Otsego Public Schools

TransportationHandbook

2012-2013

“Your Children’s Safety is Our Concern”

Otsego Public SchoolsTransportation Department

It’s safer to get to school on a bus than in a car because drivers are usually extra careful around yellow buses. And for good reason! When you see a bus, you know that children are near. Little people are hard to see. Expect the unexpected around school buses.

IMPORTANT: NEW LAW! Governor Rick Snyder signed into law a bill that prohibits motorists from passing school buses that are loading and unloading students no matter what. This voids a previous law that allowed drivers to come to a full stop behind a bus, then proceed past the bus at 10mph “with due caution.” That is no longer legal.

Dear Parents and Students:

The Transportation Department of the Otsego Public Schools is responsible for providing safe transportation to all Otsego students. Otsego buses traveled over 100,000 miles last year fulfi lling that responsibility. In order to maintain our fi ne record, we need the cooperation of all students and parents.

To make it easier for younger students to identify their buses, we have equipped our buses with color coded animal signs. Even if your child’s bus number changes during the year, the bus will still use the same animal sign. See the back of this handbook for a complete list of the animal signs and driv-ers.

This Transportation Handbook explains the policies and rules that everyone should know. We urge parents to read and discuss this booklet carefully to make sure that students understand the informa-tion, especially the rules of conduct on the bus.

We look forward to another year of serving the students and families of the Otsego Public Schools. If at any time you have questions or concerns, you should contact the Transportation Offi ce at 269-692-6245.

Sincerely,

Carrie BarnhartTransportation Supervisor

The Otsego Public School District complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. Upon request to the Superinten-dent, the District shall make reasonable accommodations for a disabled person to participate in any building activity.

The Otsego Public School District is a smoke, drug and weapons free campus. The use or possession of any tobacco products, drugs or drug paraphernalia or weapons on school grounds, in buildings, parking lots and in vehicles on school property is prohibited by state and federal laws. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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Table of Contents Page

Letter from Transportation Supervisor ..................................................................................................2

Eligibility Policy ....................................................................................................................................4

Laws on Bus Stop Locations ..................................................................................................................4

Arrival at the Bus Stops .........................................................................................................................4

Crossing at the Bus Stops ......................................................................................................................4

Changes in Bus Stops.............................................................................................................................4

Scheduled Departure from the Building in the Afternoon .....................................................................4

Calling the Transportation Offi ce ...........................................................................................................5

Ride Assigned Buses ..............................................................................................................................5

Accidents and Breakdowns ....................................................................................................................5

Radios on Buses .....................................................................................................................................5

Evacuation Drills ...................................................................................................................................5

Assigned Seats .......................................................................................................................................5

Property Damage ...................................................................................................................................5

Bus Conduct Rules and Regulations ......................................................................................................6

School Bus Rules and Regulations .................................................................................................... 6-7

Consequences for Violation of Bus Conduct and Safety Rules ......................................................... 7-8

Automatic Suspension from Transportation ..........................................................................................8

Responsibility of Parents .......................................................................................................................8

Weather ..................................................................................................................................................9

Emergency Closing of Schools ..............................................................................................................9

Radio/Television and Emergency Closings .........................................................................................10

Student Information .............................................................................................................................10

Bus Driver Qualifi cations ....................................................................................................................10

Letter from Your Bus Driver ................................................................................................................11

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Eligibility PolicyCurrent policy provides bus transportation to elementary students (K-5) who live 1/2 mile from the school they attend and to secondary students (6-12) who live 1 mile from the school. Bus routes are designated according to the residence of eligible students and they can expect to walk up to 1/2 mile to designated stops for elementary students (K-5) and 1 mile for secondary students (6-12).

Laws on Bus Stop LocationsBus stops in each area must be chosen with care. There are several important factors which must be considered, as well as the guidelines established by the State of Michigan.

The fi rst consideration in selecting bus stops is the safety of the children. Bus stops must be at the lo-cation which is as much out of traffi c as possible. The bus must be visible for 400 feet when stopped. The stops on each route must be chosen to provide the best service. Students should expect to walk some distance to a bus stop because of safety considerations.

