The school bus is the safest form of transportation in the country. The construction of the vehicle and the training of the driver ensures protection for millions of students over millions of miles. A student is statistically, safer in a yellow school bus the your family car. A goal of District 114 is to provide safe bus transportation to and from school for students who qualify. We expect that students and parents will familiarize themselves with the following information and observe these guidelines and regulations. The driver is in full charge of the bus and passengers at all times. All school rules and consequences noted in the Discipline section of the handbook are applicable while waiting at the bus stop, boarding the bus, riding, and disembarking from the bus. In addition, failure to comply with the Conduct of Students may result in disciplinary action by school administration.
Although District 114 tries very hard to accommodate parents with child care issues, we receive a number of requests for transportation beyond these issues. Due to overcrowding on buses, we cannot accommodate requests for birthday parties, play dates, social get-togethers, and/or after school gathering.
Childcare requests and daily changes of bus stop other than assigned should be put in writing. Parents and guardians should send requests addressed to the teacher. Information is then forwarded to the bus drivers. A request in writing helps ensure the safety of children.
Reminder
Passing a
school bus with the stop sign extended is against the law. Motorists should take special care, on
and off school grounds, when buses load and unload students. Never pass a bus with the stop sign
extended and the red flashing lights activated.
In case of
inclement weather conditions (fog, ice, etc.), buses may be delayed one (1)
hour. Listen to radio stations
WJOL (1340 AM) or WGN (720 AM).
Wilson Creek
School students residing in Leighlinbridge subdivisions are within one and
one-half miles of Wilson Creek School and must walk to school unless parents
pay for busing. Anna
McDonald School students residing within six blocks of the school are within
one and one-half miles of Anna McDonald School and must walk to school unless
parents pay for busing. Manhattan Junior High students residing in Foxford or
Ridgefield subdivisions are within one and one-half miles of Manhattan Junior
High and must walk to school unless parents pay for busing.
Students
residing less than one (1) and one-half (1/2) miles from school will be allowed
to ride a bus for a fee, paid at the time of registration. There is no charge for students who
live in a designated serious safety hazard area.
Questions
If you are
interested in a part-time occupation, you might consider becoming a
professional school bus driver.
Contact the transportation coordinator. All matters pertaining to bus transportation should be
discussed with our transportation coordinator, Nancy Popp. ((815) 478-3310 X 3)
If a problem cannot be resolved by Mrs. Popp, contact the principal of the
building in which your child attends.
If the problem still exists, contact the Superintendent, Mr. Butters.
RIDING THE BUS IS A PRIVILEGE FOR STUDENTS. THE ADMINISTRATION OR BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS THE LEGAL RIGHT TO DENY A STUDENT TRANSPORTATION IF HIS/HER CONDUCT WARRANTS SUCH ACTION. IF SUCH ACTION IS TAKEN, THE PARENT(S) BECOME RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STUDENTŐS TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SCHOOL.
1.
Be on
time at the designated school bus stop, five (5) or ten (10) minutes early.
2.
Stay
off the road at all times while waiting for the bus.
3.
Be
careful in approaching the place where the bus stops. Do not move toward the bus until the bus has been brought to
a complete stop, the arm is fully extended and the door has been opened.
4.
Do not
leave your seat while the bus is in motion.
5.
Be
alert to a danger signal from the driver.
6.
Remain
in the bus in the event of a road emergency until the driver gives
instructions.
7.
Keep
hands and head inside the bus at all times.
8.
Be
absolutely quiet when approaching a railroad crossing.
9.
Do not
tamper with the bus or any of its equipment.
10. Throwing objects in or out of the bus
at any time is prohibited.
11. Assist in keeping the bus safe and
sanitary at all times.
12. Keep books, packages, coats and all
other objects out of the aisles.
13. Be courteous to fellow pupils and the
bus driver.
14. Help look after the safety and
comfort of small children.
15. Do not ask the driver to stop at
places other than the regular bus stops.
16. Observe safety precautions at
discharge point. Where it is
necessary to cross the highway, proceed to a point at least ten (10) feet in
front of the bus on the right shoulder of the high way where traffic may be
observed in both directions. Wait
for a signal from the bus driver permitting you to cross.
17. Observe the same rules and
regulations on trips under school sponsorship as you would observe them between
home and school. Respect the
wishes of the chaperone appointed by the school.
18. No consumption of food or beverage,
unless authorized by the bus driver.
19. Students are not allowed to change
buses unless approved by the administration.
20. Payment of damage incurred to the bus
by students is the responsibility of the parent.
Consequences
Inappropriate
bus behavior may result in, but is not limited to: verbal warning, parent
contact, student conference, student contract, conflict resolution, assigned
seat, loss of privileges, detention, bus suspension, ASDA, suspension and
expulsion.