Transportation

Morris School District

Transportation Department

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WELCOME PARENTS!

Most children start and end their school day on a big yellow bus. Riding with their classmates, neighbors or friends is usually a pleasant experience. The bus ride is a safe harbor that transitions children from a home environment to a school environment and back. School buses provide a safe and reliable service offered by the school district.

Most routes provided are on district owned vehicles driven by district employees. Some routes are contracted out to vendors. These decisions are made to make the department as cost efficient as possible. While we cannot provide the level of service of a cab company, we strive to provide the highest level of service possible.

It is our goal to keep the fleet of buses maintained, drivers trained and to arrive at the stops on time. However, as you may guess, this is not always possible. Weather, breakdowns, construction and traffic all work to disrupt our best intentions. We ask that families be patient with us as we make daily adjustments to keep the schedule.

Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns and we will endeavor to exceed your expectations.

The Principles That Guide Us

Safety First - for our students, ourselves and others

Reliability - because others count on us to meet their needs

Efficiency - to provide cost effective operations with quality

Respect - to show respect for ourselves, our customers and one another

Trust - to make it safe to share anything that impacts safety, reliability, or efficiency with those who need to know

Teamwork - supporting one another and pulling together to achieve a common goal

Excellence - to be regarded by knowledgeable observers as being among the very best in what we do

HELPFUL INFORMATION

WHO IS TRANSPORTED?

Who is transported?

New Jersey law and code require school districts to provide transportation services to students that live remote from their school. Remote means that that they live two miles from school for grades K - 8 and two and one half miles for grades 9 - 12. Additionally, the district will provide transportation services to students who live on or must cross “hazardous” roads to get to school. There are many “fast” or otherwise hazardous roads in town. Some of our schools are located on a hazardous road. Therefore many students are transported for hazardous reason. For a road to be declared “hazardous” is a formal process that will involve working with traffic safety people and formal board of education action.

Non-public or charter school students are to be transported the same as public school students. However, the difference here is cost. The district cannot spend over a certain dollar limit when providing this transportation. Each year the State establishes a maximum per pupil cost. If the cost of the route exceeds this limit then the family is told that they must provide the transportation and receive a district Aid in Lieu payment equal to that limit. Therefore, the district will only provide a bus ride to school for non-public or charter students if the route cost per pupil is less than the State limit.

OOD Special Education students are transported at district expense to the school designed to meet the children's educational needs. Given the large distance/time required to transport these students private contractors are usually utilized. These services are usually arranged through a bidding process by the Educational Services Commission of Morris County. Every effort is made to coordinate this transportation with neighboring district to find economies.

Late buses are provided to allow students to stay after school to receive extra help with their studies or to participate in the extracurricular/sports programs. A late bus runs at 4:00 pm from MHS & FMS and at 5:30 pm from FMS. These routes are designed to bring children close to their neighborhoods so that they do not have to walk more than two miles home. These routes are established by the board but can be edited down based on the riders on board any given day by the driver.

Field Trips are another opportunity for a student to ride a bus--district owned or contracted. Whether the trips are curricular, extracurricular or athletic in nature, students are expected to behave as if they were still in school.

How will I know if my child has been assigned a seat on a bus?

Bus Passes are mailed each August to the eligible families of the district. These passes will indicate the bus stop location, time of pickup/drop off, and the bus number. If a family does not receive one they should contact the transportation office. If a family wants to utilize an alternative bus stop (maybe for childcare needs) an application needs to be made to the transportation office. Forms are available in each school and are to be returned to the school for their approval. The alternate stop will be approved if there is room on the alternate route/bus. No new buses will be created to accommodate alternative stops. The family will be mailed a new bus pass upon approval. Any changes made must be for all five days (either AM or PM or both) and for the full year. Applications must be submitted each year for this alternative stop as they do not carry over from the prior year.

What if we move and need a new stop assigned?

