Mars Area School District would like to remind parents/guardians of the importance of discussing proper behavior with your children, especially when it comes to riding the school bus.  

All school buses should be considered an extension of the classroom; therefore, expectations for students’ behavior both in school and on the school bus are the same. Just like in the classroom, students on the bus are expected to follow the rules, be respectful, remain seated, keep noise levels down, and refrain from any disruptive or dangerous conduct. The bus driver's primary responsibility is to transport students safely, and any misbehavior can pose a serious distraction.

We encourage you to have an open conversation with your children about bus safety rules and the consequences for not following them. General bus rules, which are posted on each school bus, state that students must:

1. Sit in their assigned seat.
2. Remain seated and facing forward.
3. Keep the aisles clear.
4. Keep themselves and their belongings inside the bus.
5. Talk quietly and nicely.
6. Respect others, their person, and their belongings.
7. Refrain from eating and drinking. Open food containers are prohibited on school buses at all times.
8. Wait until the bus stops, before standing up to exit the school bus.
9. Upon exiting, keep at least 10 feet away from the bus.

As it is of the utmost importance for our bus drivers to have their attentions focused on traffic and road conditions; our drivers have been instructed to pull the school bus over in a safe location to address any inappropriate behavior. Please be aware that this may increase the time for a bus to get to and from school.

We ask that parents/guardians remind you children that riding the school bus is a privilege, and that privilege can be lost, if they fail to meet behavioral expectations. Bus drivers are responsible for the discipline of students once they enter the bus and while they are being transported to and from school. Any student who fails to comply with the bus driver will be referred to the Building Principal for discipline, in accordance with District Policy 218 Student Discipline. Levels of discipline will include:

           First Offense:    Warning.
      Second Offense:    3-day suspension of bus privileges
          Third Offense:    Indefinite suspension of bus privileges (Note: In that event that a student’s bus privileges                                         are suspended, his/her parent/guardian will be responsible for transporting the student                                           to and from school.)

 Note: Cameras are in use on all buses that provide transportation for Mars Area School District. 

Again, Mars Area School District encourages all parents/guardians to please talk with your children about appropriate behavior both on and off of the school bus. By working together and setting clear expectations, we can ensure a safe, comfortable, and positive experience for all students during their bus rides to and from school.

Any questions or concerns regarding school bus transportation may be directed to Mars Area School District’s Transportation Office [email protected].