School Bus Policy

August 2017

Minot Public Schools

Bus Policy

Minot Public Schools does not provide districtwide busing. The only busing provided is as follows: In-town: Special Needs, Shuttles between Magic City Campus and Central Campus, Field Trips, Extra Curricular, Bell Elementary, McKinleyTownship, Eureka Township and students living in the former Jefferson Elementary area who attend John Hoeven Elementary and Sunnyside Elementary. Erik Ramstad students will be picked-up and dropped-off at the City Auditorium. Minot AFB: B  using is provided for Special Needs, Field Trips, Extra Curricular and students attending Magic City Campus, Central Campus, Souris River Campus and the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. Expectations of Parents and Students MAFB students and at least one parent/guardian will attend a transportation meeting at the Base Theater to obtain information pertinent to busing base high school students. Meeting topics will include MAFB-MPS team philosophy: safety issues, winter advisory and travel information; showing dependent ID card upon request. Erik Ramstad students and at least one parent/guardian will attend a transportation meeting at the school to obtain information pertinent to busing Erik Ramstad Middle School students. Signed forms will be collected at the conclusion of the meeting.

Parent Responsibility for Students Riding School Buses 1. The purpose of school bus transportation is to provide safe, comfortable and economical transportation for the school children of the district. State law will not allow us to transport parents or other nondistrict personnel during the regular routes. 2. Parents shall assume the responsibility of having their children ready and on time. Parents are responsible to get their children to and from the bus. 3. Children should be dressed properly in accordance with the season. In winter, warm clothing and winter boots should be worn. 4. Parents should insure the cooperation of the children by studying with them the rules and the regulations adopted for school bus operation. Parents should understand that children riding on a school bus must obey all regulations and the requests of the driver or they may forfeit their privilege of riding on a bus. 5. Parents should use their own judgment as to school attendance on days of inclement weather. 6. Children should not be sent to school when they are known to be ill. 7. School bus drivers shall not be expected to wait more than one minute at a pickup point. 8. Students shall be picked up and discharged only at their designated bus stop.

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Bus Rules • The bus driver is in charge of the bus at all times. • Follow directions the first time every time.

• Stay in your seat until the bus comes to a full stop. • Keep all parts of your body inside the bus. • No pushing, shoving, or fighting.

• No smoking, food or drinks (other than water) allowed. They are a choking and allergy hazard.

• Do not throw objects inside or outside of the bus. • No harassing, rude, or obscene language • Be courteous to everyone, at all times. • Do not destroy property.

• Keep personal items out of the aisle. • Ride your assigned bus only.

• Possession of skate boards or laser pointers are prohibited. • Firearms/weapons are prohibited.

• Possession/use of alcohol/drugs or tobacco products including e-cigarettes are prohibited.

• Cell phones/video games may be used for personal use only. You may play games or listen to music using headphones. No pictures or video may be taken of others. Violations may result in loss of bus priviledges. The obligation of the bus driver is to provide for the safe transportation of all passengers. The bus driver is the “Commander” of the bus; all persons riding the bus are expected to obey the driver’s directions, the first time they are give Student’s Name (Printed)________________________________________________________ We have read the “Bus Rules.” We understand the rules, and also understand that infractions of the rules will result in disciplinary action being taken. This action may include Extended Detention, Time Out, Loss of Bus Priviledges, Expulsion, Restitution, and/or referral to the police. Student_________________________________________ Grade ______________ Date____________________ Parent______________________________________________________________ Date____________________ Address___________________________________________________ Phone____________________________ Bus Name_________________________________________________ Number___________________________ -2-

Ride your designated bus only! Identification Cards/Bus Passes MAFB students will carry their dependent ID card at all times while riding the bus. Erik Ramstad students will carry their bus pass at all times while riding the bus. Students will show their ID card/bus pass upon request to bus drivers, bus aides, any Northland Bus Company employee, or Minot Public School officials. Upon request to present ID card/bus pass, the student will remove the ID card/bus pass from his/her wallet or purse and place the ID card /bus pass onto the official’s hand. All students will show their bus pass upon entry to the bus.

