School Bus Rules

General Information

• APS provides bus transportation to high school students whose home address is two or more miles from school; to middle school students whose home address is one and one-half miles or more from school; and to elementary school students whose home address is one mile or more from school.
• APS does not provide school bus transportation to transfer students.
• The bus driver cannot change the bus route.
• The driver cannot accept any notes authorizing them to drop off students at a point other than the students regular stop.

General Rules

• Students will be picked up and dropped off only at their assigned stops.
• The school bus will leave the school bus loading zone seven minutes after the bell rings in the afternoon.
• Middle and High School Students are required to show their school identification cards upon request.
• The school bus driver will assign seats to students.

Safety Practices

• Students need to be cautious in the bus loading zone.
• A school bus driver will not stop for students who have missed the bus once it is in motion.
• No glass items, live animals, or dangerous objects will be transported on the school bus.
• Musical instruments exceeding 40 inches in height will not be allowed on the bus.
• Large items may not block the aisle or exits of the bus.

Student's Responsibilities

• Arrive at the bus stop ten minutes before stop time.
• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the doors are opened before approaching the bus.
• Use the handrail. Be careful no clothing or belongings get caught on the handrail.
• Sit in their assigned seat.
• Sit on the seat facing forward, feet on the floor, and speak in a normal tone of voice.
• Follow the driver's directions promptly.

Discipline Plan

• The principal/designee at the school will address referrals from bus drivers according to their school bus discipline plan.
• The principal/designee has the authority to suspend a student from the bus and determine the length of the suspension.
• Severe disruption and dangerous behavior will result in immediate suspension of school bus privileges.
• All rules listed in the APS Student Behavior Handbook will apply on the school bus.
• Concerns can be addressed with your school administration, the school bus contractor or Student Transportation Services (STS).

Special Needs Transportation

• Special needs transportation will be provided according to terms identified in a student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Communication between a student's school bus driver and their parent/guardian is encouraged so that the student's IEP plan is implemented effectively.