Transportation

St. Joseph Public Schools Transportation Office

Contact Transportation at (269) 926-3900

EMAIL: spetrosius@sjschools.org

Will your student be needing transportation for the 2022/2023 school year? Even if your student rode last school year they need to fill out a new request each year. The online ridership request form is now open. Please go online and have the form filled out no later than August 19th, 2022. Once approved you will be receiving a bus tag to attach to your student's backpack or computer bag. This will give your students permission to ride their assigned bus.  If you do not receive your tag or if the tag is not correct, please contact the transportation department at 269-926-3901. Bus routes and times will be posted on the school website by the last week in August.  Please use this link to fill out your request form                                                        

GO BEARS!!!                       

Stop for School buses red flashing lights, it's the Law!

Please Note:

1. These schedules are subject to change due to late enrollments.
2. Students are asked to be at the stop closest to their home.
3. Student must be at their bus stop 5 to 10 minutes prior to bus arrival.
4. Kindergarten and Young Five students must have a parent/guardian visible at stop.
5. At this time, face masks are required to ride the bus.
6. Students will load the bus from back to front.

Bus Rules

To the parents of children riding school buses:

The opportunity to ride school buses is a privilege. The cooperation and courtesy of children are necessary to assure that bus transportation is safe and efficient. The rules and regulations listed in this pamphlet are the results of a careful study based on years of experience in the operation of our school bus system. Please review these rules with your children so they will know what is expected of them whenever they ride the school bus. Bus stops are reviewed annually.

Bus drivers are not authorized to make changes to bus stops without the prior approval of the Transportation Director. Please do not ask this of them. You are invited to call the transportation office when you have a question about the school bus services. The phone number is 926-3900.

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

• Be on time at your designated bus stop. Drivers have a schedule to meet and cannot wait for tardy pupils. If the bus cancels its lights or pulls away, DO NOT CHASE THE BUS. This is how accidents happen.
• Cheerfully obey the bus driver’s instructions. Friendly, respectful people get along better.
• Students are expected to display good behavior while on the bus. Quiet conversation is fine. When approaching a railroad crossing, students are to be silent until the bus is safe across the tracks.
• Always remain seated while a bus is moving. It may be necessary to sit three to a seat. The driver may also assign seats.
• Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before attempting to enter or leave the bus.
• Eating or drinking is not permitted on the buses except for special occasions approved by the driver.
• Musical instruments, books, projects, or other personal items must be held by the owner or placed in a special seat designated by the driver if the room is available. We encourage parents to transport on days large items must be taken to school.
• Stay off the roadways at all times while waiting for a bus. Form a single line and board the bus one at a time. Remember to respect the property of others while waiting for the bus.
• Hands and heads are to be kept inside the bus at all times. There will be no unnecessary disturbing noises or vulgar/profane language.
• Students are expected to get on and off the bus at their designated stops ONLY. A bus pass for the driver or a call to transportation is expected if it is necessary to get on and/or off at another location, even if it is on the same bus you normally ride. This practice is not encouraged due to the busloads.
• When crossing, students must be 10 ft. in front of the bus, stop and look at the yellow paddle the driver holds in the window. When the driver shows the green side, students may then cross only in front of the bus. NEVER should a student cross the road behind the bus.
• Animals, glass containers, and helium balloons are not allowed on the buses.
• Students are expected to help keep the buses clean. Dispose of paper and other unwanted items properly.
• Students are asked to report any damage they see to the driver. Vandalism is a serious issue and will be addressed as soon as possible.
• Riders are expected to be considerate to all other passengers and to the driver at all times.
• Misconduct on the bus will not be tolerated. Drivers are in charge at all times and are required to report this behavior to the building principals. Riding privileges may be suspended.
• Remember…school bus transportation is a privileged, not a right. Misconduct may result in the loss of this privilege.

RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS

• Review bus riding rules with your child. 
• Be sure your child arrives at his/her stop 5-10 minutes prior to bus arrival. 
• Provide necessary protection for your child at the stop. 
• Accept the responsibility for your child’s conduct at the bus stop and on the school bus. Remember: “Adults set the example and mood for their children."

BROWN ROUTE

 Blue Fish

BROWN ROUTE 

Gray Dolphin

BROWN ROUTE 

Pink Pig

BROWN Walking Area

CLARKE ROUTE – 

Orange Turkey

CLARKE ROUTE 

 Purple Seahorse

CLARKE ROUTE 

 Red Butterfly

E.P. CLARKE Walking Area

SEE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL TAB TO VIEW ROUTE TIMES

LINCOLN Walking Area

 SEE THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS TAB TO SEE STOP TIMES.

UPTON Route Purple Seahorse

UPTON ROUTE 

 Gray Dolphin

UPTON ROUTE 

 Black Dog

UPTON ROUTE 

 Pink Pig

UPTON ROUTE 

Red Butterfly

UPTON Walking Area

 SEE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL TABS TO SEE ROUTE TIMES

SJHS ROUTE 

Green Frog

SJHS ROUTE

 Blue Fish

SJHS ROUTE 

Orange Turkey

 SJHS Walking Area

"The Bear Necessities" of the Bus Ride

Be Responsible

• Walk, never run to the bus.
• Be at the stop 5-10 min. before the bus arrives.
• Share your seat with others.
• Keep aisles clear of book bags and feet.
• Keep all belongings with you, in your book bag.
• Be ready when bus gets to you stop.

Be Respectful

• Use inside voices to talk with friends.
• Keep hands and feet and unkind words to yourself.
• Enjoy friendships with your eyes and ears.
• Use responsible bus behavior at your bus stop.
• Always follow the driver's directions.
• Use responsible bus behavior when loading and unloading.

Be Safe

• Keep hands and arms inside the bus windows.
• Stand in a straight line at the stop, and don't push.
• Hold rail when using steps. Jumping is not safe.
• Tell the driver when a problem arises.
• Eat your meals at home, not on the bus.
• Wait for the driver's direction before crossing.