Transportation
Transportation Application for Nonpublic Schools
Section 3635 of New York State Education Law mandates that transportation be provided for pupils in grades K-6 who live more than two miles but not more than fifteen miles from the school they legally attend.
Transportation for lesser or greater distances may be provided by a vote of the district. The voters of Bellmore School District have authorized a more liberal policy. The general policy regarding provision of transportation for school children in the Bellmore School District is as follows: grades 1-6, over one-half mile; all kindergarten children are eligible regardless of the distance. This policy is applicable to public schools and to nonpublic schools situated up to fifteen miles from a pupil's residence. Parents of children attending non-public schools are required by law every year to file a formal request for transportation for their children prior to April 1st preceding the school year involved. A separate request form must be submitted to the Business Office for each child to be transported.
With the exception of handicapped students, distance is the sole determination of general eligibility for transportation. Distance is measured by a licensed survey company via the nearest available route from the center of the street opposite the front door of a residence along the center line of streets to the curbline of the nearest usable entrance to the school grounds.
Mileage determinations may be appealed in writing to the Board of Education. All requests for a re-survey must be accompanied by a certified check made payable to the Board of Education in an amount to be determined by the surveying company. A re-survey will be conducted, and if it is determined that the original measurement is incorrect, the check will be returned. If the original measurement is accurate, the check will be used to defray the cost of the measurement. In all cases, the figures arrived at will be final.
Note: Only those children entitled to bus transportation may ride the bus to and from school
Safety Guidelines For School Bus Children
The following list of rules has been established to protect the safety of children who ride the school bus. Please review them carefully and periodically with your children.
Use a safe route while walking to the bus stop.
Arrive at the school bus stop on time.
Wait for the bus in an orderly manner. Respect the homes adjoining the bus stop area. Be careful of property at and near bus stops so that lawns, hedges, fences, trees, shrubs, and buildings are not damaged.
Get on or off at your assigned bus stop.
Show integrity and obey your bus driver. The bus driver is responsible for the safety of the passengers on the bus, as well as the safe operation of the bus, and has full authority at all times.
Once the bus arrives, board quickly and walk safely to find a seat. Remain seated from the time you enter the bus until you leave. Respect the bus and bus seats.
Keep the aisle clear. Make sure to keep feet and legs out of the aisles. Hold books, small musical instruments or other belongings on your lap. Large musical instruments such as baritones, trombones, etc., and large projects are not permitted on school buses. Alternate arrangements should be made for transporting these objects.
Demonstrate respect and teamwork to keep everyone safe. Speak in an inside voice. Show integrity and be considerate to the other students on the bus.
Be careful when getting off the bus. Use the same precautions leaving the bus stop as you do when approaching it. Keep away from the side of the bus as it pulls away.
Cross at least 10 FEET in front of the bus to enable the driver to see you crossing.
Report safety violations to the school principal's office as soon as possible.
Children are only allowed to go home on their assigned bus. In an emergency, the school principal may give special permission and allow for a special arrangement.
Bus Company Contact Information
If your child does not arrive home in a timely manner or has left items on the school bus such as backpacks, jackets, etc. contact the school or the Transportation Office at 679-2907. After 4:30 p.m. call Guardian Bus Company at 516- SAFE-BUS (723-3287).