Parents must submit paperwork through the registrar's office who will inform the transportation office. Please do not send the paperwork to transportation, it must be sent to the child's school. A copy of the new bus information will be sent home with the student via the school. It takes a few days to make these revisions as we need to inform many people of any changes.

BUS RULES

School Bus Rules

Fasten your seatbelT and face forward.
Remain in your assigned seat; do not stand.
Hands, head and feet remain inside the bus.
Keep the bus aisle clear.
Use an inside voice; do not yell or shout.
Listen to and cooperate with your bus driver.
Respect other riders on the bus.
Do not eat or drink; keep the bus clean.

Please see below for information on our K-5 Ride with Pride Bus Safety Program:

https://www.morrisschooldistrict.org/k-5-parent-resources-shared-page/ride-with-pride-bus-safety-contract

TIPS FOR PARENTS

Tips for Parents

We ask that you remind your children that while riding a bus they behave like they do in school. Also, note that riding the bus may be suspended if they do not behave properly.
We strongly recommend that younger children be supervised at the bus stop by a parent or other adult.
Do not crowd the bus stop with personal vehicles as this poses a danger by obstructing traffic. Please be considerate of your neighbors as you decide where to park near the stop.
Be sure that all children respect the property of any homes/businesses near the bus stop.
Do not “chase” the bus if your child misses the bus.
Encourage your child to walk in groups to the stop, if possible.
Tell your children to stand 15 feet (nine GIANT STEPS) away from the street.
Teach your child to stop, look left, right, and then left again before crossing any street.
If waiting across the street at the stop, to not cross until the driver directs them to cross.
Review with your child the danger zones around a school bus (places where they may not be seen by the driver.) Namely, anywhere within 10 feet of the bus is a danger zone. Behind the bus is a danger zone. Never cross behind the bus! Do not retrieve something under the bus. They should only cross 10 feet in front of the bus.
Clothe your children in bright colors to increase their visibility in the early morning and late afternoon hours. You can also put reflective tape on jackets and backpacks.
Parents are strongly encouraged to escort all students to and from the bus each day.

Please see below for information on our K-5 Ride with Pride Bus Safety Program:

https://www.morrisschooldistrict.org/k-5-parent-resources-shared-page/ride-with-pride-bus-safety-contract

TIPS FOR STUDENTS

Tips for Students

The Transportation Services Department provides district students with the best and safest vehicles and drivers. We ask for your cooperation in helping to ensure that your child complies with the following regulations:

From Home to the Bus Stop:

While waiting to board a bus here are a few things to keep in mind for everyone's safety!

When leaving your home, go directly to your bus stop. Always leave home on time so you can walk to the bus stop and arrive at your bus stop ten (10) minutes ahead of the bus. The driver will NOT wait for you!
Learn your route number and who your driver is. It is imperative that you use your ASSIGNED bus stop each day!
Keep the roadway clear of books, clothing, and other articles. Never play in the path of traffic, and stand 12 feet away from the road when the bus approaches.
Do NOT damage property, such as flowers, shrubbery, windows, fences, and other items while waiting for the bus.
Avoid making excessive noise.
Remember that FIGHTING at bus stops, and/or on the way to and from a school bus stop, subjects the student to DISCIPLINARY ACTION (to be reported to the school Principal).
Do NOT RUN alongside the bus when the bus is moving. Wait until the bus stops; then walk to the door and board the bus in an orderly manner. DO NOT PUSH OR SHOVE. Respect others personal space.
If you live on the opposite side of the road from a bus stop, wait on your side of the road until the bus arrives and the driver gives the signal to cross the road.

While Riding the Bus:

*Please note: In an effort to ensure student safety and reduce student management issues and concerns video cameras may be used to monitor students during transportation to and from school and after school activities.

