Frequently Asked Questions

Snowline Joint Unified School District

Transportation Department

Mission Statement

Because the school bus is an extension of the classroom experience, we are an integral part of the education of all students within the Snowline District. The mission of the Transportation Department is to provide our District with a SAFE, dependable service so that our students may enhance their educational journey and ensure their academic success. We are continually striving for a positive experience for the students, staff and community.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Safety is Free…………We use it Generously!

WHO MAY NOT RIDE A SNOWLINE SCHOOL BUS:

Students residing within the non transportation eligibility zones –
- Transportation Eligibility Zones:
- Grades K-5 reside at least One (1) mile from school of enrollment
- Grades 6-12 reside at least Two & one-half (2.5) miles from school of enrollment

Students who have been denied transportation in a disciplinary action
Students that do not have in their possession a current/valid Snowline school bus pass
Student on Open Enrollment/Intra District transfer. Attending school outside of student’s residence boundary

SECURING A BUS PASS:

For the safety of each child, all students must have a current Bus pass application on file prior to riding the bus. All applications are accepted online through our website at www.snowlineschools.com/apps/pages/transportation. Once the form is received by our Transportation Office, the student will be assigned a route and bus stop based on their physical address. All information on the bus pass must match current information in the Aries system. Transportation will be in contact with updates or needed information to complete the request. Bus passes will be distributed thru the mail or by the bus driver. Bus pass applications should be completed at the beginning of each school year and starting school for the first time in our district. **If you move, you must first update your address with the school district before transportation can change your route/bus pass in our system.

REPLACEMENT BUS PASSES:

SJUSD is not responsible for lost or stolen bus passes. If after a bus pass has been issued it is determined that the information originally provided on the application is in error or there is a request for change of residence address by the parent/guardian, they will be responsible for a $10.00 replacement processing fee. Cash only

DISPLAYING BUS PASSES:

All students are required to display his/her bus pass to the bus driver each and every day before boarding at bus stops, school loading zones. Students without a current bus pass shall be issued a reminder memo for each day a pass is NOT presented and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including denial/revocation of all transportation privileges.

Beginning the first semester the students will be given a 10-school day grace period to secure a valid bus pass. All bus pass applications can be submitted online at www.snowlineschools.com/apps/pages/transportation. Students who fail to obtain a valid bus pass will be given a written reminder notice. Following the 4^th reminder notice, the student will receive an unsatisfactory conduct letter at home along with a call to their parent/guardian. Uninterrupted transportation service can only be maintained if a student has in his/her possession a current/valid bus pass and presents it to the bus driver or district personnel as required/requested.

BUS PASS VIOLATIONS:

The following standards of progressive actions regarding the absence of school bus passes have been established. Violations shall include but are not limited to:

Students not having in their possession a current/valid Snowline school bus pass shall receive “reminder memos” each day.
Upon receipt of the 4^threminder memo, transportation personnel will call the parent or guardian and a written notice of unsatisfactory conduct will be issued with a deadline to get a $10.00 replacement pass.
If a replacement pass has not been obtained by the deadline, your student will be denied transportation and left at the school site.
Pupil Transportation may resume with a valid/current bus pass in hand.

BUS PASSES ARE THE PROPERTY OF SJUSD AND WILL BE SURRENDERED UPON REQUEST.

REPLACEMENT BUS PASSES:

MEETING YOUR STUDENT:

Kindergarten students must have a release authorization form on file at Transportation.

To assure the safety of our student(s), you or a designated adult are required to be at your “must be met” student’s assigned bus stop daily when they are being picked up or dropped off. The designated adult at the bus stop will need to be physically present at the door of the bus to receive the student(s). If someone authorized is not at the bus stop to receive their “must be met” child, the student will remain on the bus until the bus driver can return the child to school; if that is not possible the student will be turned over to the local Police Department. After (3) incidents wherein a student is not met at their designated bus stop and must be returned to school, transportation privileges shall be revoked.

Only kindergarten students are required to have a designated person at least 13 years of age at the bus stop to receive them. Students in grades 1 through 12 are not required to be picked up. Parents of kindergarten students may sign a waiver that allows the kindergartner to walk home unattended or with a person younger than 13 years of age.

