowed.
●    Silence is required at railroad crossings.
●    Don’t bring glass, animals, weapons, or unsafe items.
●    Use only your assigned stop.
●    Windows may open halfway with permission.
●    Students shall not carry or use tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, or any other controlled substances on the bus.
●    Harassment, intimidation, and bullying in any form is not allowed.

After Unloading: 

●    Never cross behind the bus.
●    Wait for the driver’s signal to cross.
●    Stay back until the bus pulls away.

Passing a school bus with red lights flashing and stop sign extended is against the law.

Reminders for all drivers: 

●    Yellow flashing lights mean slow down.
●    Red flashing lights and stop arm mean STOP.
●    Never pass a bus on a two-lane road when red lights are flashing.
●    Always watch for children near the bus.

Guiding Principles 

●   Safety First: The bus is an extension of the school environment and must remain safe for all passengers.
●   Communication and Collaboration: Strong, timely communication between transportation staff, building principals, students, and families is essential.
●   Restorative Practices and Education: Student misbehavior on the bus should be viewed as an opportunity to teach appropriate behaviors rather than immediately impose exclusionary consequences.
●   Consistency with School-Wide Discipline: Align transportation responses with
school-wide PBIS or MTSS practices to ensure continuity and fairness.

Tier 1 – Minor Infractions (Handled by Driver) 
Examples: Loud talking, not staying seated, eating on the bus.  

Response: 

●    Verbal reminder or warning
●    Re-teaching expectations
●    Driver logs behavior for trend analysis (no office referral yet)
●    Optional: Parent contact by driver or dispatcher if behavior is repeated

Tier 2 – Repeated or Moderate Infractions (Involve Building Staff) 
Examples: Repeated defiance, moderate disrespect, unsafe movement while the bus is in motion. 
Response: 

●    Referral to principal or assistant principal (Placed in Skyward by Transportation Staff that day)
●    Parent contact from school admin
●    Problem-solving meeting with student (could involve counselor or behavior team)
●    Behavior contract or assigned seat
●    Temporary suspension (1–3 days) only after restorative options attempted

Tier 3 – Serious or Dangerous Behavior 

Examples: Physical aggression, threats, vandalism, possession of prohibited items.

Response: 

●    Immediate referral and temporary removal from bus (up to 10 days)
●    Principal-led conference with family, transportation, and student
●    Safety assessment or behavior plan
●    Gradual return to bus with monitored conditions
●    Long-term removal considered only after documented progressive steps and administrative review

●    Drivers submit a behavior form or log within 24 hours
●    Principal, Transportation/Designee contacts family within 1–2 days of referral
●    Transportation Office keeps principals informed of all serious incidents
●    Parents/Guardians are invited to participate in problem-solving, not just informed of consequences

●    Annual bus expectations assemblies or videos at each school
●    Bus drivers invited to building PD on behavior strategies
●    Recognition for positive behavior on buses (e.g., “Bus Rider of the Week”)
●    Bus mentorship or ambassador programs for younger riders

Removing a student from transportation for the entire year should:

●    Be a last resort
●    Be preceded by thorough documentation, team meetings, and intervention attempts
●    Involve a formal review by district-level administration

Let’s work together to keep every student safe. If you have questions, please call the Transportation Office at (620) 471-2106.