As the 2011-2012 School Year Approaches / The Transportation Department Would Like to Welcome You Back

Helpful Hints and Reminders

by Pam Mazurek

August 15, 2011

Schoolbus

Dear Parents / Guardians,
The start of school is just around the corner and the Transportation Department is anxious to begin another year of service to our community. As always, District 113A encourages all students who are eligible, to take the bus to school. It is the safest mode of transportation for your child/children.

There are always some changes that take place in busing your children to and from school. These changes are made to reflect safety conditions, the number of students in an area, timing, efficiency, etc. A lot of preparation goes into the start of the school year and this year is no exception.

We provide transportation to anyone living more than one and one-half miles from their attendance center. All of our bus stops are centrally located at corners within your subdivision. We cannot provide door to door service. We will not be able to ensure that you can see your child from your house. You will have to become pro-active in either being at the assigned bus stop or arrange bus stop sharing with other parents. If you have a legitimate request for a change to your current, assigned bus stop…..please put that request in writing, either by letter or e-mail and we will look at the situation and respond accordingly.

In order to have current, accurate bus routes ready for the District Bus Drivers and Bus Rosters ready for our Teachers and Staff:

NO CHANGES WILL BE MADE BETWEEN AUGUST 15, 2011 AND SEPTEMBER 5, 2011

We will begin transporting students on August 22, 2011 This will be a Half Day schedule, including: AM and PM Kindergarten Students, Early Childhood and grades 1 through 8 . See Half Day Schcedule: http://www.sd113a.org/vnews/display.v/ART/4e2631142825c

Please keep in mind that the beginning of the year is very hectic. We truly appreciate your patience and cooperation while the normal flow of things falls into place during the first few days. There are some ways that you can help to make this process go even smoother. I have included some helpful reminders that will contribute to a successful start.

A few reminders:
• Be at the bus stop at least 5minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time. We will not hold traffic to wait!
• The first few days there will undoubtedly be some delays. It takes extra time for students to find their seats, parents are taking pictures and greeting the bus drivers, etc.
• Dismissal also takes extra time. The students may have trouble finding their buses or they may not be sure which bus they ride. We do not release any of the buses until all students have been loaded. And even then, we may have someone that gets onto the wrong bus. The driver will then have to take them home, which may be in a different area, and this will cause the driver to run late for the next run. Please, be patient. After the first few days, everything settles down and the times become more consistent.
• The bus routes are not etched in stone. Some changes may need to be made after the start of school. You will be notified of changes verbally from the bus driver or through written correspondence.
• It is extremely important that you make back-up and emergency arrangements in the event that you will not be home at the end of the day. Arrangements might include: A close neighbor, a key of their own or access through a garage using a key pad.
• Finally…..It is very helpful to the Transportation Department if your house numbers are clearly visible.

Please take a few moments to go over "Bus Safety" with your child prior to the start of school. It is vital that we work together to provide the safest environment we can during their ride to and from school each day.

The following instructions were taken from the "School Bus Safety" brochure published by the "Illinois State Board of Education" and funded by the "National Highway Traffic Safety Administration" and "The Illinois Department of Transportation - Division of Traffic Safety".
(Remember: These instructions should be followed to ensure the safety and well being of all students on the bus and to assist the driver in the safe operation of the school bus vehicle)
• Be on time at the designated school bus stop; help keep the bus on schedule.
• STAY OFF THE ROAD AT ALL TIMES WHILE WAITING FOR THE BUS.
• 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.
• Do not leave your seat while the bus is in motion.
• BE ALERT TO A DANGER SIGNAL FROM THE DRIVER.
• Remain in the bus in the event of a road emergency until instructions are given by the driver.
• KEEP HANDS AND HEAD INSIDE THE BUS AT ALL TIMES AFTER ENTERING AND UNTIL LEAVING THE BUS. Do not throw anything out the bus windows.
• Remember that loud talking and laughing or unnecessary confusion divert the driver's attention and could result in a serious accident.
• BE ABSOLUTELY QUIET WHEN APPROACHING AND CROSSING RAILROAD CROSSINGS.
• Treat bus equipment as you would valuable furniture in your own home. NEVER tamper with the bus or any of it's equipment.
• Assist in keeping the bus safe and sanitary at all times. NO EATING IS ALLOWED ON THE BUS.
• Do not bring animals on the bus (except with special permission of the district).
• KEEP BOOKS, PACKAGES, COATS, AND ALL OTHER OBJECTS OUT OF THE AISLES AND AWAY FROM EMERGENCY EXITS. These items should be placed under the school bus seat while in transit.
• Do not leave books, lunches or other articles on the bus.
• BE COURTEOUS TO FELLOW PUPILS AND THE BUS DRIVER. TO EARN RESPECT, YOU MUST FIRST SHOW RESPECT.
• Help look after the safety and comfort of smaller children. Keeping distractions to a minimum will help the bus driver ensure your safety.
• DO NOT ASK THE DRIVER TO STOP AT PLACES OTHER THAN THE REGULAR BUS STOP. He or she is not permitted to do this except by proper authorization from a school official.
• Observe safety precautions at exit points. KNOW AND OBSERVE THE RULES. When it is necessary to cross the highway, proceed to a point at least 10 FEET IN FRONT OF THE BUS on the right shoulder of the highway where traffic may be observed in both directions. WAIT FOR THE SIGNAL FROM THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER PERMITTING YOU TO CROSS.
• Observe the same rules and regulations on other trips under school sponsorship as you observe between home and school. Respect the wishes of the chaperone appointed by the school.
REMEMBER: Your safety on the school bus depends on how well you conduct yourself as well as how the driver performs his or her responsibilities. There are consequences for breaking bus-riding rules, and you can lose your bus riding privileges as a result of breaking the rules. The driver also has rules that must be followed and unsafe driving practices or inappropriate conduct should be reported to the school superintendent or principal.
We are looking forward to a great year in Transportation!

Pam Mazurek / Director