Hamblen County School's Transportation Department
462 Snyder Rd.
Morristown, TN. 37813

Phone: 423.586.2103           Fax: 423.585.3769

Safely Transporting Your Children Today To Ensure Their Tomorrow

To report unsafe operations please call 423-586-2103

 

The goal for Hamblen County Schools is for your student to have an enjoyable and safe ride to and from school all throughout the year.  In the past years, we have updated all buses with safety features that include crossing arms (these keep your child ten feet in front of the bus so the driver can see them cross in front of the bus at all times), video and camera systems, child reminders (drivers must walk to the rear of the bus to disable the back door and check to see that no child is left on the bus), and back up alarms.  All buses are equipped with phone systems in case of emergency.

All Hamblen County School bus drivers participate in in-service activities and are required to attend a state sponsored training class for four hours per year.  Our goal is to have highly qualified drivers and the safest equipment possible.

The HCDOE Transportation Department is dedicated to Hamblen County students and families.   We strive to offer the safest and best quality transportation possible and desire open lines of communication.

Our office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Please call the number above for assistance.

SCHOOL BUS RIDER RULES AND REGULATIONS

PRIOR TO LOADING (on the road and at school)

1. Be at the designated bus stop 5 minutes prior to the arrival of the bus. All students must be out of the car/house and ready to board the bus without delay. Buses are on scheduled times and cannot wait.

2. Stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus.

3. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and look for a signal from the driver before attempting to enter.

4. Do not move toward the bus at the school's loading zone until the bus comes to a complete stop.

5. NOTE: In the morning, a student may not get off the bus at any point between the pick-up point and school unless he or she is transferring to another bus.

6. NOTE: In the afternoon, a student who wishes to get off the bus somewhere other than his or her normal dropoff point must present the bus driver with a note of authorization from the parent AND the student’s principal/designee.

7. NOTE: In the afternoon, a student who wishes to ride a bus that is not his or her designated bus must present the bus driver with a note of authorization from the parent AND the student’s principal/designee. (School Board Policy 6.308)

8. After 3 consecutive days of a student not riding the bus, the parent must call 423-586-3101 to have transportation reinstated.

ON THE BUS

1. The bus driver is in charge. Insubordination will not be tolerated. The bus driver is authorized to assign seats and require all students to be quiet. Loud talking, laughter, or unnecessary confusion diverts the driver’s attention and may result in an accident.

2. The bus is an extension of the classroom and students must follow the same rules as in a classroom.

a. No eating, drinking, or gum chewing is allowed on the bus.

b. Profanity, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, weapons, or sexual behavior will not be tolerated.

c. Bullying, intimidation, or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. (School Board Policy 6.304)

d. No cell phones or cameras can be used while on the bus. Taking pictures of other students or downloading obscene pictures or videos will not be tolerated. (School Board Policy 6.312)

e. NOTE: The Hamblen County Department of Education student dress code shall be enforced on the bus.

3. Take your seat and stay there. Moving around can be dangerous to you and to others.

4. Bus seats are designed for 3 people; if necessary, share your seat with any other 2 people.

5. Face the front. You can get hurt more easily during a sudden stop if you are facing the rear.

6. Keep your hands and head inside the bus at all times. Do not throw items in the bus or out of the bus windows.

7. Help keep the bus clean and safe at all times.

8. Vandalism will be dealt with in accordance with discipline procedures, and the offender must pay for damage to the seats. (School Board Policy 6.311)

9. Do not tamper with the bus or any of its equipment.

10. Keep all personal belongings (coats, books, musical instruments, etc.) in your lap and seat area.

11. Keep the aisle clear.

12. Due to allergies and asthma reactions, do not spray substances of any type, including perfumes and hand sanitizers,

13. Do not carry hazardous material, oversized projects, animals, or insects on the bus.

14. Be absolutely quiet when the bus approaches a railroad crossing.

15. During emergencies, remain calm and follow the instructions of the bus driver or emergency personnel.

16. Students become ineligible for school transportation when their behavior is such as to cause dissension on a school bus or when they disobey state or local rules and regulations pertaining to pupil transportation.

17. The school principal or the superintendent may suspend students from riding the bus.

AFTER LEAVING THE BUS

1. Wait for a signal from the driver and cross the road at least 10 feet in front of the bus. Never go behind the bus. Danger zones are all around the bus. If you cannot see the driver, then the driver cannot see you.

2. NOTE: Parents cannot board a school bus for any reason. Complaints or questions must be filed with the principal or transportation supervisor.

HC approved 2016-17; JP revised 03-01-18 ag