School Bus Operators and Service Providers

Iron Range Bus Line
1141 Golf Links Road P7B 6C2
345-7387

First Student Bus Lines
2100 Mountdale Ave. P7B 5E4
475-4500

Mintenko/Bertrand Bus Lines
R.R. #3, Thunder Bay P7C 4V2
475-6916

HAGI Transit Division 1
201 Jasper Drive P7B 6R2
345-0777

Lacey’s/Diamond Taxi
113 Leith Street P7C 1M7 
623-3423

Superior Accessible Taxi 
307 Simpson Street P7C 3H8 
345-8595

Roach’s Taxi
216 Camelot Street P7A 4B1 
344-8481

School Bus Transportation

Eligibility

• JK/SK Over .4 km - Parents of Kindergarten students may request transportation under the .4 km. These requests are submitted to the Principal or Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay.
• Grade 1 - Grade 3 Over .8 km (½ mile)
• Grade 4 - Grade 8 Over 1.6 km (1 mile) - Courtesy transportation may be provided under 1.6 km (1 mile) if there is room on the bus.

 
Caregiver - Transportation
Requests for transportation to or from a caregiver must be within the school zone and on an everyday basis.  Children must be registered at the school which serves the caregiver’s address.  Requests for students to be dropped off or picked up at different addresses on occasion cannot be accommodated.

Zones
Transportation will only be provided within a student’s designated school zone.  Any students who choose to attend schools outside their school area must assume responsibility for transportation.

Parental Responsibility
When Kindergarten students are dropped off, a parent/guardian, responsible sibling, or caregiver must meet the bus at the designated stop or be visible to the bus driver.

Inclement Weather
In situations of inclement weather, STSTB, based on recommendations from various sources, may cancel all or a portion of the Board’s transportation system.  In most cases, this decision is made by 6:30 a.m.  Information concerning bus cancellations is communicated to the following radio stations for broadcast by 7:00 a.m.  CKPR ROCK - 94.3, 91.4, 103.5 FM; Magic 99.9 and HOT 105.3, CBQ/CBC (88.3), CBON-Sudbury(French).

STSTB Emergency Weather and School Evacuation Closure Line Number: 625-1661

Fall Start-up
If you require a new stop for your child, there will be a three-day (students with special needs may take
longer)lead time required during the month of September.  The child will be allowed to get on and off at an existing stop until the change can be made. During the first week of school no new stops will be added to the routes.

Transportation Inquiries
Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay is open all year round (including the summer). If you have any questions,  please call 625-1660

Parents'/Guardians' Instructions

Parents/guardians can help in our efforts to maintain high standards of safety and acceptable behaviour for students while traveling on school buses.

Parents'/Guardians'

1. Bus riding privileges will be suspended for any misconduct by students.

2. Requests for transportation to or from a caregiver must be within the school zone and on an everyday
basis.  Children should be registered at the school which serves the caregiver address.  Requests for
students to be dropped off or picked up at different addresses on occasion cannot be accommodated.

3. Shall advise their children, on an ongoing basis, of the rules and regulations to be observed when riding a school bus.

4. Have their children at their bus stop five minutes prior to the arrival of the bus.

5. Are responsible for their child's or children's safety and conduct prior to boarding and after drop off at
the designated stop.

6. Are required to meet the bus at the designated stop, be visible to the bus driver, or have a responsible
sibling or caregiver there when Kindergarten students are being picked up or dropped off.

7. Are expected to cooperate with the principal and bus driver.

8. Realize the bus driver is not authorized to change bus stops or routes.  All changes must be authorized through Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay.

9. Should report any problems about late arrivals, departures, etc. to STSTB.

10. Must notify the school office of any changes of address.  STSTB will be notified by the school.  Three
days are needed to implement changes.

11. Are financially responsible for any wilful damage done to the bus by their children.

12. Are not permitted to ride the school bus without authorization from STSTB.

13. Must realize that in order to ensure safe transportation, objects that may hinder the safe operation of the vehicle or the safety of the students will not be permitted on the school bus.

14. Should remove all long drawstrings and toggles from outer clothing to prevent these from being caught in handrails and doors.

