Bus stops are another danger zone. With groups of kids gathering in one spot, for their safety, they should always be on their best behavior.
They should never play catch or any rough housing in anyway at the bus stops. Please make sure your student is on time to avoid running to and from the bus stops.
National statistics have shown the most hazardous time of student transport is at pick-up and drop off. It is essential for their safety that students be aware of bus stop dangers.
The first ten (15) feet around the perimeter of the school bus is a danger zone. Please instruct your student to be careful in the danger zones. There are many blind spots inherent to a school bus because of its size.
The most dangerous spots are in the front and back right corner. Parents/Guardians, please make your student aware of these areas.
If at anytime a student tells the bus driver they feel their safety is being threatened by another student or adult the driver will:
-Immediately notify his/her supervisor and the school principal. -If the driver’s safety is threatened the driver will immediately notify his/her supervisor. -New York State Law strictly forbids any person from boarding a school bus without the express consent of the bus driver. This includes parents. -If any threatening situation seems to warrant more response than this the appropriate authorities will be called to the bus to ensure the safety of students and drivers.
The bus driver should be notified by a student anytime they feel they are being bullied or are the object of any negative attention
-The driver needs to be aware of these circumstances so that they may take appropriate action. -If your student is uncomfortable sharing this information with their driver, please contact the transportation department. (315-493-0950) -Your student’s safety is our highest priority! Our staff is always willing to discuss these issues with you and your concerns will be addressed immediately. -Photographs and video images of students and staff have been classified as personal data under the Data Protection Act of 1998. Therefore, the use of such images is Strictly Prohibited. The Data Protection Act of 1998 was enacted to safeguard the welfare and privacy of students and staff. The DPA protects all who are unknowingly or unwillingly captured and applies to all forms of publications: print, film, video, DVD, on websites, or any other forms of photo media.
All items brought to school should be packed in a carry case such as a tote bag or backpack. Carrying cases must be small enough to be held on the student’s lap comfortably. Nothing should be dangling from any carry case such as strings, key chains etc. Clothing and bags should not be restrictive in any way and should allow students the ability to move their hands and arms freely in case the bus needs to be exited quickly due to an emergency.
What is not Allowed on the Bus? New York State Department of Transportation and Federal Regulations Prohibits bringing large items and many musical instruments on school buses, if an item is too large to be held in a student’s lap comfortably it cannot be transported.
Items that are not allowed on the school bus include but not limited to: skateboards, weapons (real or play), pets or any live animals except service animals, glass containers, aerosol cans or bottles, paints, plants, play putty and other arts & craft items, sharp objects or objects with points, food for class parties or large class objects, any athletic equipment, and musical instruments that cannot be transported comfortably on a student’s lap.
If an item is too large to transport it must be brought to school by alternate means. Please make these alternative transportation arrangements ahead of time. This will help ensure the safety and timeliness of your student as well as others riding the bus.
Prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines (such as: Tylenol, cold remedies, etc) are not permitted on the school buses. If a student needs medication, the parent should deliver the medication directly to the school nurse. Epi-pens or sweet packs will be given to the bus driver by the school nurse for the driver to carry and dispense.
Wearing cleats on the school bus is also prohibited. Cleats can damage the interior of the bus and create unsafe conditions such as slippery, wet surfaces for our student athletes.
Lost Items
Items left on the bus are normally returned to the bus garage. Clothing items of all kinds are kept for awhile and then donated to a local charitable organization. Electronic devices and glasses are kept until the end of the school year then given to a charitable organization.
Public Displays of Affection (PDA)
Students are to refrain from embracing, kissing, or any other over displays of affection which may be interpreted by others as undue familiarity and improper decorum in a school setting.
Electronic Devices
Electronic devices shall not be used in any way that threatens, humiliates, harasses, or intimidates any school-related individuals. If an electronic device requires the use of headphones or ear buds, the student MUST only use the device in one (1) ear. A student may be asked to be shut off and put away out of sight any electronic devices that are found to be disruptive to the normal operation of the transportation department or violates any afore mentioned policy
Dress for the Weather
Winter weather can be harsh here in the North Country. Please make sure you student has appropriate clothing for all types of weather. When it snows the buses may experience slight delays. Students need to be warm while waiting at the bus stops.
After you've been to Central Registration
Your student's school will be contacting you with busing information.
All changes in transportation must be given to your student's school.
All information flows to and from the schools; to and from the parents.