Departments: Transportation

District Transportation

Bus Schedules and Parent Information

Location: 8291 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
714.848.5257

LeAnn Quick, Director of Transportation

Bus Schedules

Code of Bus Conduct

Foggy Day Information

Kindergarten Parents

Rules to Ride By

Special Education Parents

Standard Release Form Information

Code of Bus Conduct
The National Safety Council has issued a set of safety rules for pupils riding school buses. They are incorporated in the following:

Safety Rules For Students

Be careful in approaching bus stop; in areas without sidewalks, walk on left, toward oncoming traffic.

The following is taken from regulations and Laws Concerning Operation of School Buses in California, California Highway Patrol Book 82.7:

Authority of Driver:
Pupils transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of and responsible directly to, the driver of the bus, and the driver shall be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the pupils while they are on the bus or being escorted across a street or highway.

Denial of Transportation:
Continued disorderly conduct persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reason for a pupil to be denied transportation. The school district governing board of trustees shall adopt rules and regulations to enforce this.

Ejection of Pupils:
The driver of a school bus shall not eject any school pupil unless the pupil is given into the custody of a parent of any person designated by the parent or school.

Code of Bus Conduct:
It is the policy of the District to require all students who regularly ride the bus to school, to ride the bus to their assigned stop at the close of school, unless they have written permission from the parents to do otherwise.

With the cooperation of parents, teachers, bus drivers, and pupils, we believe these rules can be enforced and therefore, insure safety to all. Should any one continually fail to observe these rules, the following procedure will be used:

Parents will be notified of the misbehavior and if improvement in not shown, the child will be deprived of the priveledge of riding the bus for a specified period of time. After this, if he/she does not obey the safety rules, he/she will be removed from the bus immediately and a conference will be held with the parent, school administrator and bus driver.

Pupil may be picked up and discharged from bus only at his/her designated bus stop.
Be on time for the bus - help keep the bus on schedule. Be at the bus stop five minutes before scheduled time.
Go directly to a seat in the bus without disturbing or crowding other pupils; remain seated while the bus is moving.
Follow instructions of the bus driver promptly and cheerfully; realize that he/she has a big responsibility and that everyone can help.
Help keep the bus clean and sanitary. Don't eat on the bus.
Remember that loud talking or laughing, or unnecessary confusion, diverts the driver's attention and may result in a serious accident.
Keep head, arms and hands inside the bus at all times.
Be courteous to fellow students. Remember we are working together for safety.
Treat bus equipment as you would valuable furniture in your own home. Damage to seats, etc. is unnecessary and always costly.
Remain seated until the bus stops to unload; wait for signal from bus driver, then cross the street in front of the bus; the driver will be in the street to help.
No pets are allowed on the bus.
No articles deemed hazardous by the driver are permitted on the bus.

Foggy Day Information

Each year we experience several days when the density of the fog is too great for the safe transportation of your child. Drivers must have at least 200 feet of visibility before they are permitted to leave the transportation yard. When fog has cleared sufficiently to permit safe driving, our buses will begin their scheduled runs; however, we will be arriving late to the bus stops.

Kindergarten Parents

In order for the Transportation Department to provide the highest level of safety and a positive bus riding experience for your child, the following information is provided.

Please complete the Standard Release Form according to the instructions and return it to you child's bus driver. It is our policy to not drop kindergarten students at their bus stop unless someone is there to meet them. If your child does not need to be met, please indicate "does not need to be met" on the Standard Release Form. If you indicate your child is to be met at the stop and there is no one to meet him/her, we will return your child to his/her school. School staff will attempt to contact those listed on your child's emergency card. If your child has not been picked up by 5:00 p.m., the Huntington Beach Police Department will be notified.
Please go over the safety rules outlined in the Code of Bus Conduct so your child will be aware of bus safety procedures and appropriate bus conduct.
Bus stickers. Please indicate your child's name (first and last), school and bus stop on the sticker. If possible, attach it to something your child will be bringing to school each day (folder, backpack, lunch box, etc.). If this isn't possible, please attach it to his/her clothing each day during the first week of riding the bus.
If your child is going to be getting off at a different bus stop than his/her own, you must send a note to the school giving your approval for this change. It must then be signed by a school administrator and then given to the bus driver when your child boards the bus. If your child wishes to bring a friend home from school who is not a regular bus rider, the other child's parent must send a note to the school giving approval. It also must be signed by a school administrator and presented to the driver when boarding the bus.

Our buses operate according to telephone time (897-5511). If buses arrive early, the driver will wait until the scheduled pick-up/departure time. Please have your child at the bus stop five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled pick up time.

Your assistance and cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Rules to Ride By

Ridership Information

California Education Code permits the transportation to and from school and school related activities aboard district owned and operated school buses or by other means prescribed by law. The governing board of a school district, with the approval of the County Superintendent of Schools, may provide student transportation to and from school whenever in the judgement of the board such transportation is necessary.

The Ocean View School District transports approximately 2,200 students to school daily aboard district owned and operated buses. The District provides transportation to students participating in school sponsored extra-curricular and athletic events throughout the school year. Providing safe, efficient, and timely bus service to every student bus rider is our primary concern.

