Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is committed to providing safe and efficient transportation for its students. Understanding the guidelines and rules surrounding school transportation is crucial for a smooth and positive experience for both students and parents. This guide outlines everything you need to know about PWCS transportation, ensuring your child’s journey to and from school is secure and stress-free.
PWCS provides daily bus service for students residing within the county who live more than one mile from their assigned school. It’s important to note that while transportation is provided, eligible students might need to walk up to one mile to reach their designated bus stop. Transportation services are specifically for students living outside the school’s established walking boundary. For families living closer to the school, within the walking zone, transportation is typically not provided.
For students enrolled in PWCS Specialty Programs, express bus service is available. This service operates exclusively between designated express bus stops and the schools offering specialty programs. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation for their children to and from these express bus stops, which, in many cases, may be located two to three miles from their home.
In today’s digital age, PWCS acknowledges the role of technology. Wireless communication devices are permitted on school buses, provided their use does not distract the bus driver, compromise student safety, or violate the PWCS Code of Behavior (COB) and school bus regulations.
Mastering the Bus Stop Routine: Punctuality and Safety
Virginia state law mandates that school buses adhere to consistent routes and schedules daily. To ensure the safety and well-being of younger students, PWCS encourages parents or designated adults to accompany their children to and from the bus stop.
To further enhance the bus experience and provide real-time information, PWCS recommends families utilize the “Here Comes the Bus” app. This helpful tool allows parents to track their child’s school bus, providing peace of mind and better time management in the mornings and afternoons.
Essential Guidelines for Students at the Bus Stop:
- Ride Assigned Bus: Students should always ride their officially assigned bus to maintain accurate ridership and efficient routing.
- Arrive Early: Aim to be at the bus stop 5-10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. This prevents rushing and ensures the bus stays on schedule.
- Safe Waiting Position: Stand well back from the road, avoiding the travel portion of the roadway while waiting for the bus to arrive.
- Maintain Orderly Conduct: Bus stops are extensions of the school environment. Students are expected to maintain respectful and appropriate behavior.
- Respect Private Property: Show consideration for the property of residents near the bus stop.
- Wait for Full Stop: Only approach the bus once it has come to a complete stop. Then, walk to the front door to board.
- No Running: Never run alongside a moving bus.
- Orderly Boarding: Board the bus in a calm and orderly manner to ensure everyone’s safety and a smooth boarding process.
Onboard Expectations: Creating a Respectful and Safe Bus Environment
The school bus is a shared space, and maintaining a positive and safe environment is a collective responsibility. Students are expected to adhere to specific rules and guidelines while riding the bus.
Student Responsibilities While Riding the Bus:
- Obey Driver and Attendants: Always follow the instructions given by the bus driver and any bus attendants. They are there to ensure everyone’s safety.
- Immediate Seating: Upon boarding, students should take their assigned seats or find a seat promptly and safely.
- Remain Seated and Facing Forward: For safety during transit, students must remain seated, facing forward, throughout the bus ride.
- Seat Sharing: Share seats fairly and respectfully with fellow students.
- Courtesy Matters: Treat bus drivers and fellow students with courtesy and respect.
- Respect Property: Avoid damaging or defacing the bus in any way.
- Body Parts Inside: Keep all body parts inside the bus windows at all times for safety.
- Clear Aisles: Keep aisles clear of backpacks and personal belongings to prevent tripping hazards and ensure easy movement in case of emergency.
- Maintain Good Conduct: General good behavior is expected throughout the bus ride.
Prohibited Actions on the School Bus:
PWCS has a zero-tolerance policy for certain behaviors that jeopardize safety and disrupt the bus environment. The following actions are strictly prohibited on school buses:
- Igniting any fire or flames.
- Engaging in fighting or physical altercations.
- Smoking or vaping.
- Using profane language.
- Horseplay or disruptive play.
- Eating or drinking (unless medically necessary and pre-approved).
- Spitting.
- Using obscene gestures.
- Vandalizing or damaging the bus.
- Throwing objects out of the bus windows.
- Creating excessively loud noises or disturbances.
