All children living one mile or more from the school are provided transportation by school bus. Others may be transported at the discretion of the Okaloosa County School Board. The County Transportation Officer is in charge of transportation procedures. Transported pupils are expected to be orderly aboard the buses. Parents need to explain to children why they should observe school bus rules. Behavior and problems arising at bus stops or at any time or place before boarding the bus or after getting off the bus at home are subject to school disciplinary procedures.

The bus ramp is closed to all other vehicles!

NOTE: In order for a student to ride a different bus to or from school, parents must send a note requesting this change. A bus pass must be generated by the front office. This is a requirement of the transportation department.

INSTRUCTION FOR RIDING SCHOOL BUSES

• Stand-off roadway while waiting for the bus.

• Pupils must be on time: Bus will not wait for those tardy.

• Pupils must board and leave the bus at their regular stop. (Unless by written permission of parent and principal.)

• Walk 10 feet in front of the bus. Wait for the driver’s signal before crossing the road.

• The driver is in full charge of bus pupils. Pupils must obey the driver.

• The driver has the right to assign seats. Pupils must sit 3 to a seat from the window to the aisle.

• Keep in your seat at all times when the bus is moving.

• Keep arms and heads inside the window. No objects shall be thrown from windows or at the bus.

• Unnecessary conversation with the driver is dangerous.

• Other than ordinary conversation, classroom conduct is to be observed.

• Absolute silence is required at all railroad crossings.

• No eating or drinking.

• No animals (dead or alive), glass or glass containers, sharp objects, ball bats, cutting instruments, batons, and drumsticks will be allowed on the bus without prior permission of the driver.

• Large objects including band instruments that interfere with the seating and safety of other students will not be permitted on the bus. (See bus driver to properly stow.)

Riding the bus is a privilege. Serious or repeated misconduct may result in suspension from the bus! Bus referrals are the equivalent of a classroom referral and are recorded in the student’s permanent record.

A.M. DROP-OFF

When safety patrol is present, follow their directions.

• Pull your car forward as far as you can, do not stop at your child’s entrance. Have your child ready to unload. This is to help the car rider drop move quickly.

• Car rider drop-off begins at 8:00 am.

• Do not pass other cars unless directed to do so.

• Do not drive off until your child steps onto the sidewalk.

For the safety of others please avoid using your cell phone in the parking lot and in the car rider lines.

P.M. DISMISSAL

• Car Rider dismissal begins at 3:00 pm.

• Student’s numbers should be on display in the car window/from the visor.

• Pull forward so 8 cars can be loaded simultaneously

• Please watch for directions from a faculty, staff, or safety patrol member that is on duty.

• Load children from the right side of your vehicle.

• The car ramp is a NO PARKING zone.

• Please encourage your child not to loiter in the building, and to come directly to the car ramp at dismissal.

For the safety of others please avoid using your cell phone in the parking lot and in the car rider lines.

Students who walk, ride bicycles, or ride the bus to school must have a clear understanding of safety rules from their parents. The school will reinforce these rules for the safety of our children in partnership with the home and school. Reinforcement by both parties will assure students of the importance of these rules.

WALKERS:

Dismissal will continue as usual unless there is a severe weather warning (such as a tornado or lightning detected in the area.) In the event that lightning is present during dismissal, “rainy day dismissal” will be called. Walkers should be prepared for any weather at dismissal by packing an umbrella or poncho.

CAR RIDERS:

Car riders will be dismissed as usual unless there is lightning present. If you pick your student up as a car rider, you should display the car rider tag on your visor. This will help us find your child and load quickly. Please note that there may be some changes in the car ramp area. Teachers and staff will be there to guide you. Lightning can slow down our dismissal time. Please be patient.

BUS RIDERS:

In inclement weather please allow your child to continue to ride the bus. Parents may take or pick up their child at the BUS STOP. This will help with our traffic problems at the school on rainy days.

Dismissal will continue as usual unless there is a severe weather warning (such as a tornado or lightning detected in the area.) In the event that lightning is present during dismissal, “rainy day dismissal” will be called. Walkers should be prepared for any weather at dismissal by packing an umbrella or poncho.