The Fort Smith Public School District Annual Progress Report to the Community is circulated to the community in the October issue of Entertainment Fort Smith.
First Bell Rings
8 a.m.
Chaffin Junior High
Darby Junior High
Ramsey Junior High
Northside High School
8:05 a.m.
All Elementary Schools
Kimmons Junior High
Southside High School
Last Bell Rings
3:05 p.m.
All Elementary Schools
3:10 p.m.
Southside High School
3:15 p.m.
Chaffin Junior High
Darby Junior High
Kimmons Junior High
Ramsey Junior High
Students are expected to conduct themselves properly while on the buses. Bus transportation is a privilege that may be revoked if a student becomes uncooperative, unruly / distracting, or disrespectful towards any school employee or other student. All school rules apply to the buses, as well.
Remember, bus transportation is provided as a courtesy to students living in the transportation zone. Please protect your privilege by following these rules:
1. Students are to comply with the authority of the driver, are to be in their assigned seat and remain seated while the bus is in motion
2. Students are not to make any type of distracting noises; shouting, loud talking or loud laughing is not allowed. Band instruments, radios or other electronic devices are not allowed to be played, unless headphones are used and permission has been given from the driver. Cell phones must be turned off or the ring on silent. Calls may not be placed nor taken while on the bus, however texting may be allowed if it is kept to the individual and is not disruptive to the driver or other passengers.
3. Food, candy, drinks, or tobacco products are not allowed on the bus or at the bus stop. Do not litter, harass, trespass, vandalize or damage any property (including the bus) while on the bus or at the bus stop. Bus stops may be moved or eliminated, at any time, if severe or frequent problem should occur at that stop.
4. Students should load and ride in an orderly manner. Specifically, do not shove, shout, push, fight, spit, litter, throw objects, use obscene language or inappropriate gestures; keep arms, hands, head, etc. inside the bus at all times. Do not enter or exit the bus through the emergency exits unless there is an actual emergency or unless you are directed to do so by the driver
5. Students should be at their bus stop at least ten minutes before the scheduled pick up time. Students should stand back at least 10 feet from the curb / stop and should not approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop. The driver will open the door and signal the students to enter when appropriate.
6. Students are to give their correct name or produce their ID card when requested by the driver or aide. Students riding the bus must live in an established transportation zone and ride their assigned bus. Guest riders must have a parent note in order to ride home with a registered passenger. The bus driver has the discretion to approve or deny any guest passenger privileges for any reason. It is recommended that guest passengers obtain driver permission in advance.
7. After exiting the bus, the students should remain visible to the driver as they cross the street or walk away from the bus. Students should not cross behind the bus nor walk along the side of the bus, it is very dangerous. If a student needs to cross the street, they should go to a point at least ten feet in front of the bus and wait for the driver to signal them to cross. If an object is dropped in front of, under, or behind the bus; do not attempt to retrieve the object. Signal the driver about the problem, wait for the bus to leave, and wait until traffic is clear before getting the object. Never crawl under the bus or bend down in front of the bus, for any reason.
8. The driver has the same authority over bus passengers that a teacher has over students in the classroom. It is expected that students will behave the same or better than they do in the classroom due to the safety issues in transporting children. Passengers that interfere with the safe and orderly operation of the bus will have their transportation privileges suspended; warnings may or may not be given depending on the severity of the infraction. The driver will review these general rules, along with any additional rules, specific to that bus, with the passengers. You may contact the FSPS Transportation Department at 785-2501 ext 1346 or 1356 if you have any questions or concerns. Our goal is for you to have a safe and enjoyable school year.
Bus rules and registration in Adobe or MicrosoftWord format to sign and give to bus driver.