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School Bus Wagon compliments of the Annapolis Valley Macdonald Museum in Middleton. Horses crafted by Lawrence Boates of Middleton Bus Garage.
AVRSB is the recipient of its 20th
NS Pupil Transportation Gold Level Achievement Award for excellence and safety and the Gerry Buchan Award for highest achievement for three consecutive years.

Frequently Asked Questions 1. How do I find out my child's bus schedule information?

Answer #1
Information is distributed to the schools prior to September of each year.

2. How far do I have to live from the school to be eligible for School Bus Transportation?

Answer #2
Under the Education Act, students will be transported if they live a distance greater than 3.6 km from the school, students who live within 1 km of the school will be expect to walk.

3. If I have a question regarding transportation eligibility, who do I call?

Answer #3
Transportation is provided to and from one stop per child. Contact your local school or the Transportation Department at 538-4641.

4. If I do not meet the eligibility criteria noted above, is there any other way my child can travel on a Board operated school bus?

Answer #4
If there is room on a bus that travels to or from your child's school, it is possible to have this service extended to you. Bus routes, times and stops are not altered for the purpose of transporting courtesy students.

5. Who would I contact if I have a question or concern about the School Board's Transportation Policy?

Answer #5
For questions or concerns about Board Transportation Policy contact the Transportation Department at 538-4641.

6. What is the policy to have a stop added and who do I call?

Answer #6
In order to establish a bus stop, there can be no more than 3 stops in 1.6 kms with the stops being no closer than 3/10ths of a km from one another. If the request is for a location off the current bus route, the stop must be more than 0.6 km from the main route and be a public road. If a stop is to be considered, all families currently using the stop must be in agreement. After a request is made, it can take up to one week for the stop request to be checked into and a decision made.

7. How do I arrange transportation for my child with special needs?

Answer #7
The school administration will complete a form requesting special transportation for your child. The form asks for detailed information relating to you child's needs. This information is then directed through the Transportation Specialist in order to initiate transportation.

8. If I have received permission for my child to transfer to a school other than the one serving our area, is transportation provided?

Answer #8
Transportation is not provided in this situation, it is the parent/guardians responsibility to transport the child to the school or the nearest bus stop serving the school, as a courtesy student.

9. My child has broken his/her ankle; does the Board provide transportation for temporary injury?

Answer #9
The Board is not obligated to provide transportation; it is a parental responsiblity to arrange transportation in this situation. If the parent has no means of transportation, the Transportation Specialist will give assistance where ever possible.

Rules & Responsibilities Appendix B – AP 202.4

Annapolis Valley Regional School Board

TRANSPORTATION ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES PARENT /GUARDIAN

The responsibility for the safe and timely arrival of students at the School Bus Stop and the student's safe return home from the School Bus Stop rests with the parent or guardian.

- Students are expected to board the bus at the approved School Bus Stop nearest their home address.

- The parent or guardian will ensure the student arrives at the Bus Stop a minimum of five (5) minutes before the scheduled bus arrival time. The driver is not obligated to wait for late arriving students.

- Travel on the school bus is a privilege. Parents/guardians will encourage the student to demonstrate cooperation and courtesy on the bus.

- The parent or guardian must advise the student that inappropriate behaviour on the bus may cause a serious incident or accident, and to emphasize the importance of following the Instructions for School Bus Passengers (shown below). The parent or guardian may be required to meet with School Board Staff and the Bus Driver following inappropriate student behaviour on the school bus.

- Parents or guardians shall not attempt to board the school bus at an established School Bus Stop or loading or off-loading zone. It is a Crimianl Act to interfere with the normal operating procedures of the school bus.

- It is a Criminal Act to to pass a school bus in either direction while the school bus is displaying flashing red lights.

- The bus driver does not have the authority to off-load or load a student at an unapproved School Bus Stop.

- Where students are requesting travel on a bus other than the bus the student would normally travel on, the parent or guardian must submit a written request to the School for approval. The parent or guardian acknowledges that the student will load or off-load at a scheduled School Bus Stop (a stop will not be added to accommodate the request of a space available student).

PARENTS OR GUARDIANS PLAY A ROLE IN SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SCHOOL BUS PASSENGERS

1. The Driver is in full charge of the school bus. Obey his/her instructions.

2. Be on time. The Bus will not wait.

3. Do not talk to the driver unless necessary.

4. Keep the seat assigned to you by the driver.

5. Do not use foul or profane language.

6. No loud or boisterous talking, yelling or, whistling.

7. Do not stand or move about while the bus is in motion.

8. Do not open windows without the driver's permission.

9. Do not put hands, arms, feet, or head out of the bus window.

10. Do not throw anything inside the bus or out of the windows.

11. Do not eat or drink on the bus.

12. When the bus is in motion, keep the aisle of the bus clear at all times.

13. When it is necessary to cross the road in front of the school bus, walk 3 meters (10 ft) in front of the school bus to a point where you can see the driver; cross to the center of the highway, STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN, and cross the highway when it is safe to do so.

14. If there is no sidewalk, walk well over on the left side of the road when walking to and from the bus stop.

15. Never stand or play on the road while waiting for the bus.

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