15. May request last minute changes through the school only in real emergency family situations.

16. Are responsible to ensure that adequate bus turnarounds are available year round on their own property where applicable.  Parents may have to contact the local roads boards or M.T.O. for assistance.

17. Should make your children visible through the use of retro-reflective tape on clothing, and light-
colored clothing.
 

Students' Instructions

In order for STSTB to provide the safest possible transportation in an efficient,  economical and safe manner, students are requested to observe the following rules.

1. Rules for getting on the bus safely:

The student(s)

1.1 Shall be at pick up points five minutes prior to the scheduled arrival of the bus. Never run to or from the bus.

1.2 Must wait at the stop in a safe place, well back from the side of the road.

1.3 Must recognize that a danger zone exists in the immediate vicinity (approx. 3 meters) of school vehicles. The danger zone is anywhere close enough to the bus to touch it. The bus driver cannot see you when you are in the danger zone. Children must never enter the danger zone unless the driver has given them permission.

1.4 If you cross the street to get on the bus:  When the bus comes, you must wait until it has come to a complete stop. The bus driver will make sure all the traffic stops.  The stop arm will come out and the red lights will be flashing.  Watch the driver.  When the driver knows it is safe, he or she will signal you to cross, but watch for traffic yourself.  Walk, don’t run.

1.5. Board and leave the bus in an orderly fashion.  Hold onto the handrail as you get on and off the bus. Don’t push or shove.      

2. Rules for school bus riding:

The student(s)

2.1 May be transported from a designated bus stop to school and return only.

2.2 Must realize that the bus driver is in complete charge of the bus.

2.3 Will be denied the privilege of riding the bus for not observing regulations and instructions as per the member Boards' rule of conduct policy.

2.4 Are prohibited from smoking or using non-prescribed drugs or alcohol on all school buses at any
time.

2.5 Shall not fight or use obscene language or gestures on the bus

2.6 Will be held responsible for any wilful damage to the bus.

2.7 Will not bring annoying, dangerous or disturbing objects on school buses.  This includes, but is not limited to, fire crackers, toy weapons, weapons, explosives, ammunition, birds, animals, etc. Skateboards are not allowed on buses unless they fit safely into a packsack.

2.8 Will behave in an orderly fashion while on the bus.

2.9 Will inform the driver if anyone is known to be absent.

2.10 Will remain seated facing forward at all times, and will not distract the driver and/or other
students.

2.11 Will keep the aisle clear of feet, bags and pack sacks to avoid tripping others.

2.12 May open windows only with the driver's permission.  Will keep head, hands and arms inside
the bus.

2.13 Must not tamper with emergency door, windows or equipment.

2.14 Must not throw anything inside, out of, or at the bus at any time.

2.15 Will maintain a clean bus by using the provided containers located at the front/rear of the bus.

2.16 Must realize that objects which may hinder the safe operation of the vehicle or the safety of the
students, may be refused on the bus.

2.17 Will talk quietly while on the bus.  The driver must concentrate to drive the bus safely.

2.18  Must save snacks for snack time at school or until you get home.  Snacks may spill or you may
choke if the bus goes over a big bump.

2.19 Must be familiar with rules for emergencies

2.20 Must not fight or shout or play in OR around the bus.


3. Rules for leaving the bus safely:

The students(s)

3.1 Hold the handrail and then take two large steps away from the bus when leaving it.

3.2 To cross the street in front of the bus, walk ahead of the bus at least three metres (ten (10) giant
steps).  Cross only when the driver gives a signal.  Cross the street in single file. 

3.3 If you drop something near the bus (in the danger zone), don’t pick it up.  Tell the driver or
other adult. (Refer to 1.3)

3.4 If everyone is getting off the bus, the people in front leave first.  Do not push.
                                  

WINTER SAFETY TIPS WHILE WAITING AT YOUR STOP

• Leave yourself some extra time in the morning to get on the bus.
• Dress appropriately to ensure protection from the cold, wind, snow or rain.
• Stand away from where the bus stops.  The bus needs extra room to stop when there is ice and snow.
• Don’t throw snowballs at the bus.
• Don’t slide on ice and snow while waiting for the bus
• Don’t push or shove near the bus stop, someone may slip on the ice.