BUS STOPS:

Possession of a current bus pass entitles a student to ride between home and school of attendance.
Per Ed Code: 5 Students shall be assigned to the safest bus stop closest to their legal residence address of record.
A bus pass shall be issued with an assigned bus stop, student picture, name, school of attendance and grade.
Students are to board or exit the bus ONLY at their assigned bus stops.
Bus drivers shall stop only at designated stops approved to receive or discharge students by SJUSD.
Once a student has boarded the bus at a bus stop or school site, they may not leave the bus, unless escorted by parent, guardian or school official.
Students wishing to ride home with another student must possess a current bus pass and have a note of authorization from student’s parent before the student will be allowed to board or disembark from the bus at another stop other than his/her own. The note is only valid for a one time use and must contain the following information: student name, alternate bus stop, date, contact phone number and signature of parent/guardian.
For the safety of all students and to avoid children chasing after a moving bus, once the bus has departed from the curb, at either the school site or bus stop the driver is not permitted to stop the bus to board late students.
Students are instructed to be at the assigned bus stop 5 minutes before the posted stop time.
Parents who drive to the students bus stop shall park their vehicle on the same side of the roadway as the bus Please allow ample room for the bus to pull over safely.

BUS SCHEDULE CHANGES:

The bus driver is not authorized to make any adjustments or changes to his/her route. Please note that whenever our bus schedules formally change, the driver will issue notices to students at a minimum of 2 days in advance. The Transportation Department web site will be updated on the day the change goes into effect

DELAYED BUSES:

Your child should arrive at the stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled arrival time of the bus. School buses have to endure the same traffic conditions that plague commuters. If there is construction, an accident, minimum days, mechanical break-down, inclement weather, longer than scheduled loading at a previous school bus stop or a substitute driver, the stops may not be absolutely consistent with the regular times. If the bus is late, ask your child to remain at the stop. There will always be a bus in route ASAP. If the wait becomes extreme (approximately 15 minutes), please call the transportation department at (760) 868-6739 for an update. If no one answers, please leave a message!

BUS BREAKS DOWN OR INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT:

In the event that a school bus accident does occur the California Highway Patrol will be called to do an accident investigation pursuant to VC 12517.1. The accident scene must be investigated and cleared by the CHP officer on scene before students may be released. The students will either continue on their bus to their destination or be transferred to a relief bus to continue on their way. Students cannot be released at the accident site unless it is a designated school bus stop and only upon the instruction of the CHP officer. Students shall only be released to their parent and/or guardian. It will take some time for CHP to resolve the situation. Don’t panic!!! Please call Transportation Department for updates @ (760)868-6739. We will be monitoring the situation with our two-way radio system with which each bus is equipped.

Accidents on a school bus are very rare, according to the National Transportation Safety Administration the school bus is the safest form of passenger transportation. Our school bus drivers are specially trained to give students the best service and protection available. School bus drivers are required by law to receive more training than any other driver in the state. A school bus driver’s background is checked by the Department of Justice and/or the FBI prior to receiving a Certificate to drive a school bus. School bus drivers must participate in a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, and are randomly tested thereafter. All school bus drivers must attend regularly scheduled safety meetings, and attend additional training sessions to maintain the skills needed to safely transport students. School bus drivers must have and maintain a clean driving record, both professionally and personally.

BUS EVACUATION & SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: California Department of Education code 39831.5

“All pupils in pre-kindergarten to grade 12, inclusive, in public or private schools who are transported in a school bus or school pupil activity bus shall receive instruction in school bus emergency procedures and passenger safety. All pupils in pre-kindergarten to grade 8, inclusive, who receive home-to-school transportation shall receive safety instruction that includes, but is not limited to, proper loading and unloading procedures, including escorting by the driver, how to safely cross the street, highway, or private road, instruction on the use of passenger restraint systems, proper passenger conduct, bus evacuation, location of emergency equipment and may include responsibilities of passengers seated next to an emergency exit. As part of the instruction, pupils shall evacuate the school bus through emergency exit doors.” Students and driver must know what to do. Know where all the bus emergency exits and equipment are and how to use them and participate in evacuation drills. In an emergency it is up to the students and driver to stay calm. Students must listen to the bus driver and follow instructions carefully.

SPECIAL NEEDS TRANSPORTATION:

Special needs transportation is granted in accordance with a student's needs as a related service to the IEP (Individualized Education Plan). Initiation may take up to (10) days to obtain all emergency information, process the route, contact drivers and communicate with parents and other professionals involved. Call transportation with any questions (760) 868-6739.

SNOW DAY INFORMATION:

Even though it may have snowed the previous evening, and weather forecasts may be calling for severe weather, the decision to call off school for inclement weather and/or unsafe road conditions is not made until approximately 5:00am after a careful analysis of current road and weather conditions throughout the District.