Riding the school bus is a privilege. Repeated and/or serious misconduct can result in loss of riding privileges!
Listen to the driver and the aide’s instructions. The driver of a school bus is in complete charge of the passengers while they are aboard. The aide is on the bus to assist the driver and to help children with special needs. Both adults share in the care of your children.
Keep in mind the driver has the authority to assign seats. Please note: All K-5 students will have an assigned seat.
Be seated immediately, and remain seated until the brake is set or until the driver gives the all clear.
Extending arms, legs, or head out of the bus doors or windows is extremely dangerous, keep all body parts within the bus at all times!
Use your inside voice so that you do not distract the driver.
Hold books or backpacks on your lap; keep the center path clear at all times.
Band instruments or other large objects will be allowed on the bus ONLY if the items can be held in the student's lap or secured by the driver. Letting your driver know in advance when you know you will need to transport large school project/items, is advised.
Do NOT tamper with the emergency door, fire extinguisher, or other equipment on the bus.
Skateboards may only be transported if they are completely concealed in a carrying bag which can be held on your laps or secured by the driver.
Food and gum are to remain in your lunch box or bag at all times. Water is permitted in a leak proof non-breakable container, but cannot be consumed on the bus.
Pointed or sharp objects such as pens, pencils, or scissors WILL remain in your backpack or notebook at all times.
Glass containers of any type are not allowed on the bus.
Pets, insects, dead or alive are NOT permitted on the bus.
Seat coverings must not be damaged in any manner. Anyone caught damaging the equipment will be subject to a disciplinary action and/or restitution.
Fighting or scuffling on the bus or creating any loud disturbances will result in disciplinary action!
Shouting to pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles, is a distraction to the driver.
Keep all objects within the bus. (A trash can is located at the front of the bus for your convenience.)
The school bus is an extension of our schools; a drug free zone. TOBACCO PRODUCTS as well as Chewing tobacco/ E-cigarettes/ Vape pens are included as a drug.
Use appropriate language and hand gestures that do not offend others.
Flammable materials, lighters, matches, and other such paraphernalia are not allowed on the bus.
Respect others' personal space and property by keeping your hands to yourself.
The same rules and regulations apply to after school.

On the Trip Home:

You are permitted to leave the bus only at the regular designated stop.
Assist younger children when leaving the bus.
If you MUST CROSS the street, walk ten (10) feet in FRONT of the bus and look up at your driver for his/her okay to step into the street. Then, WALK ten (10) feet to the OUTSIDE EDGE of the bus, STOP and LOOK both ways to be certain all traffic has stopped and then proceed to the other side of the street.
Go Directly HOME!

Please see below for information on our K-5 Ride with Pride Bus Safety Program:

https://www.morrisschooldistrict.org/k-5-parent-resources-shared-page/ride-with-pride-bus-safety-contract

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you not pick up my child in front of my house?

Can a parent ride the bus to see what happens on a bus?

Is every school bus equipped with seat belts?

How are drivers qualified to be a driver?

CDL license which requires written and driving tests
Extensive reference checks are made before they are employed
Driving history is reviewed at the beginning of each year and again in January to ensure they have no points or convictions.
Fingerprint background checks are maintained by the state for any violations of the law which would cause the driver to be removed from the district.
Medical and vision testing completed every two years
Pre-employment and ongoing random drug/alcohol testing.
Annual staff development training
Supervisor observations

Are the buses inspected by Department of Motor Vehicles?

Why do my children need to participate in an emergency bus evacuation?

How do I change my child’s bus stop as I have a babysitter for my children?

Why is my bus often late in picking up and dropping off my child?

While we strive to provide families accurate data in when we expect to be at the bus stop each morning or afternoon, there are many things which prevent us from doing so. These include: Traffic, weather, number of students riding that day, substitute driver, construction, vehicle malfunction, police activity, etc. There are many great reasons to live in New Jersey--driving here isn’t one of them.

Why are bus monitors on some buses?

My child has a medical issue that the bus driver should be made aware of. How should I get them that information?

How will I know if the bus is running late?

