Student Transportation Information for 2020-2021 School Year
For the 2020-2021 school year, please be aware of the following changes regarding transportation:- All students will be required to wear masks (for exceptions, please click here). If students do not have a mask, the bus driver will provide one.
- To maintain social distancing, students will be seated near the window with only one student in a seat.
- All buses will be sanitized/disinfected between and after runs.
- Bus windows will be partially opened to allow air circulation.
- Students will be provided with loading and unloading instruction.
- Bus passes will not be given out.
Transportation
Any student who wishes to use district transportation should begin doing so at the beginning of the school year. Once bus routes and schedules are finalized during the first weeks of the school year, there may be no room on buses for students who prefer to walk while the weather is pleasant, but wish to ride during severe winter weather.
Parents or guardians are responsible for the safety of their children between their residence and the bus stop, as well as at the bus stop. The school district is responsible for the safety of students upon entering the school bus, during transportation, and until their discharge from the bus.
Procedures have been established for those wishing to have their children dropped off or picked up at a location other than their bus stop. Appropriate paperwork must be completed each year and approved before such action may be taken. These forms are available in all schools, in the district registrar’s and transportation offices and via the district website on the transportation page. For more information, contact the transportation department at 315/218-2107 or the district registrar at 315/218-2145.
The following item(s) are prohibited on a school bus: weapons, laser pens, lighters, matches, flame starters, bomb bags or any items which may constitute a safety hazard to the driver and passengers. Students are not permitted to board the school bus with large objects that take up space needed by fellow passengers. Some examples are: skis, hockey sticks, skate boards, large musical instruments, large sports bags and music boxes. Students are permitted to use cell phones while on the school bus, however, use of the cell phone camera or video functions are not permitted at any time while on the school bus. The school bus driver has the authority to suspend cell phone use while on the bus if such use obstructs the safe and proficient operation of the school bus.
Private & Parochial Schools Outside the School District
Students attending private or parochial schools located outside the school district who have filed an appropriate application will receive notification from the Transportation Department. The information will contain their bus number, bus stop location, time of pick up and transfer bus, if needed. In the morning, private and parochial school students will transfer at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building (5355 West Taft Rd.) in North Syracuse. Any parent who has any questions or does not receive notification should contact the Transportation Department via the Bus Hotline at 315/218-2035 (August 17 through September 11, 2020 only).
School Bus Information for Universal Pre-K (UPK) Students
Parents or guardians of UPK students will receive notification of bus number, bus stop location, pick-up time and return bus number. This letter should be received in late August. It should be noted that during the morning run, UPK students will be at stops with students riding in for K-4 classes. However, at midday take home, UPK students will be taken to their home or nearest intersection/turn around if the home is not reachable. Please note that only students currently 4 years old can ride the bus to schools. Parents must transport students who are not 4 years old to school. All students, regardless of age, will be transported home. If you should have any questions, please contact the transportation department’s bus hotline at 315/218-2035. (August 17 through September 11, 2020 only).
Transportation To and From a Child Care Provider
Parents who require their child to be transported to or from school to a baby sitter or child care provider must complete a set of transportation request forms. Transportation will be arranged to and from the baby sitter. It is the district’s expectation that your child will utilize the service provided both a.m. and p.m. These forms must be updated annually. The district requires that both the parent and the baby sitter/child care provider complete a form. These request forms are available through the district registrar (315/218-2145) or transportation department
(315/218-2107). Any changes in transportation require a minimum notification of 72 hours. These forms must be on file with the Transportation Department by September 4, 2020 or changes will not occur until September 21, 2020.
Bus Safety & Discipline
Proper behavior is expected from all students in the North Syracuse Central School District and is particularly important when on a school bus. Disruptive, reckless and/or bullying behavior cannot be tolerated on a school bus. Students who are repeatedly disruptive, or who behave recklessly on the bus, will be referred to the appropriate administrator for disciplinary action. This action may include temporary or permanent suspension from the school bus. Please refer to your child’s student handbook for more details.
As the new school year is about to begin, please review with your young children the basic rules of bus safety:
- Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before entering or exiting.
- Stay seated on the bus to avoid falling when the bus is moving.
- At the bus stop, wait for the driver to signal you to cross the street.
- Do not hook charms, key chains or stuffed animals to backpacks. These items can easily get caught on the bus railing, steps or door.
- Be sure backpack straps and sweatshirt or jacket strings are tied and in place. These can also easily get caught on the bus railing, steps or door.
- Never get off at a stop that isn’t yours.
- If you have a question about your stop or forgot to get off at your stop, tell the driver and he/she will get you home safely.
- Elementary students should have bus tags with name, address, phone number and bus number visible during the first month of school.
- All students will be required to wear masks (for exceptions, please click here). If students do not have a mask, the bus driver will provide one.
- To maintain social distancing, students will be seated near the window with only one student in a seat.
- All buses will be sanitized/disinfected between and after runs.
- Bus windows will be partially opened to allow air circulation.
- Students will be provided with loading and unloading instruction.
- Bus passes will not be given out.