The SJUSD provides this web page as an additional avenue for parents, students and staff to obtain “snow day” information including “inclement weather” bus route schedules. SJUSD will use an automated telephone calling system to notify parents, students and staff of any changes to the school day due to inclement weather. To receive information via a recorded telephone message call (760) 868-6739

TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION:

Bus radios are essential to daily operations ensuring effective communication between bus drivers and dispatchers. They are used to coordinate routes and schedules, disseminate safety updates, or maintain communication during inclement weather or hazardous road conditions. Ultimately, they foster a secure environment for the students and staff on board.

LOST ITEMS ON BUSES:

Transportation does NOT have a “Lost & Found”. Although we are not responsible for items left behind, drivers are required to check the bus from front to back each time the last student exits and at the end of the day. If anything is found, the driver will return the item to the student or school site the following school day. Please have your child check with their driver.

RIDING THE BUS IS A PRIVILEGE:

The Snowline Joint Unified School District Governing Board has adopted rules and regulations to assist students in understanding their responsibilities while riding buses throughout the school district and while on field trips. The school bus is an extension of the classroom, and appropriate behavior is expected at all times. These rules will assure safe travel to and from school and must be observed while the students are waiting at school bus stops. Students who are identified as causing vandalism at the bus stop or exhibiting disruptive behavior at the bus stop may lose their bus riding privileges.

School district staff and bus drivers want every child to be safe. Any student behavior that affects the safety of other children or the bus driver will not be tolerated. Audio/Video surveillance occurs on every school bus and the recordings may be used in student disciplinary proceedings. The same student behavior rules apply to students waiting or being dropped off at their bus stop including respecting the rights of property owners and the neighborhood where the bus stop is located. The District does not supervise bus stops and is not responsible for the control and conduct of students at bus stops. Parents have the responsibility to supervise their students until they are safely aboard the school bus.

California Department of Education Code 39842(a): (A)“Any person who enters a school bus or school pupil activity bus without prior authorization of the driver or school official with the intent to commit any crime and who refuses to disembark after being ordered to do so by the driver or other school official is guilty of a misdemeanor and is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or by both.”

INTRA-DISTRICT TRANSFER TRANSPORTATION:

Intra-district transfers are not eligible for bus service. The Intra-district Transfer Request form states “Parent/guardian assumes all responsibility for transportation.”

INTER-DISTRICT TRANSFER TRANSPORTATION:

Transportation has specific bus stops offered to inter-district students; subject to availability.

Snowline Joint Unified School District Bus Conduct and Safety:

Title 5 CCR 14103: Authority of the Driver.

(A)“Pupils transported in a school bus or in a school activity bus shall be under the authority of, and responsible directly to, the driver of the bus and the driver shall be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the pupils while they are on the bus or being escorted across the street, highway or road. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reason for a pupil to be denied transportation. A bus driver shall not require any pupil to leave the bus en-route between home and school or other destinations. “(B)” Governing boards shall adopt rules to govern this section. Such rules shall include, but not limited to, specific administration procedures relating to suspensions of riding privileges and shall be made available to parents, pupils, teachers and other interested parties. “

Remember: For the safety of everyone aboard, the bus driver must devote full attention to the road. The safety of the passengers and community depends upon the proper, safe conduct of each individual. Pupils are responsible for safekeeping, controlling, and presenting their passes.

School bus rules of conduct are established first and foremost to ensure that the student has a safe ride to and from home. The school bus is an extension of the classroom, and appropriate behavior is expected at all times.

