**All transportation changes must be made prior to 2pm daily

Elementary:

AM Drop-off:  Please pull in the South Circle driveway.  Pull up to the sidewalk and an adult staff member will be there to assistant and direct.

PM Pick-up:  Line up in the South Circle driveway.  Student dismissal for car riders is at 3:06.  Students line up behind the corresponding cone for their grade.  The person picking them up must be on the Car pass.  Changes or additions need to be called into transportation (351-2035) by 2pm daily.

If you also have a middle school student to pick up, you may specify the elementary student to be middle school pick up.  These students line up in the elementary and are walked over to Middle School (M3) pick up area by a staff member. You must park on the North end of the Middle school and check in with the staff member that is with your student.

Middle School:

AM drop-off:  Please use the drive at the North end of the Middle school.  Student should enter the North Middle School Door (M3).

PM Pick-up:  Please park on the North Side of the Middle School.  The middle school dismisses at 3:20pm daily.  Students for pick up will exit the North middle school doors (M3) to the parking lot. If there is a change in normal routine for pick up those need to be communicated to the school (351-2377) by 2pm daily.

 
1.  How do I know which bus I ride?

Information will be available with online registration information. If you have additional questions, you may call Gaylon Wisel at 260-351-3214 ext. 4610.  You may also leave a voice mail message. The transportation department requests up to a 48 hour notice for a new stop or change in stop to take effect.
 
2.  What if I want my student dropped off at a different location, i.e., new address, daycare center, babysitter, etc.?

Bus passes are only given to students to go to a babysitter or a family member and up to 1-3 days only.  A Permanent change must be completed online at www.ph.k12.in.us - transportation - transportation change form or send a note to the building secretary. A hand written note given to the driver will NOT substitue for a bus pass.  For transportation changes, the transportation department requests up to a 48 hour notice for a new stop or change in stop to take effect.
 
3.  What can I expect from my child’s bus driver?

Prairie Heights CSC prides itself on the quality and professionalism of our bus drivers. Our drivers have had extensive training and continuing professional development to maintain their effectiveness. The first priority of our bus drivers is to ensure that your student has a safe trip to and from school. Our drivers are willing to work with you on any problems that may arise. Before you call the Transportation Department with a complaint, you need to talk with your bus driver first. Bus drivers’ phone numbers are given at the beginning of the year with your bus information or you may call the Transportation Office to get the phone number of your driver.
 
4.  What are the bus rules for my student?

Bus rules are on the PHCSC webpage and listed on each bus. The transportation department asks for your assistance in making sure your student knows how to behave on the school bus. Students must follow the bus rules as well as the driver’s directions at all time. Riding a school bus is a privilege that the school district offers to all students who comply with the bus and safety rules.
 
5.  What if my student has a problem on the bus?

In order to resolve a problem, you need to speak first with your student’s bus driver. The bus driver will make every attempt to help your student. If you feel that the problem still exists after talking to the bus driver, then you need to call the Transportation Department and speak with Gaylon Wisel II (351-3214 x 4610).  Before you call the Transportation Department with a complaint, you need to talk with your bus driver first. Bus drivers’ phone numbers are given at the beginning of the year with your bus information or you may call the Transportation Office to get the phone number of your driver.
 
6.  How can I find out information about weather delays?

A decision is usually made between 5:30 – 6:00 a.m. concerning a school delay or cancellation. After the decision is made, the information is placed on the district’s weather line, school messenger, PHCSC website (www.ph.k12.in.us) and called in to the following radio and TV stations: WTRC radio, WOWO radio, WTHD radio, WLKI radio, WAJI radio, WANE-TV 15, WPTA-TV 21, and WKJG NBS-33 as well as FOX 28, WSBT-TV 22, and WNDU-TV 16. The safety of our students is always our first priority. As a parent, you always have the right to keep your students home on days of severe weather if you disagree with the decision. The student will be excused only if your student has not exceeded the limit of days each semester that does not require a doctor’s excuse. Parent must still report the absence to the school.

7.  What if my student hears something that I don’t approve of on the bus?

It is impossible for the bus driver to hear everything that is said on the school bus as the driver must concentrate on road conditions and hear over the noise of the engine. However, if your student hears something inappropriate, he/she should inform the bus driver while the bus is stopped for loading or unloading. You should notify the bus driver of inappropriate comments related to bullying, swearing, or sexual comments.

 
According to the laws of the State of Indiana, the bus driver has the SAME right as a parent to make responsible decisions in matters involving discipline.  
“DON’T LOSE YOUR RIDING PRIVILEGE”
 
FOLLOW THESE RULES - The student should:

1. Observe the same conduct and handbook rules as in the classroom.
2. Be courteous; respect others and their property – NO Bullying.
3. Help look after the safety and comfort of the smaller children.
4. Not use unacceptable language – NO Cursing.
5. Not eat, drink or chew gum while on the bus; it is a choking hazard. Assist in keeping the bus safe and sanitary at all times.
6. Not be destructive of school property, i.e., writing on or poking holes in seats. Students will be required to pay for damaged seats or equipment before being allowed back on the bus.
7. Not ask the driver to stop at places other than the regular bus stop; the driver is not permitted to do this except by proper authorization from a school official.
8. Stay in his/her seat, facing the front of the bus; do not leave your seat when the bus is in motion.
9. Cooperate and be respectful to the driver and others.
10. Keep head, hands and feet inside the bus. Do not throw anything out the bus windows.
11. Be on time at the school bus stop; help keep the bus on schedule.
12. Stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus. After departing from the bus stay away from the bus.
13. Understand that the bus driver is authorized to assign seats at anytime.
14. Wait to enter or leave the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the driver has opened the door.
15. Remain in the bus in the event of a road emergency until instructions are given by the driver. Do not use a cell phone until directed to do so by an adult hired by the school corporation.
16. Remember that loud talking and laughing or unnecessary confusion diverts the driver’s attention and could result in a serious accident.
17. Carry no animals on the bus. Large projects that cannot be held on the student’s lap without blocking a window should be transported to school by parents. No Balloons are permitted.
18. If the Bus is equipped with seat belts the students are required to wear them while on the bus.  Refusal to wear the belts while on the bus will result in disciplinary action.

 
NOTE:

In cases of misconduct, the driver may suspend the student’s riding privilege for 1 day without clearing it through the office.

AND

Upon recommendation of the driver, following Due Process, the student may be disallowed to ride the bus for the remainder of the school year.
 
Notification will be given to parents when violations of these rules occur. All written citations must be signed by the parent and returned to the bus driver the following day in order for the student to be able to ride the bus.