The District Administration and Governing Board have established policies and procedures in accordance with California laws and regulations to ensure the safety of all students transported aboard school buses to and from school. These policies and procedures are outlined in the pages to follow.

Safe Rider Conduct

We believe all students can behave appropriately and safely while riding on a school bus. All students and staff are expected to treat others with courtesy, care, and respect.

Walking to Bus Stops

A list of designated bus stops is available at the school office and at the Transportation Office. Students shall load/unload only at designated bus stops or school loading zones.

For safety, parents should walk the route to and from the bus stop with their student. Parents should help the student identify landmarks to recognize both the proper stop and the route home.

Bus Loading Procedures

Students are expected to be at their designated bus stop five (5) minutes prior to the time the bus is scheduled to depart from the stop. For students who are arriving late and are across the street upon which the bus is stopped, Ocean View School District buses are properly equipped and our drivers adequately trained to administer an escort in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 22112.

Students boarding buses at either a designated bus stop or school loading zone must remain on the bus and be transported to their destination (school or home). Students need to stand in a straight, orderly line approximately 6’ from the curb when waiting for the school bus to arrive at the bus stop. It is inappropriate for students to play in the street or in neighbors’ yards while waiting for the school bus.

Bus Unloading Procedures

Drivers follow detailed route sheets which indicate right and left turns; designated bus stops and those stops requiring a student escort consistent with California Vehicle Code Section 22112.C.

Additionally, substitute drivers ask at each bus stop if students need to cross the street upon which the bus is stopped. All drivers are adequately trained to administer an escort in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 22112.C.

Students are to remain seated until the driver tells them to exit the bus. All students needing to cross the street must wait for the driver to escort them. Students are only to cross the street in front of the bus and are to follow the driver’s instructions. Parents are requested not to give directions to their children which may conflict with the safe escorting procedures.

Bus Discipline Procedures

The Ocean View School District Governing Board has adopted specific administrative procedures concerning bus discipline. A violation of the rules and regulations may result in a loss of bus riding privileges. Disorderly Conduct Citations are cumulative and not necessarily for the same offense. Bus drivers will inform students when a Disorderly Conduct Citation will be filed with the principal. Consequences for misconduct are administered by the school site administrator.

Athletic and Field Trips

General rules of conduct applicable to regular to and from school transportation also apply to education, athletic, and other trips. Below are safe riding rules applicable to such trips.

Students may board buses only when the school bus driver and certificated staff and/or chaperons are present. Teachers, coaches, and chaperons will ride on the buses to and from the destination.

Standard Release Form

All parents/guardians of kindergarten and special education students must complete a Standard Release Form. This form indicates whether or not the student must be met at a bus stop and if so, by whom. These forms can be obtained from the school office or from the bus driver. Once completed and returned, it is kept on file in the Transportation Office. If a form is not on file or the designated person is not at the bus stop, it is our policy to return the student to their school.

OTHER INFORMATION

Bus Evacuation Drills

Transportation Department staff conducts bus evacuation drills each school year for all students in accordance with State regulations. The safety of all bus riders is greatly served through the practice of these bus evacuation drills.

Hazardous Articles

State regulation requires that the freight, baggage, or other objects carried on a school bus be safely secured or stored in a manner that will not result in passenger discomfort or injury. All aisles and emergency doors/windows must remain clear. Students may only transport items that can be contained on their lap so that every bus rider will have an adequate and safe place to sit. Glass containers and live creatures are prohibited by law. Parents and students must arrange for other transportation when large, bulky items must be taken to and from school.

Lost Items on Bus

Students may retrieve lost items from the bus drivers on the next school day. When not retrieved, such items are turned over to the lost and found in the Transportation Department.

Bus Operations During Inclement Weather

Occasionally, school buses are delayed due to reduced visibility during rain and fog conditions. Information about late buses may be obtained by calling (714) 848-5257.

Special Education Parents
The following guidelines have been established for your information so we can provide safe, prompt and courteous service:

The Transportation Department operates on "Telephone Time." All children need to be at the bus stop FIVE minutes before the scheduled pick up time. Buses must adhere to a definite schedule so that schools may start on time.
The driver will wait TWO minutes after the scheduled pick up time. Drivers will radio the Transportation office when a child is not at the bus stop and will be instructed to continue on their route. It is not feasible for drivers to return for students who are late and miss the bus, as it interrupts the driver's schedule and affects getting the students to school on time.
Please call the Transportation Department at (714) 848-5257 prior to 7:00 a.m. on days when your child will not need transportation. When a child has been absent for one or more days please call our office the day the child is ready to return to school.
To assist us in providing the highest level of safety when transporting your child and to ensure your child has a positive ride to and from school, if there are any special needs/considerations you may have concerning your child, please feel free to discuss these with your child's driver.

Their safety is our first concern. Thank you for your cooperation.

Standard Release Form Information
Please complete the form according to the instructions and return it to your child's bus driver. It is our policy not to drop kindergarten students at their bus stop unless someone is there to meet them. If your child does not need to be met, please indicate "does not need to be met" on the Standard Release Form. If you indicate your child is to be met at the stop and there is no one to meet him/her, we will return your child to his/her school. School staff will attempt to contact those listed on your child's emergency card. If your child has not been picked up by 5:00 p.m., the Huntington Beach Police Department will be notified.

Click here to download a printable form.