- Why can’t my child get off wherever he/she wants in the afternoon?
State Law and the Transportation Office require a note, signed by the parent, to alter the destination of students. The note will be given first to the school, then to the driver if approved.
- Who handles discipline on the bus?
The driver is the authority figure responsible for enforcing the safe transport rules. Bus safety rules are in the student handbooks. Riding the bus is a “privilege” not a right. Children who misbehave jeopardize the safety of others. This is why we have little tolerance for misbehavior on the bus. The driver can handle minor discipline problems speaking to students or reassigning seats. More serious issues are addressed at the school by the school principal. Misconduct forms may be submitted to the school by drivers. These may result in warning, reprimand, or removal from the bus.
- May a school district suspend busing services for my child?
Yes. Transportation is a privilege, not a right.
- What time should my student be at their assigned bus stop?
It is recommended that students arrive at their bus stop at least 10 minutes prior to the given time. This allows for any unforeseen delays or variations in the bus schedule. By arriving early, students can avoid the risk of missing the bus and ensure that they are ready to board when the bus arrives.
- Is the driver allowed to assign seats to my child?
The driver and administrator are authorized to assign seats.
- May a parent or guardian board the school bus?
Pennsylvania legislature passed a Bill in 2001 with the following provisions:
“Any person who shall enter a public-school bus or public-school activity bus after being forbidden to do so by the authorized school bus driver in charge thereof, or the school principal to whom the public-school bus or public-school activity bus is assigned shall be guilty of a class one misdemeanor.
- Why is my child’s bus late?
Weather, traffic, road construction, driver absenteeism, maintenance difficulties and unforeseen incidents are possible reasons for delays in the arrival of school buses in the morning and afternoon.
- If the bus does not arrive, how long should my child wait at the bus stop?
Students should wait a minimum of 30 minutes before leaving the stop area. Use good judgement based on weather conditions.
- What to do when your child does not arrive at the stop?
First, stay calm. Occasionally, for various reasons, children may still be at school, on a different bus, or remained on the bus. Contact your child’s school to inform them. If you cannot get through, contact the Director of Transportation at 570-735-7781 x5525.
- When the bus is running late, why don’t you call to inform the parents?
If a bus is going to be more than 30 minutes late, a message will be sent out through Class Dojo and through our automated calling system to the main line of communication contact number you supplied to the district. In case of a breakdown, our focus is on getting a replacement vehicle to service the students as quickly as possible.
- Who is responsible for student behavior at bus stops?
The District is responsible to determine safe stop locations. Parents are responsible for their child’s behavior at the stop. If inappropriate behavior is reported to the bus driver, they will turn this information over to the school for investigation.
- Is my student allowed to have food and or drinks on the bus?
No. Students are to keep food sealed and in their backpacks while riding on the bus. All drinks must remain sealed and secured.
- Are cell phones permitted to be used on the bus?
No. For the safety of all students, cell phones are not permitted to be used on the bus. They can create unnecessary disruptions and distractions to the driver, which could put everyone at risk.
- What happens if I am not present when my Kindergarten level student is dropped off by the bus?
If a Kindergarten student's parent/guardian is not present during drop-off, the student will be returned to the school after the bus or van has attempted at least two trips to the student's home. District staff will call all phone numbers available at the school in order to locate the parent/guardian or an emergency contact.
If the parent/guardian cannot be reached within one hour of dismissal, the staff will notify Children and Youth Services and contact the local police department. When the police arrive at the school, the student will be transferred to their custody and the student will wait at the police station for pick up. Children and Youth Services will be notified of the transfer of custody.