Important Information
Bus Conduct Rules
Student safety is the primary concern of the Martin County School Board Transportation Department. The following safety rules and conduct codes have been established to help insure student safety while riding the school bus. Safety demands complete cooperation. Violations of any of the safety rules and conduct codes, or any other dangerous or disruptive acts on the bus, may result in suspension of bus riding privileges. A School Bus is an extension of the classroom and actions not allowed in class will not be allowed on the bus.
Be on time at the designated school bus stop. We suggest being at the stop five minutes before the scheduled bus stop time.
Stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus.
Do not move toward the bus until the bus has been brought to a complete stop. Wait for the driver's signal if crossing the road. Cross in front of the crossing arm, never behind the bus.
Do not leave your seat while the bus is in motion, and keep aisle way clear at all times.
Keep hands and head inside the bus at all times. Windows can be opened to the legally designated line only.
Loud talking and laughing or unnecessary confusion diverts the driver's attention and could result in a serious accident. Quiet voices must be used on the bus.
Eating, drinking, chewing gum and smoking are not allowed.
Do not throw anything in the bus or out the windows. Keep the bus safe and clean at all times.
Be absolutely quiet at railroad crossings.
Get on and off at your assigned bus stop only. The bus driver is not permitted to do exceptions to this rule without proper authorization from a school official.
Do not bring large art projects or instruments, animals, pets, or large objects on the school bus. Under no circumstances should firearms, explosives, or weapons be brought onto a school bus. Lunch boxes, smaller musical instruments, and small athletic equipment (those which can easily be transported on a student’s lap or under the seat) must be kept out of the aisle.
Never tamper with or vandalize the bus, seats or any bus equipment.
When getting off the bus, if you need to cross the road, walk out in front of the crossing arm in front of the bus. Watch traffic in both directions. Wait for a signal from the bus driver permitting you to cross.
Sit in your assigned seat only. The seat each student occupies and the back of the seat in front of the student are the responsibility of the student. Damage to school property will be the student's or guardian's financial responsibility.
Remain in the bus in the event of an emergency. Listen to the instructions given by the driver and follow the safety rules.
Observe all school conduct rules at the bus stop and while on the bus. School conduct rules apply on the regular bus routes as well as any extra curricular events.
The use of cameras is prohibited, including cell phone cameras.
Cell phones shall not be used on the bus unless the bus driver authorizes it, and the use of cell phone cameras, and any other electronic recording device is prohibited.
The privilege of riding the school bus may be denied to any student who does not conduct himself/herself in a safe and orderly fashion. School bus drivers and administration will determine what is safe and orderly. The bus driver reserves the right to assign seating for any student(s) that are disruptive in any way.
The driver has full authority of the bus while students are being transported. For misconduct, the driver, upon notifying the parent/guardian, may suspend a student from riding for one day. The building administrator may recommend a three or five-day suspension from riding. Further misconduct will result in the riding privilege being revoked for the remainder of the semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eligible for School Bus Transportation?
All Martin County School students in grades K-12 who reside beyond 2 miles from their assigned school.
How Do I Find Out When and Where The Bus Stops?
Access to the Bus routes will on our web site one week prior to school opening. The transportation program buses students to and from established neighborhood bus stops. Due to time and fairness, it is not possible to make additional stops, even if the bus is passing your residence. If you feel there is an extraordinary safety circumstance that would justify a reevaluation of the bus stop location, please put your concern in writing. We will address your issues as soon as possible
At the beginning of the school year, the bus routes are sometimes delayed. Please plan to have your child arrive at the bus stop early. Be patient, the bus will arrive. Within a few days the bus routes will settle into a routine and you will be able to correctly anticipate the schedule.
My Child is Going to Study With Her Friend After School. Can She Ride Home on Her Friend's Bus?
No, students may only ride their assigned buses. Transporting students to social events, study groups, scouts, or religious classes aboard a school bus that the student is not assigned is not permitted. If there is a family emergency or medical situation, parents should notify the school and we will make necessary arrangements.
Can a Student's Conduct Result in Suspension From The School Bus?
Students are expected to behave in a manner which will provide for optimum safety of the individual student as well as the safety of other students aboard the bus. When a student is reported for violating a safety rule in or around a school bus, school officials will review the situation with the student. Parents will be notified of the behavior. Depending on the severity of the offense or the frequency of violations, the student can receive a warning, brief suspension, or suspension from the bus for the balance of the school year. At the beginning of the school year you will receive a copy of the conduct rules. This document will outline expected student behavior. Please review the conduct rules with your child.
If I Feel There Is a Problem With Student Behavior or The Operation of The School Bus, To Whom Should I Report This?
The Transportation Office welcomes all inquiries and concerns. Feel free to contact us and we will address your issues. You can contact the transportation department at 772-219-1287 Ext 100
Do you have cameras on the busses?
Video cameras are used on school buses to monitor student behavior while traveling to and from school and school activities. The Board believes that such monitoring will deter misconduct and help to ensure the safety of students and staff. Students found to be in violation of the district’s bus conduct rules shall be subject to discipline in accordance with district policy and regulations.
Stop on Red Campaign
To help increase awareness about School Bus Safety, the Florida Department of Education, Florida Department of Highway Safety, and Florida Transportation Department have launched a new campaign, Stop On Red - Kids Ahead. This campaign includes valuable information for parents and drivers for keeping children safe on their way to or from school.
Back to School
1) What time does my child need to be at the bus stop for pick-up?
Students should report ten (10) minutes prior to scheduled bus arrival time.
2) Who is responsible for students while they are waiting at the bus stop?
Parents or guardians are responsible for supervising their children between home and the school bus stop, as well as while waiting for the school bus to arrive.
3) How can I find the bus stop for my child?
Bus stop locations are available on the Transportation page. Or call 772-219-1287.
How far can my child be required to walk to his/her bus stop?
Rule 6A-3.001 of the Florida State Board of Education
A reasonable walking distance for any student who is not otherwise eligible for transportation pursuant to Section 1011.68, F.S., is any distance not more than two (2) miles between the home and school or one and one-half (1 1/2) miles between the home and the assigned bus stop. Such distance shall be measured from the closest pedestrian entry point of the property where the student resides to the closest pedestrian entry point of the assigned school building or to the assigned bus stop. The pedestrian entry point of the residence shall be where private property meets the public right-of-way. The district shall determine the shortest pedestrian route whether or not it is accessible to motor vehicle traffic.