Transportation

BUS EXPECTATIONS

1. Maintain classroom conduct.

2. Follow the bus drivers instructions at all times. 

3. All body parts and objects should remain inside the bus windows.

4. Food, candy and drinks are prohibited.

5. Respect the driver and other students.

6. Be courteous, speak quietly and use appropriate language. 

7. Glass objects, skate boards, balls, balloons, flowers, pets, and animals are NOT allowed on the bus.

8. Cell phones and electronic devices should be utilized appropriately.  See below. 

9. Students are not allowed to ride a different bus unless in the case of an emergency.  Such arrangements must be approved by the Transportation Office. 

BOARDING & EXITING THE BUS

1. Be at the designated bus stop 5 minutes prior to the designated time and stay at least 5 minutes after your stop time.

2. Students should wait in a single line on a sidewalk or driveway when possible.

3. Students who must cross the road should cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus after receiving the signal from the driver.

4. Students should conduct themselves in an orderly manner, avoid littering, and respect nearby property, staff and fellow students. 

5. Students should go directly to their assigned seat and remain seated, "back to back, seat to seat, feet on the floor and aisles clear" at all times.

6. Students are expected to ride their assigned bus to and from their assigned bus stop.

7. Students should go straight home.

8. An authorized person must be present at the bus stop to receive all Kindergarten and Early Childhood students each day.  If you have additional individuals other than your child's emergency contacts, please submit their names by logging into the Parent Portal and clicking on "Update Household Data" to add them.  If you have any difficulty logging in, please contact your school office.  In the event an authorized person is not present, student(s) will be returned to school.  Additionally, it is important for parents and contacts to have their ID with them in the event there is a substitute driver.

Expectations for use of electronic devices

Electronic devices including but not limited to cell phones, tablets, laptops, video games, etc. are allowed during transportation on school buses as long as their use does not create a disruption or distraction for the driver.  When listening to audio, students shall wear headphones.  Students who violate this expectation will be subject to disciplinary consequences.  Students, who bring electronic devices onto buses, do so at their own risk and are responsible to secure them from theft or loss. 

How do I know my child(ren) are being transported safely?

School bus drivers are trained and licensed for school bus operation.  All employees are subject to extensive background screening, drivers are subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing. The district employs approximately 150 bus drivers. Parents and patrons are encouraged to seek employment with our department. 

How are routes established?

Routes are established based on recommendations by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as well as our school district Board of Education policies. The Wentzville School District provides transportation service to resident students residing one mile or more from their school. The average distance from a secondary student's home to their bus stop is about one-half of a mile and average distance from an elementary student's home to their bus stop is about two-tenths of a mile.  

Why don't we publish bus stops in the newspaper?

Mailing each student's individual information is more personal and informative than publishing generic routes in the paper.  The district uses routing software to assign eligible students to bus stops. We feel this is the most effective and safest way to provide information to parents. 

I live in a new subdivision, when will transportation come into my subdivision?

Transportation is provided to new subdivisions when construction has progressed enough to allow the buses to travel safely through the streets without being delayed. 

Why doesn't the bus come into my cul-de-sac or dead end street?

Cul-de-sacs and dead end streets can be dangerous for school bus travel because of small children that often play in these areas. If basketball goals or vehicles are parked in the cul-de-sac there may not be enough room for the bus to successfully turn around without having to back.  Backing of school buses should be avoided whenever possible. Backing can result in accidents causing damage to buses, other vehicles and personal property. The district may provide transportation into cul-de-sacs having a 52 foot radius with no center island. Routing into these cul-de-sacs will be considered on an individual basis. 

When does the district change bus stops?

Bus stops will be changed as necessary to provide efficient bus routes.  Major changes are implemented during the summer, however, if a problem or safety concern should arise during the school year, changes may be required.

Why does only one house in my neighborhood get transportation when the rest of us do not?

Transportation is provided for all students who live one (1) mile or more from school.  There are several areas in the District where only one or two homes in a neighborhood are one (1) mile or more from the school building.  If you question your home distance from school, please contact the Transportation Office at 327-3860.

The bus drives right past my house. Why can't the bus stop to pick up/drop off my child?

Time constraints and cost prohibits the bus stopping at every students home. Additionally, every stop location has been reviewed for safety concerns.  There are several factors that are considered when establishing a stop. These factors would be impossible to evaluate for every students home.

My child says he can't eat/drink on the bus. Why?

Eating and drinking on buses can create an unnecessary risk for students.  When a driver is focused on the road it is difficult to notice if a child is choking or experiencing an allergic reaction.  In these instances the child may not be able to notify the driver which could be potentially fatal.  This is an unnecessary risk for students and drivers. Bottled water is allowed during times of extreme temperature. Students should consider getting a drink prior to boarding the bus. 

Can my child ride the bus to his or her daycare/sitter a couple of days a week and then to my home the other days?

For the safety of the children, the Wentzville School District does not allow students to ride two different buses in the afternoon.  This causes too much confusion for the drivers, students, and the teachers that are assisting students to the bus.  Students must ride the same bus home every day with the exception of a family emergency.  Every situation must be approved through the Transportation Department.

For More on Frequently Asked Questions: 

https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/school-transportation-faqs

If your child's bus is running 10-15 minutes late, a notification will be sent via the Stop Finder App.  For immediate assistance please contact the Transportation Department at 636-327-3860.