Arrival at the Bus StopsChildren should arrive at the bus stop fi ve minutes before the scheduled time for the bus to arrive, thus allowing them plenty of time to catch the bus. The students should wait for the bus in a quiet, orderly manner. There should be no crowding, fi ghting, or pushing, particularly when the bus is pulling up to the stop.

Unpleasant situations can be created by the misbehavior of children at the bus stops and the school system cannot be responsible for damage or injury in such situations.

PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN UNTIL THE BUS ARRIVES AT THE STOP.

Crossing at the Bus StopsBy State statute, passengers must cross in front of the school bus. The students are taught this by the drivers. Bus drivers will keep their buses waiting at the stop with the lights fl ashing until all of the passengers are across the street and on the bus.

PARENTS WHO MEET THEIR CHILDREN AT THE BUS STOP ALSO MUST ADHERE TO THIS RULE.

Changes in Bus StopsTransportation will be arranged for students who meet eligibility requirements. In the event a student requires transportation to an address other than his/her home address, appropriate arrangements must be made in advance with the student’s school offi ce. A bus pass must be issued by the offi ce. Parent notes are not taken by drivers.

Scheduled Departure from the Building in the AfternoonAll Otsego buses must maintain a very tight schedule to be on time. Seven (7) minutes are allowed after dismissal before the buses depart in the afternoon. The school dismissal time is 2:45 p.m. for Otsego High School and Otsego Middle School, 3:45 p.m. for Alamo Elementary, 3:45 p.m. for Washington Street Elementary and 3:35 p.m. for Dix Street Elementary.

Students must board the bus in the designated loading area. Bus drivers will not stop in the road to allow them to board. 4

Calling the Transportation Offi ce If a student will not be attending classes, it is helpful and necessary that the parent contact the Trans-portation Offi ce. Such cooperation gives the drivers the opportunity to make appropriate adjustments in their routes without arriving late or early for other students. The Transportation Offi ce is open every day of the school year at 6:00 a.m., which gives the parent or guardian time to call before it is time for the buses to leave on their runs. The telephone number at the Transportation Offi ce is 692-6245.

Ride Assigned BusesStudents are to ride only the bus to which they are assigned. Buses are fi lled to near capacity and it is not possible to grant requests to ride other buses.

Accidents and BreakdownsThe Otsego Public Schools’ Transportation Department has an excellent safety and maintenance record, but accidents and breakdowns do occur and in the event of either of these situations, the driver will instruct the children as to exactly what they must do.

Breakdowns usually are not of a serious nature. If a breakdown does occur, another bus will be used and the children are transferred to it to continue on their way.

Accidents involving school buses and other vehicles are rarely very serious. A greater time delay may result, however, since the police will have to be contacted and they will want the names of all of the students on the bus. In the event of an accident, the Transportation Offi ce will be notifi ed and kept informed of the situation.

Radios on BusesAll buses are equipped with radios for emergency purposes. If a bus develops mechanical problems or one of the students needs emergency treatment while being transported to or from school, the driver can call for assistance. However, the radios cannot be used to transmit personal messages to the driver or the passengers on the bus.

Evacuation DrillsEvacuation drills are conducted three times a year in order to acquaint students and drivers with proper and time saving practices. The drills are conducted on the buses under the direction of the bus driver.

Should it become necessary to evacuate a bus due to an accident or breakdown, the driver will instruct the students as to the proper action to take.

Assigned SeatsThe driver may assign seats as necessary. Perhaps only a few students will be assigned to a special seat, or in some instances, a whole group could be given a particular place to sit. The students are expected to take their assigned seats. The driver is authorized to assign seats as necessary.

Property DamageStudents should report any damage that is observed as soon as they enter their seats. Parents are respon-sible for damages to school buses and students who are found guilty of this offense will be denied bus privileges unless the costs of the repairs for all damages are paid within the time specifi ed.

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Bus Conduct Rules and RegulationsIt is the staffs’ intention to provide safe transportation to everyone eligible for bus service and the staff does not want to deny anyone the privilege of riding on the bus. However, certain situations which make it necessary to discipline students do arise and it may be necessary to deny bus privileges as a form of discipline.

