Student Bus Handbook

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.

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.

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.

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)

• 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 kidfriendly 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 communication between transportation staff, school administrators, students, and families is essential to maintaining a safe transportation environment.
• Education and Accountability: Student misconduct should be addressed through teaching, support, and appropriate consequences designed to improve behavior.
• Consistency: Transportation expectations will align with district student behavior expectations whenever possible.
• Any and all steps may be excluded depending upon the severity of the infraction.

Tier 1 – Minor Infractions (Handled by Driver) (Examples: Loud talking, not staying seated, eating on the bus, minor horseplay, or other low-level behaviors that do not create a significant safety concern).
Response:

• Verbal reminder or warning
• Re-teaching expectations
• Documentation: Driver logs behavior for trend analysis (no office referral yet)
• Parent contact by transportation office if behavior is repeated
• Continued behaviors may result in a Tier 2 referral

Tier 2 – Repeated or Moderate Infractions (Involve Building Staff)
Examples: Repeated Tier 1 behaviors, moderate disrespect, repeated refusal to follow directions, unsafe movement while the bus is in motion, or other behaviors that interfere with the safe operation of district transportation.
Response:

• Referral from the Transportation Department.
• The Transportation Department serves as the Discipline Office for transportationrelated incidents and will communicate with the student and parent/guardian regarding the incident, expectations, and interventions.
• School administration will receive notification of transportation referrals and may provide additional support when appropriate.
• A problem-solving meeting with the student and family may be held when needed.
• Possible interventions may include re-teaching expectations, assigned seating, behavior contracts, restorative practices, temporary suspension of transportation privileges, or other appropriate interventions.
• Students receiving three (3) or more transportation referrals may be required to participate in a meeting involving the student, parent/guardian, and the Transportation Department. Additional school personnel or support staff may participate depending on the frequency, severity, or nature of the concerns.

Tier 3 – Serious or Dangerous Behavior (Physical aggression, threats, possession of prohibited items including drugs or alcohol, or behaviors creating a significant safety concern for passengers or the driver.)
Response:

• Immediate referral to the Transportation Department.
• The Transportation Department will immediately notify parents/guardians, building administration, and law enforcement when appropriate based on the nature of the incident.
• Transportation staff will ensure students are safely supervised until the situation is resolved, including parent/guardian pickup or law enforcement response when necessary.
• A conference involving the student, parent/guardian, Transportation Department, and other appropriate stakeholders may be required before transportation privileges are reinstated.
• A conference involving the student, family, school administration, and transportation staff may be required before transportation services are reinstated.
• Transportation privileges may be suspended or revoked in accordance with district policy and Kansas law when student conduct poses a significant safety concern.
• A safety plan, behavior plan, or gradual return-to- service plan may be developed prior to restoring transportation privileges.
• While transportation privileges are suspended, school attendance remains required, and families are responsible for providing transportation to and from school.
• Long-term loss of transportation privileges may be considered after administrative review when significant safety concerns persist.

• The district believes timely communication and collaboration are essential to maintaining safe transportation services.
• The Transportation Department serves as the primary Discipline Office for transportation-related incidents because transportation staff have direct knowledge of incidents occurring on district transportation.
• The Transportation Department will communicate directly with families regarding transportation referrals, interventions, and transportation-related disciplinary actions.
• Building administrators will review transportation referrals in Skyward and collaborate with the Transportation Department when additional student support, interventions, or school-based consequences are appropriate.
• Transportation staff and school administration will work collaboratively to support student success while maintaining a safe transportation environment.
• Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in problem-solving meetings and discussions when concerns arise.

• Annual review of bus expectations with students through transportation and buildings.
• Recognition for positive behavior on buses (e.g., “Bus Rider of the Week”)
• Bus mentorship or ambassador programs for younger riders
• Ongoing collaboration between transportation staff and school staff to identify students who may benefit from additional behavioral supports.
• Regular review of transportation referral data to identify behavior trends and opportunities for early intervention.

Removing a student from transportation for the entire year should:

• Be considered only after documented interventions and progressive discipline have been implemented whenever appropriate.
• Include collaboration between the Transportation Department and building administration when determining long-term interventions or reinstatement plans.
• Consider the safety of all students and staff as the primary factor in decision-making.
• Be accompanied by clear communication with parents/guardians regarding expectations for reinstatement whenever possible.
• Involve a formal review by the appropriate district-level administration

The USD 443 Transportation Department is committed to working collaboratively with students, families, and school staff to provide safe, consistent, and supportive transportation services for every student.

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