Passenger Safety Rules

Manchester Community Schools 2020-2021

Transportation Department-Passenger Safety Rules

Bus transportation is an important function of the Manchester Community School District, NOT mandated by law, but provided as a service to the students of the District by the Board of Education. In order for transportation to work, we must have the cooperation of parents, students, drivers and administration of the District. Transportation is designed for home to school and school to home. Stops must be consistent. If changes to pick up and drop off locations are needed, a written request must be submitted to the transportation office at least ten (10) school days prior to the desired date for the change to allow time for the proposed change to be reviewed. We believe the information contained in this policy will help everyone understand the complexity and importance of pupil transportation. The Michigan Department of Education, the Legislature, and the Michigan State Police also develop rules and regulations that govern the activities of the Transportation Department.

Video Cameras may be in use on any Manchester Community School District transportation vehicle.

Responsibilities of Drivers

1. Inform parents in writing and/or by telephone as soon as possible when a student is having a problem.

2. Drop off students at parent-designated location or at school unless the health and/or safety of the students on the bus are in jeopardy. Students can be taken to the bus garage only if the immediate health or safety of the student is in question.

3. Be fully trained about safety procedures and regulations concerning school bus transportation.

4. Work with the Transportation Director and Building Principal to assure that students are disciplined appropriately when they violate bus rules.

5. Drivers are in charge of all passengers and will maintain order on the bus at all times.

6. Make sure that all pupils on the bus receive a copy of the rules for the bus.

7. Drivers will not transport students in any vehicle other than a Manchester Community School Bus.

8. Enforces Department policy for student crossing procedure, which includes proper use of hand signal.

Responsibilities of Students

1. Obey the bus driver at all times.

2. Students are not allowed to ride a bus other than their regularly scheduled assigned bus.

3. Behave in a manner, which allows the driver to safely operate the vehicle.

4. Occupy their seat and to refrain at all times from moving around in the bus.

5. Arrive at the bus stop (5 to 10) minutes prior to scheduled pick-up time.

6. Stay off roadway while waiting for the bus.

7. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before getting on or off the bus.

8. No student is allowed to cross over a road to get on or off a bus at a different bus stop.

9. When crossing is necessary and permitted, a student will always cross 10 feet in front of the bus after waiting for the driver's hand signal.

10. Keep entire body inside the bus at all times. No window is to be lowered more than half way.

11. No talking is permitted at railroad tracks.

12. Never tamper with bus equipment.

13. Avoid loud, inappropriate and/or profane language. (Use inside voice to prevent driver distraction)

14. Eating or drinking on the bus is not allowed. (Exception: Medical Reasons)

15. Damages to any bus should be reported to the driver. Pupils will pay for any damages they cause on any bus.

16. Pupils will never throw anything in the bus or out the window of a bus.

17. Pupils may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages. Pupils shall not possess, smoke, or chew tobacco or possess or use any other drugs on buses.

18. Pupils shall not possess or use cigarette lighters, matches, or other flammable items on buses.

19. Live pets or insects cannot be transported on a school bus.

20. Weapons of any kind are not permitted on a school bus.

21. The over showing of affection is not acceptable behavior and will not be tolerated.

22. No glass containers or bottles are allowed on buses.

23. All belongings, including band instruments, are to be held on the student's lap during transportation.

24. NEVER get mail or go to the mailbox while school bus is at the bus stop.

25. Cellular telephones, pager/beeper or other electronic communication devices MUST be turned OFF (not simply set on silent mode) while being transported on school buses. Field trip buses will be given notice by driver when bus is (15-20) minutes upon return to Manchester for parent/guardian notification.

Responsibilities of Parents

1. Ensure that child(ren) will arrive at the bus stop (5 to10) minutes prior to scheduled time.

2. Provide the necessary assistance needed by their child(ren) going to and from the bus stop.

3. Students are not allowed to ride a bus other than their assigned bus. If your child needs to go to a friend's house, we suggest you arrange transportation either by yourself or the parents of the friend.

4. Accept joint responsibility with the school authorities for the proper conduct of their child(ren).

5. Review the rules of Transportation with their child(ren) and cooperate with disciplinary action.

6. Meet with those responsible for Pupil Transportation whenever requested.

7. Bus service is not rendered to non-school sponsored activities.

8. Cellular telephones, pager/beeper or other electronic communication devices MUST be turned OFF (not simply set on silent mode) while being transported on school buses. Field trip buses will be given notice by driver when bus is (15-20) minutes upon return to Manchester for parent/guardian notification.

Responsibilities of the School

1. Provide transportation service to students who live 1.5 miles or more from school of attendance. Distance to be measured over public roads and determined by Transportation Department. The Superintendent and/or Board of Education can make exceptions to this rule.

2. Establish bus stops that meet the provisions of the Department of Education and the Michigan State Police.

3. The School District will not pick up students on private roads, drives or streets. Students must be taken to a county-maintained road in order to be provided transportation service.

4. In certain high-traffic locations, bus stops will be located on the right side only. Locations to be determined by the Transportation Director.

5. In the event weather conditions cause school to be canceled, the following will be contacted so parents can be notified of the cancelation of school:

Television: Channel 2-Detroit, Channel 4-Detroit, Channel 7-Detroit

Radio: 760 am, 102.9 fm

Web: manchesterschools.us

Violation of Bus Rules

Should a student violate a bus rule, the driver will issue a Misconduct Report.

To maintain consistency in administering discipline, violations of bus rules are grouped into two (2) categories. Complete list of Group 1 (one) and Group 2 (two) Violations and steps the violation procedure follows is dependent upon the severity of the violation. Building Principals assign consequences for student bus rule violations. All school building rules apply to students using school transportation. Students may receive consequences for inappropriate behavior beyond transportation consequences determined by Building Principal. This system will keep parents informed if their child(ren) does not conduct themselves properly, thus allowing the parents to take corrective action before more serious problems are encountered. Any violation of these rules by students during the last 2 (two) weeks of school may be carried over and charged to students the next school year.

Any time a student feels he/she has been wrongly issued a Misconduct Report, the report may be appealed in the following order:

1. Transportation Director (for one day suspension issued by bus driver)

2. Building Principal

3. Superintendent of Schools

4. Board of Education

Lost and Found Articles

All lost and found items generally remain on buses for up to 1 (one) week. Drivers then turn all found/unclaimed items into Transportation Office. Found/unclaimed items are sent to Klager Elementary School - Lost and Found. It is helpful to place names on all articles sent to school with your child(ren).

Manchester Community Schools

Transportation Department

710 E. Main Street

Manchester, MI 48158

(734) 428-9901 Office

(734) 428-1071 Fax

Deb Heskett, Transportation Supervisor dheskett@mcs.k12.mi.us