BUS NOTES

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to let the school know (typically the classroom teacher) of changes to a students regularly scheduled bus route. Bus drivers require a bus note ‘every time’ a student is not following their ‘regular’ plan. Parents are required to submit a dismissal note to the teacher (via the student) if their child is dismissed differently than their regular routine. This includes a note to set up a regular schedule if it is not the same for every day of the week. Please also note that the office is not in the habit of writing bus notes and will only do so in emergency-type situations.

Anytime a student is required to go to another stop other than their assigned school bus stop whether it be on the same route or a different route, morning or afternoon run, a parent needs to send a notification to the school. The school will then fill out a bus note with the appropriate information including the address of the requested stop. For greater clarification, we only accept bus notes on a day-to-day basis. Writing a note that would cover a period of time is not an acceptable practice. 

PLEASE NOTE: in cases where bus overloading happens, transportation will notify the school that bus notes will not be accepted on that particular route.

BEHAVIOUR ON THE BUS

Distracting the school bus driver by throwing objects, by being too loud or using profane language is not acceptable. The driver is charged with getting students to school and home again safely, and constantly being required to monitor the actions of students behind him or her lessens the safety factor. There are clear rules for students and clear guidelines for the school when students break these rules. Bus drivers report offences to the school office. Students should report any problems directly to the driver. Students may lose bus privileges for inappropriate behaviour.

To ensure that safe behaviours are practiced on each school bus, the Nova Scotia Safety Council suggests that students follow these recommended guidelines. We would ask all parents of all bus students to take time to discuss the following:

• Always be at the bus stop on time

• Remember to stand well back from the road

• Wait until the bus has completely stopped before approaching

• Never push as you are entering or exiting the bus

• Take your seat as soon as you enter the bus and stay seated until you exit at your stop

• Place all items, including your books, on your lap

• Do not distract the driver by yelling or throwing things

• Listen to the driver when he/she speaks to you

• Keep you arms and hands inside the bus at all times

• Get off the bus as soon as it stops at your destination

• Move away from the bus and the road as soon as you get off

• Make sure the driver can see you before crossing the street; this means walking at least three meters in front of the bus

• Remember to look both ways before crossing the street

Proper conduct must be ensured. Failure of students to follow these rules may lead to suspension from the bus, however, progressive discipline will be followed in alignment with the Provincial Code of Conduct.