Dear Parents/Guardians and Students, 

Transportation service is mandated by the State of Illinois for those students who live more than 1 ½ miles from home to school or in an area declared hazardous.  The River Trails School District provides the transportation with no fee to and from school for those students who qualify.  The State of Illinois prescribes the conditions governing school bus operations.

 River Trails School District is pleased to provide transportation to students who qualify according to the State of Illinois policies.  Safety is the highest priority of the transportation department.  We ask your cooperation with school personnel in implementing proper behavior patterns for those pupils who ride the bus.  Your assistance is greatly appreciated.  You can assist us by reading and explaining the Bus Rider’s Safety Handbook with your child before the start of school.

 Thank you,

 Terry Young

Director of Transportation

The goal of the Bus Rider’s Safety Handbook is to help provide safe transportation for students who ride the school buses.  Parents should take time to read and discuss the material in this handbook with their child.  Riding the school bus is a privilege provided by the school district and should be treated as such. To ignore these rules may result in disciplinary action or suspension of the privilege to ride the school bus.

Please note that ALL school rules apply to bus riders.  In addition, the bus riders need to adhere to the following regulations and rules:

1. School bus riders, while in transit, are under the jurisdiction of the school bus driver.

2. Students on the school field trips are under the jurisdiction of the teacher and the chaperon assigned to the trip.

3. Students must be on time at the designated bus stop.  Stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus.

4. Riders must not approach the bus until it comes to a complete stop.  When boarding the bus, line up and board in single file.

5. All students will be assigned seats.

6. Students must remain seated at all times.

7. Riders must be alert to a danger signal from the driver.  In the event of an emergency, remain on the bus until the driver gives instructions.

8. Students must keep hands and heads inside the bus at all times.  Do not throw anything out of the windows.

9. The noise level on the bus must be controlled.  Loud talking, laughing, or unnecessary confusion divert the driver’s attention and could result in a serious accident.  Controlling the noise level is especially important at railroad crossings.

10. Students are expected to take care of bus seats and other equipment.  Vandalism will be prosecuted.

11. Eating, drinking, and gum chewing are not permitted on the bus.  Students are expected to help keep the bus clean and safe.

12. Animals are prohibited on the bus.

13. The aisles must be kept clear of personal belongings.

14. Bus riders are expected to be courteous to fellow pupils and the bus driver.  This includes helping to look after the safety and comfort of smaller children.

15. The throwing and shooting of materials (such as stones, rubber bands, snowballs) is strictly prohibited at all times at the bus stop and on the bus.

16. The driver is not permitted to stop at places other than the regular bus stop without proper authorization from a school official.

17. Students must observe safety precautions when leaving the bus.  After existing, move directly away from the bus.  If it is necessary to cross the street, proceed to a point at least 10 feet beyond the stop arm in front of the bus on the right shoulder of the street where traffic may be observed in both directions.  Wait for a signal from the driver permitting you to cross.

18. Bus riders are expected to show special consideration for the lawns, bushes, and property of people, especially when awaiting the bus in the morning or disembarking after school.

19. Students are not permitted to ride a bus other than the one they are assigned to ride.

1. A bus video surveillance system is an operation to help monitor students while they ride district buses.  Bus safety is a top priority and bus drivers cannot watch the road and closely monitor students at the same time.

2. The surveillance system will help monitor student behavior and permit the bus driver to concentrate on driving.

1. Students who do not follow good habits of safety and courtesy as outlined in the Bus Regulations will jeopardize their right to ride the school bus.

2. Bus drivers attempt to work with students in an effort to maintain discipline on the buses.  They may talk to students warning them about inappropriate behavior.  They may reassign students to different seats.  After attempting interventions without success, bus drivers have been instructed to report behavior, which does not reasonably conform to the expectations outlined in the Bus Regulations to the principal.

3. When students are reported to the principal’s office for misbehavior on the bus, the following consequences may be applied:

• The parent will be notified by the school principal that the student’s behavior must improve if the student is to continue riding the bus.
• Students may lose bus-riding privileges for up to 10 days.
• Serious offenses may lead to the permanent expulsion from the bus.

4. NOTE: There will be NO refund of the transportation fee when bus-riding privileges have been revoked

 

Parents/Guardians: 

1. Must realize that school transportation is a PRIVILEGE.

2. Shall advise their children, on an ongoing basis, of the regulations to be observed when riding a school bus.

3. Have their children at their bus stop 5 minutes prior to the arrival of the bus.

4. Are responsible for their child’s safety and conduct prior to boarding and after drop off at the designated stop.

5. Are expected to meet the bus at the designated stop, be visible to the bus driver or have a responsible sibling or caregiver there when Kindergarten students are being picked up or dropped off.

6. Are expected to cooperate with the school principal and bus driver.

7. Realize that the bus driver is not authorized to change bus stops or routes.  All changes must be authorized through the Transportation Department.

8. Should report any problems about late arrivals and departures to the Transportation Department.

9. Must notify the school of any changes of address.  The school will notify the Transportation Department.

10. Are financially responsible for any willful damage done to the bus by their children.

11. Are not permitted to ride the school bus.

12. Must realize that in order to ensure safe transportation, objects that may hinder the safe operation of the vehicle or the safety of the students will not be permitted on the school bus.

13. Should remove all drawstrings and toggles from outer clothing to prevent these from being caught in handrails and doors.

When schools are closed as a result of an emergency or the weather, closing information may be heard on the following radio and TV stations: AM RADIO WMAQ-670, WGN-720, WBBM-780, WLS-890; TV Channels 5, 9, and 32. You can also phone each school or check the District Homepage under Special Announcements.

During the first week of school, please allow additional time for the bus drivers and students to familiarize themselves with the routes. Route #'s are clearly posted in the bus window next to the doors.  

The following files are in PDF format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these files. (Download Acrobat Reader)

Click on each school below for the list of  routes and times.

For families living within 1 ¹/₂ miles, the bus fee is $300 for one child per family, $450 for two children per family and $600 for families with three or more children.