Passengers must obey the following list of rules and regulations for the safety and comfort of everyone riding the bus:

School Bus Rules and Regulations1. Stay off the roadway while waiting for the bus. Form a line to get on the bus.

2. Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before attempting to enter or leave the bus. Remain seated while the bus is in motion. Enter or leave the bus only by the front door, except in case of emergency.

3. Cross in front of the bus, not in back of the bus.

4. Drivers are to load and unload students at their designated stop only, unless other arrangements are made by the Transportation Offi ce.

5. Be on time at designated stops. BUSES CANNOT WAIT FOR TARDY STUDENTS.

6. When dismissed from school, students are to go directly to their bus loading area and line up in an orderly fashion.

7. Obey the driver at all times.

8. Respect other riders — do not bother them either by what is said or done.

9. Stay seated at all times, except when loading and unloading. Seats must be shared. Students may be asked to sit three to a seat.

10. When seats are assigned, each student must ride in his/her assigned seat. Keep feet out of the aisles, off the seat and the back of the seat. Sit facing forward.

11. Arms and hands must never extend, even partially, out of a window. There is to be no shouting through windows or throwing items out of windows.

12. There will be no smoking on the bus and all use, sale, delivery or possesson of tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, and look-alike drugs are prohibited.

13. Students are not allowed to bring any container or objects made of glass on the bus.

14. Fighting, pushing, shoving, swearing or other rowdy or obscene behavior will not be tolerated.

15. Help keep the bus clean.6

16. Report damage to the driver. Damage to the interior or exterior will result in payment for damage and suspended bus privileges.

17. Students are not to bring to school or take home from school, any live animals of any size or shape on the bus.

18. All items carried on will have to be held by the owner. Do not leave them in the aisle or at the front or rear emergency door. This includes backpacks and musical instruments.

19. Transportation will not be provided for non-school activities or to places of employment.

20. There will be no eating or drinking on the bus.

21. Skateboards may not be brought on the bus nor any item that may present a hazard or disruption.

22. Students are not to go to the mailbox until the bus is out of sight.

23. The bus is an extension of the classroom. The policy for use of electronic communication devices is the same as your school’s policy. If your student needs to use their cell phone, please ask for permission from the driver. Parents should fi rst attempt to contact students through the Transportation Department offi ce prior to contacting them by cell phone. Drivers may allow the use of electronic devices such as ipods or MP3 players on the bus, unless such use causes a disruption. Students causing problems with the devices will be dealt with following the guidelines in the Consequences for Violation of Bus Conduct and Safety Rules.

24. Harassment/Bullying of a student(s) is contrary to the Board of Education’s commitment to provide a physically and psychologically safe environment. Harassment shall include any speech or action that creates a hostile, intimidating or offensive environment; this includes hazing. Harassment can be racial, ethnic, religious or sexual in nature. A report of such an incdient should be made immediately.

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATION OF BUS CONDUCT & SAFETY RULES

All discipline will be applied in conjunction with the school system policies and regulations regarding student rights, responsibilities, conduct and discipline. The disciplines listed will serve as guidelines, but may be adjusted at the discretion of the Transportation staff and the Administration. The Adminis-tration reserves the right to make referrals to the police and/or deny school attendance as necessary.

Students who violate the School Bus Rules and Regulations will be subject to the following conse-quences.

Consequences of Minor Problems 1st Offense: Written warning report2nd Offense: Final written warning report3rd Offense: Loss of riding privileges for 3 days 4th Offense: Loss of riding privileges for 5 days

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Major Problems Resulting in Automatic Suspension from Transportation

The school offi cials reserve the right to make referral to the police and/or deny school attendance as well as enforce the following policies:

1. Tobacco, use of: 1st Offense: 5 days minimum 2nd Offense: 10 days 3rd Offense: Loss of riding privileges

2. Alcohol, use and/or possession of: 1st Offense: 7 days minimum 2nd Offense: 10 days minimum 3rd Offense: Loss of Riding Privileges

3. Drug abuse (controlled substance or look-a-likes); use, possession, selling and/or delivery of: 1st Offense: 7-10 days 2nd Offense: Loss of Riding Privileges

4. Fighting, intimidation, insubordination, bullying, forgery: 5 days

5. Physical Assault: 10 days minimum

6. Stealing: 3 days minimum

7. Vandalism: Restitution for materials and labor and possible suspension; Possible suspension until full payment is received

8. False alarms, fi reworks, misuse of safety equipment, use of matches, lighters, fl ammables, throwing or hanging any item from windows: 10 days minimum

Parents should remember that while the bus driver is responsible for the safety of everyone on the bus, safe and orderly student transportation must be a joint responsibility between the parents, students and transportation personnel.

