Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n Procedures
Av o n d a l e School District
The two fundamental criteria used in determining bus routes and stops are safety and efficiency of scheduling. Safety of routes / stops
State laws related to school bus transportation must be met.
Consistent pick-up and drop-off locations are required. There may be a different pick up location than drop off, but each must be the same every day.
Buses shall not enter cul-du-sacs.
Efficiency of routes
Where possible, bus routes are scheduled for main roads, except where needed for District routing efficiency.
Stops should be at least one-quarter mile
Avondale School District shall not discriminate against any person based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability, height, weight, or marital status in any of its programs, services, activities or employment. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Human Resources 2940 Waukegan Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326 248-537-6037 www.avondaleschools.org
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Transportation Overview
Students are required to be at their bus stop location 10 minutes before scheduled pick-up time ready to board the bus when it arrives
Avondale School District
and not waiting in vehicles. Transportation Department 1435 1/2 W. Auburn Road Rochester Hills, Michigan 48309
Supervisor: Sue Asaro Dispatcher: Mary Shank Phone: 248-537-6050 Fax: 248-537-6055 www.avondaleschools.org
"Experts in Child Delivery" 248-537-6050
Welcome
Tips for Parents and Students
The Avondale School Transportation Department provides this brochure to acquaint you with District policies and procedures related to school bus routes and bus stops. Our primary goal is the safe transportation of students to and from school. Transportation services must also be efficient and cost effective. It is also important that parents and / or guardians assume the responsibility of safety at bus stops, including getting children to and from a bus stop.
Waiting for the bus:
Board Policy Transportation is provided for students attending schools within the District residing more than one-half a mile walking distance from the school. Routes may be modified for safety. How to request a stop change Bus stop changes are not made before the second week of school. This period is used to adjust the bus routes and to make sure all qualified students have a bus route assignment.
If all the requests for additional stops in subdivisions are granted, it would have an enormous effect on the bus schedule and your student’s ride time. Therefore, additional stops are normally not approved even though the bus drives passed your house. All request changes must be made in writing. No phone requests will be considered. Bus stop change forms can be obtained on the Districts web site (www.avondaleschools.org) or from the Transportation Department. All requests are reviewed and a written response will be provided. This process may take up to two weeks, depending on the number of requests submitted. If the transportation department does not solve the problem to your satisfaction, you may request an appeal to the Transportation Committee. This committee consists of parents and district personnel. They will review your request in light of State law, Board policy, and district procedures. This request must again be made in writing to: Transportation Committee / Avondale Schools 1435 1/2 W. Auburn Road Rochester Hills, MI 48309 A meeting will be set up as promptly as possible.
Stay a safe distance away from the roadway
No pushing or horseplay when getting on the bus
Only walk toward the bus after it makes a complete stop
Crossing in front of the bus:
Walk 10 feet in front on the bus
Look both directions
Look at the driver for the signal to cross
Keep watching the traffic as you cross
Never stop to pick up anything when crossing
Why are students asked to be at the bus stop 10 minutes prior to their pick up? SAFETY!
Walking to school:
If you walk to school, learn and practice the safety rules for pedestrians. Always cross at crosswalks or corner to corner. Obey all traffic lights or crossing guard instructions.
Tips for Parents:
If your child rides a bus, have them at the bus stop 10 minutes prior to the arrival of the bus. Your child must be at the stop when the bus stops, not in a car or your home.
Help your children learn and practice the safety rules for walking, bicycling, or riding in a car or bus. Be a good model, especially when you are with your children.
Tips for all Motorists:
Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic. When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or biking to school.
We ask students to be at their designated bus stop 10 minutes before their scheduled time because the bus could arrive early on some days. If students are at the stop early and are ready to board the bus (not waiting in cars) it lessens the chance that a student could be injured while running to board the bus as they may fall while running. Additionally, the driver of the passenger car waiting for students to board a bus may not see a late student running to the bus. The result could be the passenger car’s driver running into the student causing serious injuries to the student.
Rainy and Cold Mornings
The District understands that it may be raining or the winter mornings may be very cold. Please dress your child in warm clothes and furnish them with rain wear so that they can safely wait at their bus stop.
Parents waiting at or near the bus stop to ensure the safety at the stop are welcome. Please have your child’s safety ahead of comfort and have them waiting at the stop and ready to board the bus when it arrives. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the transportation office at 248-537-6050.
Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits.
Summary
Red overhead flashing lights, possibly accompanied by an extended stop arm, tells you the school bus is stopped to load or unload children. State law requires you to stop at least 20 feet from the front or rear of a school bus when red lights are flashing and not proceed until the school bus resumes motion.
We appreciate the opportunity to serve the families of the Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Township, Rochester Hills, and Troy communities, and we hope we can satisfactorily resolve any concerns you may have regarding your child’s transportation.
Be alert and ready to stop. Prepare to stop for a school bus when overhead yellow lights are flashing. Drive with caution if you see the yellow hazard warning lights flashing on a moving or stopped bus. Watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops.
The timing of routes is essential. Any delays and unnecessary stops have a ripple effect upon the whole transportation schedule. Thank you for your support of Avondale School District.