Safety Rules for the Bus

Students are required to load and exit only at the bus stop transportation has assigned to them. Be at the bus stop before the scheduled bus stop time. (recommended 5 minutes)
Students are required to stand back at least 12 feet and wait in a single file line for the bus to come to a complete stop before trying to board. Don’t crowd the door, push or shove.
Bus passes must be displayed when entering the school bus at the bus stop and at the school site or any time requested by District personnel. Students are prohibited from using, attempting to use, an expired, stolen, found or forged or altered pass.
Students shall respect and follow the instructions and directions of the bus driver at all times which may address behavior, seat selection and other safety and welfare matters. (5 CCR 14103)
Students may talk quietly with the person seated next to them. No excessive noise or behavior that distracts the driver. Yelling, Loud noises, standing, changing seats, etc. are examples of unacceptable behavior.
Students shall load and unload the bus in an orderly manner and keep emergency exits and aisles clear.
Students shall properly wear passenger restraint system (seat belts) and remain seated, facing forward for the entire trip.
Students are not to put anything outside the bus windows. i.e. body parts, objects, voices or gestures.
No eating, drinking or gum chewing at any time on the bus. Students are expected to keep the bus clean.
No profane language, abusive body contact or obscene gestures are allowed.
Horseplay & Fighting are not permitted on a school bus or at the bus stop. No physical or verbal attacks, no taunting, harassment or bullying. Please encourage your student to speak with you or their driver about any issues they are having. Call Transportation as soon as possible with information. NOTE: fighting & horseplay shall result in immediate revocation of bus riding privileges for all participants regardless of who may have instigated the incident. (minimum of TEN (10) school days suspension)
No Smoking, Vaping, being in the possession of, use, under the influence, give, sell, or transfer illegal drugs, alcohol, vapes, tobacco, other controlled substances, unauthorized prescription drugs or synthetic substances. (13 CCR 1222) Results in immediate loss of bus riding privilege (minimum of FIFTEEN (15) school days suspension)
Having unsafe or unauthorized objects including but not limited to (real or toy) firearms, weapons, explosives, pointed objects, open flame of any kind on the bus is prohibited by law. Results in immediate loss of bus riding privilege (minimum of FIFTEEN (15) school days suspension)
Students are not to use projectiles or throw anything inside the bus. If the bus driver is struck, transportation privileges will be revoked for the remainder of the 23/24 school year.
Damage or vandalism to the bus/district equipment will result in immediate revocation of bus privileges until all

fees have been paid. The responsible party for any student will be held financially liable for the cost of repairs.

Results in immediate Loss of bus riding privilege (minimum of FIVE (5) school days suspension)
Students must never open, close or tamper with any parts of the bus emergency exits or camera system.
No Animals, (i.e.: birds, fish, reptiles, insects) (13 CCR 1216(d), breakable containers, inflated balloons, water guns or skateboards.
Cell phone and electronic device use is at the discretion of the driver. Even if initially permitted, once the driver deems their use has become a safety hazard or disturbance, students will be required to put them away until after they exit the bus. Radios, electronic games, cell phones, tablets, computers etc. may not be used with the speaker function. Students need to use headphones. Speakers are not permitted on the bus.
California law requires a school bus with passengers aboard to stop at all railroad crossings. (vc 22452) Students must remain absolutely silent when approaching and while stopped at the crossing so the driver can look and listen for an approaching train.
When dropped off at the bus stop, if a student must cross the street, safety regulations demand that the students cross the roadway in front of the bus and at the signal of the driver. (VC 22112)
No lascivious Public displays of affection or harassment of a sexual nature. Results in immediate loss of bus riding privilege (minimum of TEN (10) days suspension)

CONSEQUENCES FOR UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR:

It is important that students and parents understand that riding a school bus is a privilege and not a right of the student. This privilege can and will be revoked when serious misconduct occurs or when minor infractions repeatedly occur. Refusal of the district to provide transportation under these conditions does not excuse parents from their responsibility, by law, of having their children in school each day.

The driver will ensure that student-passenger rules are clearly understood, and effectively enforced. Verbal explanation of the required conduct will be given on the bus by the driver at the beginning of each school year and reviewed as necessary. Students demonstrating unacceptable behavior shall be given a verbal warning by the driver. If a student fails to respond to a verbal warning and continues to demonstrate any unacceptable behaviors the student shall be subject to the following disciplinary consequences:

First offense -Written warning
Second offense - One (1) school day suspension of bus riding privileges
Third offense - Up to three (3) school days’ suspension of bus riding privileges
Fourth offense - Up to five (5) school days’ suspension of bus riding privileges
Fifth offense - Up to (10) school days’ suspension of bus riding privileges
Sixth offense - Loss of bus riding privileges for the remainder of the school year.

**In the interest of student and driver safety, all SJUSD buses are equipped with audio/video cameras. Theses cameras are used to ensure the safety of the students as it relates to student management issues. The cameras discourage negative conduct, reduce disciplinary problems and vandalism on the buses and may be used in student disciplinary proceedings. Access is limited to the transportation management team, District Admin., School Police and shall not be made viewable to the general public.

**These rules help ensure safe bus transportation for students, bus drivers and the community. Failure to abide by one or more of these rules may result in the revocation of bus riding privileges. Students who fail to comply shall be reported to Transportation Department staff who shall determine the severity of the misconduct and shall act accordingly. In the case of a severe violation or repeated offenses, the student may be denied transportation privileges for a period of time determined by the Transportation staff in accordance with District Policy, up to the remainder of the school year.