Bus Transportation 2026-2027

Transportation Policy:

School bus transportation is a privilege and not a right.  It is not required by the State of Indiana, but PCS may provide transportation under the following guidelines:

• Transportation is determined by using the student's verified home address or an approved alternate address.
• Stops must be at the same location every morning and the same location every afternoon. Irregular days or alternating days will be the responsibility of the parents and/or daycare to transport.
• Our expectation is that all students are to be at their bus stop 5-7 minutes before the scheduled stop time.
• Students may only ride their assigned bus to/from their assigned stop.
• If your student does not ride for ten (10) consecutive days, they may be removed from the bus route. Parents will need to submit a request for transportation to resume service.
• Transportation routes, bus numbers and schedules are subject to change at any time. We recommend checking your child’s Skyward account for the most up to date busing information.

Alternate/Daycare Stops

School bus transportation is primarily designed for transporting students to and from their home.  However, PCS will transport to/from alternate stops if the following guidelines are followed:

• Alternate stops must be approved by the Transportation Dept. and alternate stops must be located on an existing PCS Transportation route and outside any established walk zone.
• Alternate stops are required to be listed as a student contact within Skyward.
• Our expectation is that all students are to be at their bus stop 5-7 minutes before the scheduled stop time.

Special Education

School bus transportation is provided to students with special needs in accordance with Federal, State and Board of Education laws, rules and regulations for service.  Specialized transportation will be determined as part of the student’s IEP or 504 plan.

McKinney-Vento

Transportation will be provided for students receiving McKinney-Vento services.

Walk Zone Guidelines

PJSHS Students will be expected to walk a reasonable distance to/from school.

• The PJSHS Walk zone is identified on the school walk zone map.
• We do not assess all possible walking routes, supervise those routes, or guarantee the safety of any particular route.
• Parents are responsible for selecting their students’ walking routes to and from school/home. 
• Crossing Guards should be used when available.

Student Riding Responsibility

While school bus transportation is a safe way to transport students to and from school, behavior MUST be adhered to.  Even seemingly mild behavior can cause a distraction to a bus driver. 

DISTRACTIONS are DANGEROUS!

Students’ responsibilities include:

• Your school bus is an extension of your school, so follow the expectations in your PCS Student Handbook.
• Always obey the driver and other school employees.
• All PCS vehicles are subject to video/audio surveillance.
• Respect others and their property.
• Do not deface or litter the bus.  Students and their parents will be held accountable for any damage caused.
• Do not tamper with any safety device, including roof escape hatches, emergency windows or any other equipment on the bus.
• Stay seated at all times: Bottom to Bottom and Back-to-Back
• Backpack on your Lap
• Keep heads, hands, arms and objects inside the bus and out of the aisle at all times.
• Talk quietly with no inappropriate language or gestures.
• No fighting, spitting or throwing objects.
• No eating, drinking, smoking, or vaping on the bus.

Parent Responsibility

IMPORTANT:  Student’s failure to adhere to the bus rules could lead to suspension from the school bus or if the behavior is repeated or severe, could lead to the permanent loss of bus privileges.

DISTRACTIONS are DANGEROUS!

Parents’ responsibilities include:

• To review guidelines/rules with their students.
• The safety of their students going to/from the bus stop and while waiting for the school bus.
• The expectation is that all students are to be at their bus stop 5-7 minutes before the scheduled stop time.
• Drivers have schedules to keep.  Parents should not engage the drivers in long conversations.
• Parents are NOT permitted to board the bus according to IC 35-43-2-2 (as defined IC 32-24-1-5.9(a)) it is a Level 6 Felony.
• Damage caused by their student to the school bus, personal property or public property. 

School Bus Safety

Bus Stop

• The expectation is that all students are to be at their bus stop 5-7 minutes before the scheduled stop time.
• Conduct themselves in a proper manner at bus stops.
• Drivers are only authorized to wait up to thirty (30) seconds at any bus stop.  Additional waiting poses a safety risk to the students and impacts route times.
• Wait for a safe distance off the roadway.  Do not wait in the street.
• Stay off lawns and other private property.

Kindergarten and Preschool Students

If unable to drop a Kindergarten / Preschool Student at their designated stop, the driver is to transport the student back to:

• Their Attending School
• The Administration Building
• The Police Department

Loading And Unloading Safety

Before approaching the bus:

• Wait for it to come to a full stop.
• Stop arm is out.
• Lights are on.

Loading the bus:

• Wait for a signal from the driver when crossing traffic.
• Look both ways and check for turning cars before crossing the street.
• Students are to walk at least ten (10) feet away from the front of the bus.
• Continue walking – NEVER stop walking, even if you drop something.
• NEVER walk behind the bus.
• Be polite and take your turn getting on the bus.
• Watch your step.
• Use the handrails to avoid accidents.
• Go to your assigned seat quickly.

Unloading the bus:

• Stay seated until the bus comes to a full stop.
• Be polite and take your turn getting off the bus.
• Watch your step.
• Use the handrails to avoid accidents.
• Do not linger around after getting off the bus.
• NEVER walk behind the bus.
• Students are to walk at least ten (10) feet away from the front of the bus.
• Look both ways and check for turning cars before crossing the street.

Cargo

We would love to be able to transport everything for the students, however, we cannot.  Many items are not allowed on a school bus for safety and health reasons.

• The following cargo is forbidden to be transported on a school bus, pets, alcoholic beverages, drugs, ammunition, explosives, firearms, knives, or any other dangerous materials or objects.
• In addition, large items, projects, bags, balloons, balls and any other unnecessary items are discouraged from being on the bus.
• Cargo may not create an obstruction.
• Items must be below window level and cannot block the aisles and/or emergency exits at any time.
• Any oversized items need to be approved by the Transportation Department before departure.
• Cargo must be secured at all times.
• Items are to be held on a student’s lap.
• Items (including band instruments) are not to be transported in the cargo/undercarriage area on the bus.
• Transporting cargo is based on capacity.
• If there is a question on the transportation of a particular item, contact the Transportation Department.