Responsibility of Parents1. To make reasonable effort to understand and cooperate with those responsible for student transportation.

2. To accept joint responsibility with the school authorities for proper conduct of their children.

3. To provide necessary protection of students when going to and from the bus stop.

4. To have students arrive at the bus stop on time.8

WeatherSPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR BUS DRIVERS & BUILDING PRINCIPALS

DURING TORNADO WATCH AND/OR WARNING CONDITIONS

1. “Watch” Condition: Students will be transported home from school according to regular schedules.

2. “Warning” Conditions: Students will remain in school building in designated “safe areas” until the warning expires.

3. Buses in the process of leaving when a “Tornado Warning” or “Severe Thunderstorm Warning” is received: Students will be directed to unload from the buses and return to their building for instructions about proceeding to designated “safe areas” until the warning expires.

4. Buses have loaded and departed from the building area and are at a considerable distance from the Otsego school buildings when a “Tornado Warning” or a “Severe Thunderstorm Warning” is received or observed directly by the driver: Drivers will utilize their best judgement of appropriate action to follow regarding current weather conditions. The following options are appropriate:

a. Evacuate students from the bus, move them away from the vehicle and deploy students to a ditch or other low or sheltered area (sit or lie down with head covered).

b. Attempt to drive out of the path of the storm or tornado by driving away at right angle to it.

c. Seek refuge in any nearby available building of substantial size and appropriate construction characteristics (avoid buildings with large roof spans — churches, shopping center, supermarkets, etc.).

5. Buses are on the road and proceeding with morning pick-up schedule when a “Tornado Warning” or “Severe Thunderstorm Warning” is received or the storm condition is observed by the driver: Drivers are to complete the remaining portion of the pick-up run if possible and then proceed as in #4.

6. Other circumstances of severe weather conditions not specifi cally covered in these procedures: Drivers will exercise their best judgement and act at their discretion under existing conditions.

Emergency Closing of SchoolThere are many factors taken into consideration when the decision to close schools must be made because of inclement weather or other emergency situations. No matter what criteria are used to reach the decision and despite how carefully advance preparations are made, an emergency closing may in-convenience some people. The safety of the students is always the primary concern in any emergency closing. Occasionally, conditions allow the decision to be made well in advance of the next school day, but usually the decision is made during the early morning hours.

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Every effort is made to determine an emergency closing no later than 6:00 a.m., but there may be oc-casions when conditions don’t permit that. However, as soon as an emergency closing is determined, the following procedures are implemented. School Messenger, our notifi cation system will be activated. Parents/guardians of students in the district will automatically have an account that is created using the contact information from our Student Information System. Parents/Guardians also have the option to receive these notifi cation alerts via email or text message. For more information about School Mes-senger please contact your child’s school. In addition, local media will be contacted. Please do not call the school or the bus garage. Please listen to the following stations:

Radio (AM) Radio (FM) Television WKZO (590) WGRD (97.9) WWMT (Channel 3) WOOD (1300) WOOD (105.7) WOOD (Channel 8) WQXC (980) WQXC (100.9) WOOD (Channel 41) WQLR (106.5) WZZM (Channel 13) B93 (93.7) Fox 17

If emergency situations arise or weather conditions deteriorate while classes are in session, the safety of the students may require early dismissal of school. In that event, it is important that students, particu-larly younger children, understand what to do and where to go if adults are not at their homes. Again, an Instant Alert message will be sent and local media will be notifi ed.

When schools are closed because of weather or other conditions, evening classes and activities will also be cancelled. No media announcements will be made when schools are open as usual.

State law requires that schools provide a minimum number of hours of school, so it may be necessary to reschedule the days that school must be closed.