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Consequences

Transportation is a privilege. It’s a privilege that is not provided to most students that live in downtown Minot. Violations of the School Bus Infractions (see below) will result in disciplinary actions to include the loss of riding privileges. The Transportation Director working with the building Principal has the authority to remove any student from the bus for the remainder of the school year with cause or with any infraction that is not listed. The consequence for any infraction that occur with less 30 school days remaining will extend into the next year including loss of bus priviledge for the remainder of the new year.

SCHOOL BUS INFRACTIONS Smoking or Possession of Tobacco/e-cigarettes ������������������1st Offense: Loss of bus privileges for 30 school days, move to front of bus 2nd Offense: Loss of bus privileges for remainder of school year Vandalism ��������������������������������������������������������������������1st Offense: Loss of bus privileges for remainder of school year/ police referral, pay restitution Possession or Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs ��������1st Offense: Loss of bus privileges for remainder of school year/police referral Fighting/Fighting on school property bus stop ��������1st Offense: Loss of bus privileges for remainder of year, police referral as needed Riding the Bus During Suspension From Bus ����������1st Offense: Loss of bus privileges for remainder of school year Throwing Objects in or out of the Bus ����������������������1st Offense: Loss of bus privileges for 30 school days 2nd Offense: Loss of bus privileges for remainder of school year Insubordination, Profanity, Failure to Present ID Card/Bus Pass upon request , taking pictures or video ������������������������������������������������������������������������1st Offense: Loss of bus privileges for 30 school days 2nd Offense: Loss of bus privileges for remainder of school year Harassment ������������������������������������������������������������������1st Offense: Loss of bus privileges for 30 school days 2nd Offense: Loss of bus privileges for remainder of school year Physical Contact ����������������������������������������������������������1st Offense: Loss of bus privileges for remainder of school year Riding the Wrong Bus ������������������������������������������������1st Offense: Loss of bus privileges for 30 school days 2nd Offense: Loss of bus privileges for remainder of school year Verbal or Physical Abuse to Driver/Aide ������������������1st Offense: Loss of bus privileges for remainder of school year, police referral, letter of apology to driver/aide Skate Boards and Laser Pointers ������������������������������1st Offense: Item(s) confiscated and given to school principal, loss of bus privileges for 30 school days 2nd Offense: Item(s) confiscated and given to school principal, loss of bus privileges for for remainder of school year Threats of Physical Violence ��������������������������������������1st Offense: Immediate removal from bus, parental contact, possible police referral, reinstatement of bus privileges to be determined Possession of Firearms/Weapons ��������������������������������1st Offense: Loss of bus privileges for remainder of year,police referral, recommendation to school board for expulsion -4-

MAFB Bus Routes and Pickup Times A separate handout will be provided showing the bus routes and pickup times from MAFB to Minot.

Departure Times and Locations

Buses will depart from the north side of Central Campus at 3:00 pm for Magic City Campus (see photos below). Buses will depart from the south side of Magic City Campus at 3:10 pm for MAFB (see photos below).

X

X Magic City Campus South Side

X

X

Central Campus North Side

Extra Curricular/After School Transportation

Buses will depart from the north side of Central Campus for Magic City Campus immediately after school for those students attending activities at Magic City Campus and the Soccer Field.

Intervention Bus (M-Th)

Shuttle Buses between MCC and CC

Activities Bus (M-F)

The pickup/drop off location at Magic City is at the south side. The pickup/drop off location at Central Campus is at the west side main entrance door.

3:45 pm Depart west side of Central Campus for Magic City Campus (see photo below). 4:00 pm Depart south side Magic City Campus for MAFB 6:10 pm Depart south side of Magic City Campus for Central Campus 6:20 pm Depart west side Central Campus for Soccer Field (when in season) 6:30 pm Depart Soccer Field for MAFB

Shuttles buses will run between Magic City Campus and Central Campus for students needing to attend classes at either Central Campus or Magic City Campus.