The district is exploring new technology to allow for better communication with families as to the arrival time of the school bus. You can expect more information to be sent out as these purchases are made:

GPS tracking software/hardware is being explored which will connect to an app on your phone.
Voice notification system which would call you if your child’s bus is expected to be late

What happens if the bus is involved in an accident?

If your child’s bus is involved in an accident, the operator will immediately radio their dispatcher with vital information. The dispatcher will notify the appropriate emergency personnel to respond. The school will be notified and an appropriate school representative may be asked to go to the scene of the accident, depending on how serious the situation may be. If your child needs to be transported anywhere, for any reason, by emergency medical technicians at the scene, you will be notified. If your child is not injured, you will not be notified and your child will be transported to school or home, as appropriate, as soon as a release is given by local law enforcement. Your child will not be counted tardy or absent. If the accident occurs on the way to school, the children will be checked by the nurse upon arrival. If the accident occurs on the way home from school, the children will be checked by nurse the following school day upon arrival.

Children are allowed to contact their parents/guardians via their cell phone in emergency situations. If they do not have a cell phone, dispatch will call for them. We ask that you do not report to the scene until instructed to do so by the local police, as they need to control the scene. Parents are NOT allowed to remove their child from any accident scene until local law enforcement permits. All children will be delivered to school/home as is required.

Things are happening on the bus that the operator doesn’t do anything about—Why?

The operator’s first and foremost responsibility is to drive the bus. Although the operator is required to maintain order and discipline and ensure that students observe all bus safety rules they cannot see everything that is happening on the bus at all times. There is a referral process for drivers to report to the school students who are not observing safety rules. They can refer students if they observe an infraction or if it has been reported to them by a student(s). If something is happening on the bus that concerns you and your child, please contact the principal of your school or call our office so we can assist.

Who is responsible for resolving discipline problems that occur on the bus?

I would like to talk to my child’s bus operator about a problem on the bus. How do I go about this? Couldn’t I just meet the operator at the bus stop location?

Parents are not allowed on a school bus. Parents who decide to board a bus, ignoring the warning of the bus operator, are subject to arrest and prosecution under the law. To talk with an operator, please contact the school your child attends and request a conference with the operator. Please provide the bus number and/or operator name, if possible. The school will coordinate with the Transportation Department and set up a conference.

My child was running towards the bus and the operator looked at him/her then drove off. Why?

While it might look as though the operator “looked at the child and drove off” it is generally not the case. Operators must check all the mirrors on the bus before moving. By looking at the mirrors it may seem as though the operator looked at the child, but sometimes the child may not be in their line of sight. The best way to make sure your child does not miss the bus is to be at the stop about 10 minutes before the scheduled stop time.

Can my child bring their skateboard, band instrument, or sports equipment on the bus?

OTHER HELPFUL INFO

Other Helpful Info

School Closings & Delayed Openings

Closings and Delayed Openings

N.J.A.C. 6A:27-1.3: "District boards of education providing transportation services shall be responsible for the suspension of transportation services due to inclement weather or other conditions."

School Closing

If schools are closed, transportation services will be suspended. This includes field trips, athletics, Vo-Tech, and any non public school where transportation is provided by the district.
If your child does not attend Morris School District and transportation is provided by an outside agency, you will be required to transport your child or check with that outside agency to see if that school is open, closed or delayed.
Morris County Vocational School shared time students will be required to make alternate transportation arrangements on days that district schools are closed. If at all possible, the district will provide limited transportation to assist families on these days. Two bus stops will be established: Morristown High School and Morris Plains Post Office for both pick-up and drop-off.

Delayed Opening

All bus pickups will be delayed two hours and all schools will open two hours later than the usual time.
For specific school schedules, please contact each school’s main office.

Instrumental/Athletic Equipment on Bus

Instruments/Athletic equipment on bus

All instruments/equipment or school projects brought on the bus must fit safely on the child’s lap while the bus is in motion. If this cannot be achieved, alternate arrangements must be made by the family. The passageway of the bus cannot be blocked. Seats cannot be used as they are assigned to other students. If you think that there may be space on another seat for item, please contact the school administration to work with the bus driver. They will work to ensure the items can be strapped down so as to not become a problem on the moving bus.

