Can my student be dropped off/picked up at different locations?
The safest plan for your child is consistency. We ask that you establish a five-day per week pick up/drop off.
Is my child safe on the bus without a seat belt?
Yes, the school bus is the safest mode of transportation. The bus is built with the safety of the children in mind (compartmentalization). The seats are padded on the front and rear. In the event of an accident, the seats are designed to absorb the forward motion of the students.
What if my child is moving around and not seated properly on the bus?
It is important that your child is sitting properly in the seat. The driver will work with the students on how to sit properly on the bus. If this fails, the driver will write a bus referral. If the situation does not improve, the student will be given a second bus referral and suspended from bus riding privileges.
Why did the bus drive past our bus stop?
Many times students are missed because they are waiting for the bus inside the home, on the porch, in the garage, or are sitting in a vehicle. We ask that students be at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive and that they are standing in full view of the driver as the bus approaches.
We missed the bus - can we chase it?
Never chase the bus. If you miss it, you will have to transport your student to school.
What if my student has to cross the street when boarding or exiting the bus?
Always have your student cross in front of the bus, staying ten large steps ahead of the stopped bus. The driver will give the student a "thumbs up" signal when it is safe to cross.
Why can’t the bus stop closer to my home? Don’t my taxes pay for transportation service?
Every homeowner in the Clarkston Schools attendance area pays taxes regardless if they have children attending school in the district or live in an area where transportation service is not offered. The school district only collects dollars from the state based on student headcount. Each dollar spent on transportation reduces the amount spent on educational programs. School districts are NOT required by law to transport general education students. Clarkston strives to transport students to and from school in the safest, most effective way, while directing district funds to educating students.
It is the first day of school...why is the bus late?
The first week of school, bus schedules run late due to the extra time it takes for students and drivers to get into a routine. Many parents want to talk with the driver, take pictures, etc. We may also have to stop the route to assist a student who may have gotten on the wrong bus.
Isn’t it a state law that kindergarten students are dropped off and picked up at the door?
No, it is not. We will attempt to pick up and drop off kindergarten students as close as we can. In most cases though, students will use the bus stop that is centrally located for all elementary students. Please keep in mind that many of our kindergarten students live in a non-transportation area and have to walk to school.
Will the driver drop off my student if I am not at the bus stop?
A parent/guardian is expected to be at the bus stop ready for the students anytime after the dismissal bell. The driver will always attempt to watch for a parent/caretaker. However, please be aware that this is done as a courtesy and not an expectation. You should have an emergency plan in place and your child should know where to go or what to do if you are not home.
