7 Transportation
Transportation Policy/Procedures
Bus Guidelines and Safety Rules:
Bemidji Area Schools are committed to providing your child with a safe and respectful bus ride. Those students who choose not to obey the safety rules and guidelines will be subject to consequences. The 1994 State Legislature made riding the school bus a privilege, not a right. This means a student may lose riding privileges for violating safety guidelines and/or school policy. Students are expected to follow the same standards of behavior on the school bus as in the school. The school bus is school property and the school bus ride is part of the school day. With regard to the well being of our students, the bus driver has the same responsibility and authority as any other school staff member.
One Pick-Up
We will pick-up students only inside of the attendance area of the school they are planning to attend. Transportation will determine if the pick-up spot allows for a safe and convenient pick-up. In approved situations, parents living outside the attendance area, can drive their student to an agreed upon pick-up spot inside the elementary attendance area.
One Drop-Off
Students will only be dropped off to one location within the attendance area of the school that they attend. Students will not be transported to various locations for music lessons or to parents work locations, etc.
No daily changes to any location. The bus drivers will no longer accept notes written by parents or school staff. No friends allowed on the bus. This would include birthday parties, sleepovers, etc. Students will be instructed to return to the school building and may miss their assigned ride.
For specific cases or emergencies or for any transportation-related questions, please call the Bemidji Area Schools Transportation Department at 333-3225.
Student Bus Rules
- Follow the directions of the bus driver.
- Stay out of the danger zone outside the bus.
- Remain seated, facing forward in the seat.
- Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
- Keep all parts of your body inside the bus.
- No fighting, harassing, loud behavior or inappropriate language.
The possession of any dangerous objects, alcohol or controlled substances, including tobacco products, is prohibited.
Consequences for Misbehavior
- Verbal warning.
- Seat reassignment.
- Conduct report issued and sent home to parent as a warning.
- Conduct report issued and a one-day bus suspension.
- Conduct report issued and a three-day bus suspension.
- Conduct report issued and a five-day bus suspension. Conference scheduled with parent, student and transportation representative.
- Conduct report issued and loss of bus riding privileges for the remainder of the year.
Safety On and Around the Bus
Boarding the bus:
- Arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled stop, dressed appropriately for the weather.
- Respect others’ rights at the bus stop.
- Respect private property while waiting for the bus.
- Do not play in the street or on snow banks.
- As the bus approaches, stand at least five feet away until the bus stops. If you can touch the bus, you are too close.
- When crossing the street, always cross at least ten feet in front of the bus and only after receiving a signal from the driver that it is safe to do so.
Exiting the bus:
- Remain seated until the bus has made a complete stop, avoid crowding or pushing.
- After exiting the bus, move at least ten feet away out of the danger zone.
- When crossing the street, always cross at least ten feet in front of the bus and only after receiving a signal from the driver that it is safe to do so. Never cross behind a bus.