Lost & Found

Lost and Found

Encourage your child to check to see if they have all of their belongings before they leave the bus.
Any items left on the bus will be turned into the transportation office at the end of the session runs. Parents are asked to call and report missing items as soon as possible.
Unclaimed items are donated to appropriate charities at the end of the school year.

Non-Public Students

Non-public Students

Routes or Aid in Lieu: The district is responsible for the transportation of children who attend non-public schools. However, this responsibility is limited financially. Each year the State Department of Education will establish a dollar limit per child that a district is allowed to spend on a non-public route. If the district can provide a route at or below this cost, a bus route will run. If this cannot be achieved, the family will be given money to offset their cost of providing this transportation; this is called Aid in Lieu.
A B6T form starts the process of Aid in Lieu. Each year (before March 15th) the non-public school administrator will provide families a form called the B6T (a State Department of Education form). The family completes the form and returns it to the non-public school. The school will then certify the form and forward it to us. We will combine these forms to see if we can provide a bus route. Families will be told if a bus has been provided or whether they will receive Aid in Lieu payments.
An Aid in Lieu voucher for payment will be issued to the eligible families twice a year. The signed vouchers need to be returned by January 31st and June 30th. Failure to submit a completed and signed form, will result in non-payment of Aid in Lieu.

OOD Special Education Students

Out of District Special Education Students are provided transportation as described in the student's IEP. Sometimes when parents meet with the Child Study Team to review the child’s educational needs, it is decided that the child needs to attend a school outside of the district. The district will provide for this bus unless the parent wishes to drive the child. Given the diverse nature of children's needs and schools involved, the district contracts with vendors to provide this service. To save some costs, the district will work with a nearby district to see if they also are sending students to the same school, sharing the cost of that route. Parents will be contacted by the drivers of these routes before school starts.

WHY RIDE THE BUS?

Why ride the bus?

The District provides free bus transportation for eligible students. We ask that you consider utilizing this service for safety and environmental reasons.

Safety
- Many parent's cars result in a congested school site limiting access to emergency vehicles
- Extra cars on site increases the likelihood of a pedestrian accident
- Safest mode of transport to/from school when compared to personal vehicles, railroads, and airplanes. According to the National Academy of Sciences, a child is 13 times safer in a school bus than other modes of travel. Children riding to school with another teenager are 44 times more likely to be fatally injured than in a school bus; 23 times more likely if riding to school with an adult driver.
- Safety requirements include:
  - Well-padded, high back, energy absorbing seats. These seating systems provide "automatic protection" for young passengers.
  - Brake systems that enable the school bus to stop in a shorter distance than other large vehicles.
  - Lamps and reflective devices that indicate when the bus is loading and unloading passengers.
  - Special mirrors that allow the driver to see critical areas directly in front and along both sides of the school bus.
  - A stop arm that extends out to the left side of the bus to warn motorists when the bus is loading or unloading passengers.
  - Several emergency exits.
  - Rollover protection that reduces the likelihood of a roof collapse and allows for operable emergency exits even after the roof is subject to extreme forces.
  - A passenger compartment designed to reduce the chances of injury to occupants caused by sharp edges of body panels that my tear loose in a crash.
  - Protected fuel tanks, fuel pump, fuel delivery system, emissions control lines and connections to protect against fuel spills in severe crashes.

Green. Despite they're being painted yellow; it is better to think of buses as green!
- Air pollution: On average each bus route eliminates about 36 passenger cars on the road daily and their associated carbon emissions. It is estimated that 44.6 billion pounds of carbon is eliminated annually by utilizing school buses.
- Fuel consumption: Nationally, buses save the equivalent of 300 thousand tankers of fuel annually.