Shuttle Times:

X Central Campus West Side

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7:45 CC-MCC 7:50 MCC-CC 8:50 CC-MCC 8:50 MCC-CC 9:45 CC-MCC 9:45 MCC-CC 10:40 CC-MCC 10:40 MCC-CC 11:35 CC-MCC 11:35 MCC-CC 1:03 CC-MCC 1:10 MCC-CC 1:57 CC-MCC 2:05 MCC-CC

West Side of CC South Side of MCC West Side of CC South Side MCC West Side of CC South Side MCC West Side of CC South Side of MCC West Side of CC South Side of MCC West Side of CC South Side of MCC West Side of CC South Side of MCC

Erik Ramstad Bus Routes and Pickup Times Departure Times and Locations

Buses will depart from the south side of the City Auditorium between 7:30 am - 7:40 am, depending on the arrival time of the City Buses (see photos below). Buses will depart from the south side of Ramstad at 3:05 pm for the City Auditorium (see photos below).

X

City Auditorium

Erik Ramstad South Side

The City Auditorium is considered a bus stop. Any violations of the bus policy at the City Auditorium will result in the loss of bus priviledges.

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School Bus Safety Smarts

• Stay out of the danger zone at all times! • Remember — if you can’t see the driver, the driver can’t see you! • Never go near the bus unless the driver has given you the signal to come! • Never, ever walk or play behind a vehicle! • When you go near the bus, always, always be sure you can see the bus driver! • If you drop anything in the danger zone leave it. Never, never stop to pick it up!

Know the Danger Zones

• Every child must know the DANGER ZONES around the school bus. • Children should never enter the DANGER ZONE unless the driver has given them permission. • If a child can touch the bus, he or she is too close. • If a child must cross the street, know all the rules to cross safely. • The 10 Giant Step rule is a good measurement for children to identify the DANGER ZONE around the school bus, particularly when crossing in front of the bus. • When near a bus, the children must have the attention of the school bus driver. • Children should never play around or near school bus vehicles. • When leaving the bus, children must walk directly home.

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Getting On and Off the Safe Way

• Always be on time with your school things tucked safely away. • Never run to or from the bus. • Wait for the bus at a safe place away from the road. • Wait for the bus to stop before approaching to get on. • Remember if you can touch the bus, YOU ARE TOO CLOSE! • Your driver will tell you when to get on. • Walk up the steps, one at a time, using the hand rail. • Never push or shove. • I F YOU DROP ANYTHING IN THE DANGER ZONE LEAVE IT. NEVER, NEVER STOP TO PICK IT UP! • Sit facing the driver, feet in front of you. • Keep the aisle clear at all times. • ALWAYS LISTEN TO AND OBEY YOUR SCHOOL BUS DRIVER!

Getting Off the Bus

• Use the handrail. • Do not push or shove. • Walk don’t run away from the bus. • Never go behind the bus. • Go right home.



• If you must cross the road after getting off the bus, use the 10 GIANT STEPS as a guide to take you out of the DANGER ZONE at the front of the bus. • Be sure you can see the driver and that the driver sees you. • Watch for the driver’s signal that it is safe to cross. • Stop when you reach the edge of the bus. • Look and listen both ways to be sure it is safe before you cross. • I F YOU DROP ANYTHING IN THE DANGER ZONE LEAVE IT. NEVER, NEVER STOP TO PICK IT UP! • Walk never run across the street. • Go right home.

Crossing the Street After Getting Off the Bus

Crossing the Street to the Bus

• If possible, have an adult help you cross the road. • Before crossing, be sure you can see the stop arm and lights flashing. • Wait for the driver’s signal before you start to cross. • Look and Listen both ways to be sure it is safe before you cross. • Walk never run across the street. • STAY OUT OF THE DANGER ZONE AT ALL TIMES! • IF YOU DROP ANYTHING IN THE DANGER ZONE LEAVE IT. NEVER, NEVER STOP TO PICK IT UP! -8-

Emergency Evacuation the Safe Way

• Listen to the driver’s instructions for the correct exit. • Be calm, quiet and don’t panic. • Leave your belongings behind. • Exit seat by seat alternating rows. • Leave the bus quickly without pushing, or shouting. • Walk to a safe place and stay together.

Using available exits on a Big Bus

Big Bus

Big Bus

Rear Exit Only

Front Exit Only

Using available exits on a Small Bus

Big Bus

Big Bus

Front Exit Only

Rear Exit Only

Railway Crossing Evacuation

• Listen to the driver’s instructions for the correct exit. • Go away from the tracks as far as possible in a direction (at a 45 degree angle) toward the train to avoid being hit by debris from the crash. • Go to a safe place and stay together. -9-