Parents and Students:
Please take time to read through this booklet and then
complete the bus rider form enclosed. Sign the form and
return to your bus driver.
Our goal at Castle Rock School District Transportation is to
provide the safest bus service possible. To achieve this, we
expect bus riders to obey the driver promptly, follow the
rules, and be courteous to others.
The bus is an extension of the classroom. It is the first class in
the morning and the last in the afternoon. As such, classroom
conduct must be observed at all times.
Any questions about this handbook may be directed to the
Transportation Department at 501- 3126.
For more bus information, check out the transportation link
on the Castle Rock School District website at
www.castlerock.wednet.edu. On the home page, click on
Transportation to the left of the page.
Thank you for reviewing the bus rules with your students so
riding the bus to and from school, or for extracurricular
activities, is a pleasant and safe experience for everyone.
Tracy Bryan
Transportation Supervisor
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Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 392-145-016
Rules for students riding school buses
Who is in charge?
The bus driver or substitute driver is in charge and has the
authority for the safe operation of the school bus while
students are loading, riding, unloading, and crossing the
roadway.
Students must obey the driver promptly.
Bus drivers and substitute drivers are school district staff
members and must be shown respect.
Any action by students that creates an unsafe environment
will not be permitted. Such behavior will result in disciplinary
measures.
Disciplinary measures
Castle Rock School District policy procedure 6605P
Transportation Dept. procedures in italic
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Any student violating the rules in this handbook can expect
the following:
Warning: When a student’s misconduct is of a minor nature
which does not jeopardize the safety or welfare of other
students or the operation of the bus. Parents may be notified
through a bus conduct report (white slip) or the student(s)
may receive a verbal warning from the transportation
supervisor and/or assistant.
Suspension/Short-term denial of transportation: When a
student’s misconduct is deemed to jeopardize the safety of
bus passengers and operation, or when repeated warning
notices fail to correct inappropriate or abusive behavior, or
when a student incurs damage to the bus. Parents will be
notified through a bus conduct report. If more than one day of
transportation is denied, parents will be called.
Expulsion/Permanent denial of transportation: When a
student’s misconduct is of such nature that the safety of the
bus operation and/or of the occupants was willfully and
seriously threatened (i.e. student assaulting the driver or other
student; possession or use of any fire-making device.) Parent
will be called and student will no longer be able to ride any
bus, including sport or field trip buses.
Failure to follow bus driver instructions may result in denial
of transportation.
If a student receives a white slip, it must be signed by a
parent or guardian and returned to the bus driver the next
day. Transportation may be denied if the conduct report is
not returned.
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At the bus stop – getting on and off
Students at or near a bus stop are subject to school rules.
Students are to be at their bus stop
five (5) minutes before pick up time.
Parents meeting students in the
afternoon should be at the stop at least 5 minutes before dropoff time. Students 2nd grade and under must have a parent
or older sibling at the stop.
At the bus stop, students
a. will stay out of the roadway while waiting for the bus
b. will stand away from the roadway curb when any bus
is approaching or leaving.
c. will get off the bus in an orderly manner.
d. will cross the roadway in front of the bus only when
consent is given by the driver.
e. will be in full view of the driver at all times when
getting on or off the bus.
Students will have only 1 designated pick-up and drop-off
location.
Students getting off at a stop other than their own are required
to have written permission from their parent/guardian or
school staff. (See page 9)
Students may not pick up their mail when getting
off the bus. Because of time and safety issues,
students are to go directly home. DO NOT GO TO
MAILBOX UNTIL BUS IS GONE.
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While riding the bus
Outside of ordinary conversation at normal voice levels,
classroom conduct must be observed.
This means students
a. will sit properly in their seats, facing forward
b. will refrain from throwing objects
c. will keep their hands to themselves
d. will be courteous to their follow passengers
e. will share seats willingly
f. will keep aisles and emergency exits clear.
g. will remain seated while the bus is in motion and
not get on or off until it has come to a full stop
Students may be assigned a seat in which he/she will be
seated at all times unless permission to change is given by the
driver.
Students will be seated in sections by school. High school in
the back, middle school in the middle, and elementary in
front.
Bus windows
Windows on the school bus may not be opened without
permission from the driver. Passengers are not to extend any
part of their bodies out of the bus windows at any time.
Certain activities may result in immediate withdrawal
from the bus and/or referral to law enforcement.
These include:
1. Aggressive action toward bus driver or other students
2. Fighting on the bus
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3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Throwing objects in or out of the bus
Possession of weapons/dangerous articles
Destroying or defacing district or private property
Use of sparking devices
Smoking, drugs, alcohol, or any form of tobacco
Obscene gestures or profanity directed at the bus
driver or other students
9. Public display of affection
10. Intimidation/Harassment (Bullying)
Harassment, intimidation, or bullying can take many forms
including slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendos, demeaning
comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical
attacks, threats or other written, oral, physical, or
electronically transmitted messages or images.
Do not bring these items on the bus
WAC 392-145-021(3)
1. Glass objects: bottles, jars, vases, etc.
2. Food, drink, and gum
3. Balloons or other items which could startle or block
vision of driver
4. Live critters: bugs, animals, worms, snakes, etc.
5. Any item that is dangerous, illegal, or against school
district policy
6. Oversized objects and band instruments* that cannot
fit safely in the seat with the student
*Band instruments allowed are flute,
clarinet, trumpet, trombone, or alto sax.
7. Weapons: guns (real or toy), knives (real or toy), razor
blades, etc.
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8. Sports equipment which could endanger others
9. Any object with wheels or motor, i.e. skateboard,
scooter
10. Laser pointers
11. Flammables, aerosol cans
Cell Phones/Tablets
Students may not photograph or record others while riding on
the bus.
Listening devices
Students listening to music must use headphones.
Misconduct on a bus will be sufficient
reason to discontinue providing bus
transportation to pupils involved.
Vandalism
Any student found to have intentionally damaged any Castle
Rock School District property, or the property of any Castle
Rock School employee or student, shall be subject to possible
denial of transportation by Castle Rock School District and
possible referral to law enforcement.
The school district will be reimbursed for damage to school
buses by pupils. Parents of students damaging school buses
will be held responsible.
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Emergency exit procedures WAC 392-145-080
All students must participate in emergency exit drills as
conducted by the driver.
Keep your bus clean
Students are to leave no trash on the bus. Students will be
responsible for cleaning up any messes of their making.
Railroad crossings WAC 392-145-070
When the bus comes to a stop at a rail grade
crossing, all passengers must be quiet so that
the driver may hear an approaching train.
Changing bus or pick-up, drop-off location
Students will ride only their assigned bus unless written
permission to do otherwise has been received by school
officials.
Changes in pick-up or drop-off location must be on a
permission note sent with the bus rider and dated and signed
by a parent/guardian. (See instructions next page.)
No verbal agreements will be made between driver and
parent. No phone calls or text messages to drivers. All calls
must go through the school offices or bus garage.
In an emergency,* phone the school office and a pass will be
given to the student. Last-minute arrangements may be made
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by calling the bus garage at 501-3126. Please leave a phone
number where you can be reached.
*NOTE: Examples of emergencies are car problems, lastminute medical appointment, unexpected overtime at work,
etc. Students who suddenly decide they want to ride home
with another student will be denied.
Any forged or falsified note written by a student will be
cause for permanent denial of transportation.
Taking a student off the bus
If a student needs to be taken off a bus, parent/guardian must
go to the school office or the transportation department (bus
garage on D Street next to the middle school) to pick up.
Do not go to the bus to take a student off as drivers are not
authorized to release students.
Instructions for permission notes
Who needs a note?
 Any student EK-12th grade going to a location that is
not his/her regular drop off after school.
 Any student who does not normally ride a bus.
The note must include the following:
1. Student’s name
2. Name and address of person/place where student is
going. (Bus number if known)
3. Date when student is to go to the different location
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4. Person and phone number to contact in case of
problems
5. Date and PARENT SIGNATURE
Only notes signed by the parent/guardian of the student going
to the different location will be accepted.
Students who regularly get on or off at an alternate address
may have a permanent note on file for the current school year.
A new note is required each fall. Call the bus garage, 5013126 for instructions.
Large number of students riding to an address
If plans are being made for four (4) or more students to be
riding a bus to an address such as for a party or meeting, call
the bus garage at 501-3126 first to be sure there is enough
room on the bus.
Inclement Weather Procedures
When snow or ice makes bus transportation
hazardous, Castle Rock schools may use a 2-hour
late start and/or snow routes as an option to total
school closure.
If the decision is made to run school using a late start or snow
routes, notification will be made via radio station
announcements. These broadcasts will be on Longview
stations KLOG 1490 am, KLYK 94.5 fm, KZOE 90.3 fm,
KBAM 1270 am, KEDO 1400 am, KUKN 105.5 fm,
KRQT 107.1 fm and KZNX 89.7 fm; Centralia stations
KCED 91.3 fm, KELA 1470 am, KMNT 104.3 fm, KITI
1420 am and KITI 95.1 fm; and Olympia stations KXXO
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96.1 fm and KFMY 97.7. We will also contact the
following television stations: KLTV (11) in Longview;
KATV (2), KOIN (6) and KGW (8) in Portland; and KCPQ
(13), KOMO (4), KING (5), and KIRO (7) in Seattle.
We call all of the stations listed above by 6 a.m. so please
listen to your radio or television for the information.
It is the responsibility of the parent to get the student to the
pickup and drop off locations during snow routes. We do not
recommend students walking to/from these locations. Road
conditions make it hazardous for both vehicles and
pedestrians.
Snow routes can be found on the Transportation link at
www.castlerock.wednet.edu. Clink transportation on the left
of the home page and then on snow routes. Additional
information is listed under Emergency School Closures.
There is also a link to FlashAlert.net. With a simple
subscription process, parent & students can sign up to receive
the very latest information on school delays and closures.
How are school buses funded?
The state has changed its method of bus funding. Now riders
are counted every day, morning and afternoon, as students get
off and on the buses at the schools. Funding for buses is based
on several factors, the most important being number of riders.
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Castle Rock School District transportation
asks students who depend on buses to ride
as much as possible. More riders means
more state money to cover transportation
costs and better serve our students.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Name
Transportation office
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
District Office
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Number
501-3126
501-2910
501-2920
501-2930
501-2940