Bus transportation is provided to students of the Hudson School District. This privilege should be appreciated and not abused. The school bus is considered and extension of the classroom and it is the responsibility of the students to exercise proper behavior while on the school buses. The late bus departs from Alvirne at approximately 3:30 PM. The following rules apply while riding the school bus:

1. Follow the bus driver's directions and follow the safety rules.
2. All school rules apply.
3. No yelling, profanity or derogatory remarks.
4. Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
5. No throwing of articles on or out of the bus.
6. Respect the rights of others.

The failure of any student to live up to this responsibility may result in the student being denied the privilege of bus transportation and/or other disciplinary action.

SCHOOL BUSES

1. Students are to board and leave buses in an orderly fashion. Do not run or push near any bus whether it is moving or parked.
2. All school rules apply to your behavior on the bus, and at the bus stops. If you do not follow these rules, you may be suspended from the bus and/or school.

ACTIVITY/LATE BUS

The Activity Bus, also known as the Late Bus is designed to assist in transporting home those students who remain after school attending an after school activity. No student will be allowed to ride the Late Bus if they have not stayed for an approved activity. There are two buses that service our school. One bus services the area north of the school, called the North bus and the other services the area south of the school, called the South bus. These buses are not designed to duplicate the regular runs. They are offered only as an option for those who choose to get within a reasonable walking distance of their home. The last bus leaves Memorial School at approximately 3:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. Please instruct your student to get off the bus at the closest stop to your home. There is no late bus on Friday.

NORTH ROUTE: Library Street (Central Fire Station), Elm Avenue and Derry Road (True Value), Derry Road at entrance to Hills Garrison and Alvirne, Robinson Road (Hudson Speedway), Robinson Road Fire Station, Sullivan Road (Great Eagle Motel), Clement Road and Park Avenue, Central Street and Windham Road (by Greeley Street), Barretts Hill and Hazelwood, Greeley Street and Highland Street, Greeley Street and Sousa Boulevard.

SOUTH ROUTE: Nottingham West (Pelham Road and Burns Hill Road), Burns Hill Fire Station, Musquash Road and Sanders Road, Pine Road and Williams Drive, River Road and Philbrook Street, Lowell Road and Rena, Wason Road and Colson Road, Wason Road and Bush Hill Road, Bush Hill Road and Kimball Hill Road.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION GOVERNING SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Acceptable behavior on a school bus and at the bus stop will be the same as that which is acceptable within the confines of a classroom or in any other social situation. While the policy with reference to discipline is one of being firm, fair and consistent, it also contains an aspect of flexibility with regard to the particular situation, grade level of the student and any conditions, which might have to be considered as mitigating circumstances.

However, the following ranges of disciplinary action are usually maintained for the given infraction listed:

NARCOTICS: (To include, but not limited to the possession, or consumption or distribution) Suspension from school and bus intervention of civil authorities possible expulsion from school.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: (To include, but not limited to the possession, or consumption or distribution) Suspension from school and bus intervention of civil authorities.

SMOKING: Suspension from bus suspension from school and bus.

FIGHTING: Written warning detention suspension from bus suspension from school.

PROFANITY: Written warning suspension from bus suspension from school and bus.

DAMAGING PROPERTY: Written warning fine or financial restitution suspension from school and bus.

THROWING THINGS: Warning - Written warning - suspension from bus.

EATING/DRINKING: (Non Alcoholic): Warning written warning suspension from bus.

GENERAL DISRUPTION: (Including, but not limited to, rudeness, teasing of students, hands or arms out of the window, continued yelling or screaming, refusing to remain seated while bus is in motion, unsafe practices of behaviors, distraction of the driver) Warning written warning suspension from the bus suspension from the school and bus.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO PARENTS:

1. Students are to use the bus stop closest to their home and reach that location without crossing private or underdeveloped property.
2. Make appropriate plans so your youngster(s) arrive at the designated bus stop at least five (5) minutes before the estimated pick-up time.
3. Remind youngsters to respect the property rights of others.
4. Develop in your children an awareness of the molestation or personal harassment problem. Instruct them to be aware of strangers and other suspicious situations. Encourage them to report all problems to the parent, teacher or principal immediately. Instruct your youngster in all safety precautions.

Students: If you live outside the walking limits to school you are granted the privilege of riding the bus to and from school. To maintain an efficient, orderly and safe means of transportation, please remember to be on your best behavior on the bus, in the bus lines at school and neighborhood bus stop areas.

BUSES

Most of you depend on buses to get to and from school and riding the bus is a very important privilege. You can, however, lose the right to ride the bus. Remember that being on a bus is like being in a classroom. The same rules apply in both places. Students are expected to show respect, follow directions, and ride the bus safely. You are assigned one bus and that is the bus you can ride, unless you get permission from the Transportation Coordinator. The First Student Transportation Group has established the following rules and the rules apply to everyone who rides on a school bus.

Boarding the School Bus

1. Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is due.
2. Keep at least five feet away from the roadway until the bus has fully stopped. In the winter, DO NOT stand on the snow banks.
3. At the driver's signal, approach the bus in single file. Do not push and shove or run to the bus. When approaching from the road, keep at least ten feet from the bus until you are at the entrance door.
4. If you must cross in front of the bus, do not begin to cross until the driver signals you that it is safe to do so. Then look left and right before crossing. Keep at least ten feet in front of the bus at all times (the student should be able to see the driver at all times). Cross only in front of the bus.
5. After boarding the bus, go directly to a seat and sit down.

Leaving the School Bus

1. Pay attention to your surroundings. Know when the bus is approaching your stop and be ready when it reaches your stop. Remain in your seat until the bus has fully stopped.
2. When the bus is fully stopped, walk directly to the door and carefully exit the bus. Immediately move at least ten feet away from the bus.
3. If you must cross in front of the bus, wait for the driver to signal that it is safe to do so. Then walk to the headlight on the driver's side of the bus, stop and wait for the driver to signal that it is safe to continue. When the driver signals that it is safe to continue, step to the corner of the bus and look left and right yourself before doing so. Always keep at least ten feet in front of the bus (the student should be able to see the driver at all times). Cross only in front of the bus.
4. Never try to pick up or go after an object that has been dropped near or under the bus without telling the driver first. Wait for the driver to tell you that it is safe for you to go after the object before doing so.

Students are expected to follow the same rules of civilized behavior while on a school bus that they do in the classroom. Bus rules and consequences are provided so each student and parent are clear on expectations and consequences. The school bus driver is in complete charge of the school bus and the students. The driver shall be responsible to the Transportation Coordinator and shall have the same authority in maintaining discipline as a teacher in the classroom under the supervision of the School Board and the Superintendent of Schools. The school supports the bus driver's judgment in providing for the safety of students on each bus.

Parents: The School District's Transportation Coordinator handles any problems related to busing schedules and routes. Any concerns should be directed to her.