- Bringing glass objects onto the bus (unless required for a specific school-related purpose).
- Transporting large objects that obstruct aisles or seating.
- Videotaping, recording, or photography that results in harm, disruption, or driver distraction.
- Tampering with bus equipment.
- Possessing weapons of any kind.
- Using, possessing, or distributing drugs, alcohol, or related paraphernalia.
- Littering on the bus or out of the windows.
- Making threats of any kind.
- Endangering the safety of oneself or others.
- Any other violations of the PWCS Code of Behavior.
Safe Departure: Exiting the Bus and Proceeding Safely
Just as boarding safely is important, so is exiting the bus and ensuring students’ continued safety after disembarking.
Guidelines for Leaving the Bus:
- Remain Seated Until Stop: Students must stay seated until the bus has come to a complete stop.
- Orderly Exit: Leave the bus in a calm and orderly manner, with students in the front seats typically exiting first.
- Leave Bus Stop Area: Once safely off the bus, students should promptly leave the bus stop area when it is safe to do so.
- No Lingering: Do not linger or play around the bus after exiting.
- Crossing the Street: If crossing the street is necessary, do so in front of the bus at a distance of at least 10 feet from the front of the bus.
- Wait for Driver Signal: Never cross until the bus driver has signaled that it is safe to cross.
- Prohibited Crossings: Crossing roadways with four or more traffic lanes or divided roadways in front of the bus is prohibited due to safety concerns.
- Disciplinary Issues: In the event of a serious disciplinary issue in the afternoon that the driver deems unsafe to manage, the driver may return to the school to seek immediate disciplinary action or assistance. Bus drivers are required to report any infractions to the school principal or designated personnel.
Bus Route and Stop Changes: Requesting Modifications
Maintaining efficient bus routes is essential for PWCS transportation. Any changes to a student’s regular bus routine require proper authorization.
Changing Buses or Bus Stops:
To request a change to a student’s regular bus stop (either a different stop on the assigned bus or riding an alternate bus), parents must submit a written request to the school principal. This request is subject to the principal’s approval before the change can be implemented. The school office will then notify the bus driver of the approved change.
Changes to established bus stop locations or bus routes require approval from the PWCS Transportation Department. Similarly, changing a student’s assigned bus also requires permission from both the school principal and the Transportation Department. This ensures route efficiency and student accountability.
Trespassing on School Buses: Maintaining a Secure Environment
School buses are considered extensions of school property, and access is restricted to authorized individuals.
Authorized Access Only:
Only students assigned to the bus, PWCS staff, and authorized personnel are permitted on school buses. According to Virginia law, it is unlawful for any unauthorized person to enter or remain on school property, including a school bus, after being directed to leave by an authorized individual.
Riding the School Bus: A Privilege and Responsibility
Bus transportation is a privilege provided by PWCS, and maintaining this privilege requires responsible behavior from students.
Consequences of Misconduct:
If a student is reported to the principal for misconduct on the bus, disciplinary action will be taken. This may include temporary or permanent loss of bus transportation privileges. In such cases, parents become responsible for providing transportation for their children. To reinstate bus privileges, a meeting may be required involving the parent, bus driver, principal, and potentially a representative from the Transportation Department to develop a plan to address and correct the problematic behavior.
PWCS Regulation 431-4, “Transportation for Students/Safety on School Buses,” provides further details and guidelines regarding student transportation and safety. For more in-depth information, refer to this regulation available on the PWCS BoardDocs website.
Threats of harm made on a school bus, at a bus stop, or related to school transportation can result in serious consequences, including loss of transportation for a specified period or the remainder of the school year, in addition to other disciplinary actions.
To further enhance safety and accountability, some PWCS school buses are equipped with video observation systems that record onboard activities.
For any questions or concerns regarding your child’s school transportation, please do not hesitate to contact your school principal or the PWCS Transportation Department for assistance. They are valuable resources for resolving transportation-related issues and ensuring a positive experience for your child.
* Note: Riding the school bus is a privilege, except as legally required for students with disabilities.