Student InformationIt is imperative for the Transportation Department to have on fi le as much information as possible about each passenger. In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary to contact parents. Home and emergency telephone numbers must be available. Please be sure that your child’s school has up-to-date information each year.

Bus Driver Qualifi cationsOtsego Transportation staff members are chosen with care and must meet the following criteria:

1. State of Michigan Certifi cation and Chauffeur’s Drivers License for School Bus 2. Special Driver’s License Certifi cation3. Physical Examinations - annual 4. Drug and Alcohol Test - random

The drivers must have an excellent driving record. The drivers are very safety conscious. They par-ticipate in various functions to improve their driving and other useful skills. Drivers attend in-service classes on driving skills and laws, also classes on discipline and fi rst aid.

Otsego drivers safely transported over 1,500 students to and from school last year.10

Dear Parents and Bus Passengers:

The Otsego Public Schools have given me the responsibility of driving Bus #________ this year. It is my desire and purpose to make it a pleasant experience for both the passengers and the driver and I am asking for your cooperation to help make it so.

In accepting this driving responsibility, I am committed to do all in my power to see that the safety of the passengers is my fi rst interest, both inside and outside the bus. The Otsego Board of Education has adopted policies regarding student conduct and discipline. The basic rules of conduct for boarding, riding and leaving school buses are posted on all buses. All drivers have the responsibility to monitor student behavior and to enforce these policies and rules.

Remember that riding the bus is a privilege, not a right. If rules are repeatedly disregarded and it is deemed necessary, this privilege may be denied. Your student will be given a misconduct form at the time the problem arises. He/she must bring this form home for your signature before he/she can resume riding the bus. Please understand that some forms of inappropriate student conduct will be dealt with in accordance with adopted policies and could result in immediate loss of riding privileges.

Students will be let off the bus only at their designated stop, unless other arrangements are made with the school offi ce or the Transportation Offi ce.

A school bus cannot legally stop at a bus stop if students are not present and ready to board the bus. Have your child at the stop on time. You also should make sure that your child dresses properly for the weather conditions.

Under transportation law, we are only able to transport 71 students on each of our buses. Many of our buses are fi lled to capacity. Due to this fact, we are unable to transport visitors or to drop off students at babysitters on a different route. Students must ride the bus to which they are assigned.

This copy of the Transportation Handbook is being provided for your use in understanding the policies and rules regarding the transportation of students in the Otsego Public School District. Please read it thoroughly.

I shall do my best to be fair and consistent and I am asking for the cooperation of both parents and students. If situations arise about which you, as parents, wish to confer with me, you may call the Transportation Offi ce at 692-6245 for an appointment.

Yours for the safety and transportation of all students,

Bus Driver

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Otsego Public Schools Transportation Department

Otsego Public Schools Transportation Staff 2012-13

Bus # Driver Identifi cation1 Melinda Oosterhouse Gray Kangaroo2 Judy Estep Shark3 April Tiller Green Duck4 Bonnie Pickett Brown Deer5 Bridgett Dee Pink Swan6 Cheryl Crawford Green Dinosaur7 Open Brown Horse8 Leslie Borman Pink Rabbit9 Meggen Grindol Panda Bear10 Open Purple Sheep11 Tammy Burson Orange Cat12 Renee Beckwith Pink Pig13 Chris Blaha Green Frog14 Virginia Jerram Blue Whale

Supervisor: Carrie BarnhartMechanic: Bob DeJong

Allegan Area Educational Service Agency Staff

Bus # Driver Identifi cation08-10 Katie Moulter Gray Elephant11-10 Margo Roberts Orange Fish06-10 Colene Stoneburner Brown CowTBA Bruce Knight Orange Giraffe11-20 Ryan Hermenitt Brown Dog06-30 Ron Sweet Black Bear

AidesDeb AndersonKarrie Ann ChapmanMelissa HodgesCharlotte BrownJulie Hermenitt

AAESA Transportation Supervisor Katie BatenburgPhone 269-673-2161

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Please Sign and Return to Bus Driver within three days.

We, __________________________________________________,

and __________________________________________________, have read and agree to the

contents of the 2012-13 Otsego Public Schools Transportation Department Handbook.

(parent)

(student - or students in one family)