Transportation

The Pennsauken Public Schools provide transportation for children in the district who qualify according to the guidelines listed below:

Mileage Limits:

The Board of Education shall transport eligible pupils to and from school and school related activities in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:39-1 et seq., N.J.A.C. 6A:27-1 et seq. and Board policy. Transportation shall be provided only to eligible public and nonpublic (and charter, if applicable) school pupils, authorized school staff members, and adults serving as approved chaperones.

The Board will provide transportation to and from school for public school pupils less than remote from their school in grades K through 8 who live more than one miles from the school they attend. All students in grades 9-12 will be transported.

The Board will transport pupils certified by a physician as temporarily disabled regardless of the distance between their home and school.

The Board will transport disabled pupils in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:46-1 et seq. and Policy No. 8670.

The Board will approve all bus routes by August 1 of each school year, with the exception of Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students. Bus routes for all non-remote pupils who must walk to and from school along hazardous routes will be designated. The Board will consider, but shall not be limited to, the criteria outlined in N.J.S.A 18A:39-1.5 in determining “Hazardous Routes.”

The Board will not be responsible for the transportation of nonresident pupils to or from school, except that transportation to and from school will be provided for homeless children for whom the district is determined to be the district of residence and for homeless children enrolled in this district when no district of residence has been determined.

Routes and Stops:

Prior to the beginning of each school year, routes are established so that vehicles will travel the roads safely and serve the largest number of students within a reasonable time.

• Students are only to ride the bus assigned to them in the beginning of the school year.
• Students are expected to be in compliance with rules and regulations.
• Parents are responsible and liable for any willful or malicious damage done to school buses by their children.

Here are some recommendations for parents:

Help your child to be on time at the bus stop. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early Do not ask the driver to stop at places other than the designed stop Assume responsibility for educating your child to cooperate with the bus driver Insist on correct behavior while waiting for and riding on the bus Accompany a very young child to the bus stops

Student Responsibilities:

New Jersey statute 18A:25-2 provides that the driver is in full charge of the school bus at all times and is responsible for order. The driver shall not exclude a student from the bus. If unable to manage a student, the driver will report the matter to the principal.

Large student school projects are prohibited on the bus for safety reasons.

Students are expected to be in compliance with the following rules and regulations:

At the Bus Stop:

• Be on time at your bus stop - plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early 
• Remain on the curb - at least 3 feet back from the road 
• Show respect for private property 
• Avoid crowding or pushing as the bus approaches 
• Wait until the bus stops before moving towards the door 
• Never Stand in the Road - do not move into the road as the bus approaches

While On the Bus:

• Move quickly to your seat - Do not change your seat 
• Do not stand or move from your seat while the bus is in motion 
• The driver or principal may assign seats 
• Obey the driver promptly 
• No fighting or pushing 
• Do not talk with or distract the driver 
• Do not open or close windows without the driver's permission 
• Keep hands and all parts of your body inside the bus at all times 
• Do not eat or drink on the bus 
• Do not litter on the bus 
• Never throw anything out of the bus window
• Be courteous, talk softly - Do not use profane or obscene language 
• Report any damage to the bus to the driver 
• Students are responsible for any damage they cause to the bus 
• Obey bus safety patrol members 
• In case of Emergency remain in your seat until instructions are given by the driver
• Learn to how evacuate your bus quickly 
• No cell phone or electronic device use 
• Bus rules are an extension of classroom rules

Getting Off the Bus:

• Move quickly away from the side of the bus onto the curb 
• To cross the street or roadway - move 10 feet in front of the bus, wait for the driver's signal to cross, then cross the street 
• Never Go Behind The Bus To Cross The Street

Parent Responsibilities:

The Transportation regulations and the policies adopted by the Board of Education should be stressed with your children, not only for their own safety, but for the protection of all students riding the school bus.

If a parent finds that bus service is not satisfactory or for a lost article, please notify the Transportation Office at 856-662-8502.

Mr. John Monaco
Director of Transportation
Phone: 856-662-8502
jmonaco@pennsauken.net