PHS Mini Bus Training Information

• Ensure Human Resources has received your Driver Authorization Form.  Most employees completed this at onboarding when they were hired.

• Read all GCN and training instructions below.

• Schedule the White Bus Training with Kirsty Anzalone.

ALL staff members must read the GCN instructions "Multi-Function School Activity Bus" and view the "Bus Video" on YouTube below.

• Read the entire pdf carefully.

• View the Mini Bus Alarm training video below:

Red Button Alarm Directions:  

All drivers must reset the "red button alarm" on the bus after each drive.

1.  Pull the bus into the parking spot.  Put the bus in "park."  DO NOT TURN OFF THE BUS.

2.  Get up from your seat and walk to the back of the bus.  

3.  Push the red button on the top right of the back of the bus.  Hold the button for 3 seconds or until hearing "beep beep beep."  Walk back to the front of the bus.

4.  Go back to the bus, turn it off, and pull the key out of the ignition.

5.  After the bus is turned off, walk to the back of the bus a second time and lock the back door.

What if the alarm still sounds when I turn the bus off?

STAY CALM.  

1.  If the alarm sounds after turning off the bus, simply turn the ignition back to on.  Count to 3.

2.  Walk to the back of the bus.

3.  Push the red button on the top right of the back of the bus.  Hold the button for 3 seconds or until hearing "beep beep beep."

4.  Go back to the bus, turn it off, and pull the key out of the ignition.

• Notes to staff member:

• White buses accommodate a maximum of 14 students plus driver (15 total)

• Students are to be picked up and dropped off by a school door (ie: door 6, fieldhouse foyer, etc).  

• Students must never be in the bus yard.

• Once trained, staff should email the athletic assistant Amy Nickel at amy.nickel@d214.org to reserve a white bus or van.  Pick up the plastic envelope from the athletic asstant that will contain the bus keys and the gas credit card.

• IPASS transponders are on all district vans and buses.

• When starting the bus – the Emergency door must be unlatched.  Otherwise high-pitch ringing will start when engine is turned on.  This is done so that EMTs can have access to inside the bus in case of an accident. 

• Drivers must know how mirrors, fans, and the district radio work.

• The Front arm will engage if the engine is running and the side door is opened.  This is a problem only if parked close to a fence, and it may get tangled. Either press “Arm Cancel Button” on dash or turn off engine to open side door.

• Keep the bus clean – please look over the bus upon entering and leaving and remove all garbage.

• Be sure all windows are closed after returning to school.

• Keep the gas tank at least ½ full.

• Always use turn signals way in advance to be courteous to other drivers.

• Always follow the speed limit.

• No right turns on red and must stop at all *railroad tracks.

• No driving through drive-throughs.

• Never have a phone in your hand while behind the wheel.

• Call the Athletic Assistant Amy Nickel or Associate Principal Frank Mirandola should any issues occur (tickets and accidents)

• Specific Railroad Info:

Bus must stop at ALL railroad tracks*:  

• Press hazard button on top of steering column upon RR crossing sign

• Stop in area before tracks (usually white lines)

• Press yellow (Noise Canceling) button.  It will turn off all blowers, radios, etc.

• Open driver’s window and rider exit door.  Look (right & left) and Listen.  If all clear, proceed across tracks and close window and side door.

• Once clear from tracks, release the hazards and the noise canceling button.

• Return keys/Plastic envelope to the Athletic Assistant Amy Nickel. If returning after regular school hours, deposit the envelope into the mail slot next to the athletic office.