Transportation
The Transportation Department safely transports students to school and back home daily. They also provide busing for school field trips, athletic and fine arts competitions.
School Bus Behavior Expectations
School buses are one of the safest modes of transportation on the road. In order to help keep students and drivers safe, we encourage families to review the behavior expectations below with students who ride the bus. Thank you for your cooperation in helping make bus rides safe and enjoyable for students and drivers.
While on the bus students are excepted to:
- Cooperate with, and follow the driver’s directions, the driver is in charge on the bus.
- Keep the bus aisle clear at all times.
- Keep feet on the floor and out of the aisles, off seats and off seat backs.
- Remain in the seat and in a seated position during the entire ride, do not stand up on the seat or in the aisle.
- Sit upright and keep all body parts inside the bus at all times.
- Remain SILENT when the bus is stopped at railroad tracks and crossing railroad tracks.
- Be courteous and use kind language.
- Keep hands and body parts to themselves.
- Demonstrate classroom conduct while on the bus and avoid unnecessary or disturbing noises. Do not shout or gesture at passing pedestrians or vehicles.
- Use electronic devices responsibly. Electronic devices are a privilege, not a right. Failure to use devices appropriately may result in devices being removed from the student. When using electronics on the bus students may not:
- Record video or sound
- Take photos
- Use sound, devices must be muted or have sound turned off
- Use devices inappropriately
- Keep personal items and school supplies in backpacks and on their laps when riding the bus, including band instruments. Large or fragile items are not appropriate for bus transportation. Balls need to kept in a bag or backpack.
When waiting for the bus or moving around buses, students are expected to:
- Be visible at their scheduled bus stop 10 minutes before the scheduled stop time and remain 10 steps back from the designated stop while waiting.
- Wait to load onto the bus until the bus door is completely open and board one student at a time.
- Only cross in FRONT of the bus when crossing the road or street so the driver can see you and to keep students safe. Crossing behind the bus is not allowed.
- Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before attempting to get on or off the bus. Exit the bus only with the consent of the driver.
- Move at least 10 steps away from the bus when exiting and wait for the driver signal to cross in front of the bus, students should wait for the bus to move on before walking home. Students are not allowed to run alongside, run after, or chase a moving bus.
Additional information for families:
- To ensure student safety and due to the liability, once a student is on the school bus, the bus driver will not release any students prior to the intended bus stop without prior approval of the Transportation Supervisor.
- For safety, district employees and students are the only people authorized to be on a school bus. Any unauthorized person attempting to board or boarding a school bus is subject to citation for a civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $500.00.
- Students are only allowed to ride their assigned, routed bus. Students are not allowed to get on or off the bus with another student unless the students already ride the same bus AND have received approval from the Transportation Supervisor.
Students who struggle to follow these expectations can expect the following:
- A student who violates the bus rules may receive a written warning.
- A student who continues to violate the bus rules may be suspended from the bus for a period of time.
- A student who is persistently disobedient on the bus may lose the privilege of riding the bus.
Our goal is to provide safe, reliable and comfortable transportation for our students. If you have questions or concerns about bus transportation, please contact the Transportation Department at 517.676.6496 or transportation@masonk12.net.
Thank you!
Marc Gonzales
Transportation Supervisor
Welcome to the new school year from the staff of the Transportation Department!
As we progress into the school year, please be advised of important transportation information. With foul weather approaching, we could experience some delays and/or cancellations. When inclement weather does arrive we will send out messaging on SKYLERT. We will also post messages on Mason Public Schools Facebook page.
Should your transportation needs change or families choosing to opt out of bus service should notify the Transportation Department.
It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to get students to and from the designated bus stop safely and to monitor their child while at the bus stop. Parents/guardians of kindergarten students must be at the bus stop to receive their child at drop-off time.
During inclement weather, buses tend to run late. If a bus is minimally ten minutes late, you may call (517) 676-6496 or E-mail transportation with questions.
On Late Start Wednesdays the bus will arrive at the designated bus stop approximately one hour later (in the morning) for K through 12th grades.
Please remind your child about appropriate bus behavior and that riding the bus is a privilege. Bus rules are below as well as posted on each bus. Please take the time to review them with your child.
We are also witnessing a major uptick in stop-arm violations in our district and across the state. Please remind your students daily to follow the bus driver's directions at all times. This is especially true when crossing the street. Have them wait for the driver's hand signal to when it is safe to cross.
Communication is a key element to success whether it is in the classroom or on the school bus. It is important that we communicate together to provide a safe and successful environment for your child while utilizing our transportation system. We appreciate your support and cooperation and look forward to transporting your child this upcoming school year.
Please watch this public service announcement on understanding school bus lights:
