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Transportation Policy of the Lexington Public Schools

In keeping with the mandates of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relative to the transportation of students to and from school, the Lexington Public Schools has established the following criteria for the implementation of the Lexington Public Schools ’ Transportation Policy:

1. K-6 [sic ] students living more than two miles from their school, as measured from the sidewalk or public way in front of or nearest to the homeowner’s property, to the closest entrance door of the school to the homeowner’s property, will be transported at Town expense.
2. K-6 students who live two miles or less from their school and ALL students in Grades 7-12 will NOT be transported at Town expense. Those students wishing to ride the school bus must purchase a bus pass according to the fee schedule, payable in advance and for the entire year. (One-way tickets are not available.) The only exceptions to this regulation are for those students whose Individualized Education Plan (IEP) requires special transportation, and those students who receive free or reduced- price lunch.
3. Students will be picked up and dropped off at organized bus stops; door-to-door service is not available. This also applies to Kindergarten students. Students will not be required to walk more than three- fourths of a mile to a bus stop.
4. In the elementary and middle schools, as many as 65 students may be scheduled for a bus in accordance with maximum capacity of the bus.
5. Students who opt to purchase a pass later in the year, provided space is available on the bus, will be obligated to pay the full dollar amount. Partial payments and one- way tickets are not available. Contact the school office for a Student Transportation Request Form.
6. Parents in need of financial assistance in purchasing a bus pass should apply in writing to the building principal. If a determination cannot be made locally, the principal will consult with the Director of Business and Finance of the School Department.
7. Responsibility of escorting children across the street when side-walks are only on one side and/ or where the bus stop is on the opposite side of the street shall rest with the parents of the children involved.
8. Only children possessing bus passes may ride on a bus. Children are required to ride only the buses to which they are assigned.

Regulations for Bus Students

At School

• Come to the bus line only when bus is called, not before.
• Walk to the bus line.
• There is no giving or taking cuts. No "back cuts. "
• If you leave the bus line, you may have your original place upon returning.
• Walk to the bus behind the adult leading the line.
• Keep on the sidewalk while walking to the bus.
• When you have questions about your bus, see your teacher, an aide, or the principal.

On Your Bus

• Find a seat on the bus quickly.
• No saving seats.
• Do not block the aisle.
• 2- 3 children permitted in a seat. No more.
• Stay seated while the bus is moving. Wait until it stops before getting up.
• Keep hands and all articles in the bus.
• Open windows only with permission of the driver.
• Use good language on the bus.
• Be respectful to your bus driver.

At Your Bus Stop

• Be careful of traffic and observe common sense rules while waiting for the bus at the stop near your home.
• Get to your bus stop on time!

Behavior

The procedure for handling behavior problems, including bad language, on school buses shall be as follows:

1. First Offense ––A letter shall be sent from the principal of the school the student attends to the parents advising the parents of the misbehavior.
2. Second Offense ––Bus privileges may be revoked for a two- week period and parents shall be so notified by the principal of the school the student attends.
3. Third Offense ––Transportation privileges may be taken away from the student for the remainder of the school year, and the parents shall be so notified by the principal of the school the student attends.