Principal's Instructions

Every pupil is responsible to the principal of the school that s/he attends for his/her conduct on the
school premises or while traveling on a school bus that is owned by, or under contract to, the Board.

The Principal
1. Is responsible for supervision of all loading and unloading at the school, and will ensure that a supervisor is available to monitor loading and unloading at the school.

2. Notifies STSTB of any problems with routes:  arrivals, departures, driver performance, discipline, etc.

3. Will have knowledge of the routes and schedules of buses serving their school.  Schools must let STSTB know of additions/deletions of students to routes.

4. Investigates and resolves, in conjunction with STSTB, all reported problems on the bus.  May request
video surveillance, if necessary.

5. Informs parents/guardians of the problem and the disciplinary action that has been taken.

6. Will provide a signed note to the driver for real emergency arrangements only, if there is sufficient
room on the bus.

7. Will ensure that elementary schools have classroom instruction on school bus safety and bus evacuation drills each year. The bus operators will provide a bus and trained personnel.  Upon completion of the training, the principal will notify STSTB via email.

8. Schedules periodic meetings with drivers.  (Elementary Principals only).

9. Will inform parents/guardians and students of any rules and regulations established to ensure safety on the buses.  Ensures distribution of Transportation Instruction Booklet to new students.

10. WILL ENSURE THAT, WHEN ORDERING BUSES FOR STUDENT FIELD TRIPS, TEACHERS
ARE AWARE THAT THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

I. ordering proper size bus for number of students to be transported.

Loading Capacities
• suggested two per seat when on extended field trips on highways
• JK - 6 - three per seat
• 7 - 12 - two per seat
• Adults - two per seat

ii. Recognizing that objects that hinder the safe operation of the vehicle or the safety of the
students will not be permitted on the school bus.

iii. Ensuring that an adult supervisor accompanies the students on the bus during field trips as per member Board policy.

iv. The conduct and discipline of students on the bus.

v. Adhering to departure and return times specified with the bus company. Field trips shall not
interfere with regular school routes.

vi. Ensuring that all students have a place to sit and that no child is required to stand.

vii. Ensuring that loading and unloading of students is done in a safe place or a specific loading zone.


11. Must ensure the school has a contingency plan for the safe care of students in the event of early closure.

12. Will have knowledge of their school zone and is able to provide this information to parents when they
register. Zone maps are available for viewing on Board websites: 

Drivers' Instructions

Drivers should have a sense of humour and a liking for children. They should believe in a practice of
impartiality and fairness to all, with special privileges to none. A driver who consistently demonstrates
his/her devotion to duty will find that student passengers more readily meet their obligations. By
accepting the responsibility of transporting students to their respective schools, drivers have also
assumed their safety. Drivers should abide by the policies of the District School Boards, schools and
school bus operators. Operators will ensure that drivers will adhere to the following rules.

1. Driver and Student
1.1 Students must be let off at the stop designated by STSTB unless written permission is received
from the Principal to make an exception.
1.2 Revision of routes or stops are only to be made with the authority of Student Transportation
Services of Thunder Bay.
1.3 Requests from parents to change stops, or to make any other special arrangements, are to be directed to School Principals and STSTB.

2. Establishing Rules of Conduct
2.1 Students are expected to board the bus promptly and carefully, to take their seats and to make
sure that book bags and other belongings are not in the aisle.
2.2 Students must remain seated and facing forward while the bus is in motion.
2.3 Children may speak and chatter among themselves quietly, but crying out or shouting is not
allowed.
2.4 Passengers are not allowed to distract the driver.
2.5 Passengers must not open windows without permission.
2.6 Passengers are not allowed to throw things about, or from the bus.
2.7 Fighting or horseplay is not allowed.
2.8 All student codes of conduct must be followed without exception. If a student does not observe the codes of conduct, the driver or bus operator shall notify the principal as soon as possible, with a Student Behavior Report.
2.9 Drivers are to comply with Bill 157 Education Amendment Act - Keeping Our Kids Safe at School. To report to the principal if they become aware that a student may have engaged in an activity for which the student must be considered for suspension or expulsion.(done as reasonably as possible) Report to be submitted on Safe Schools Incident Reporting Form.

3.
3.1 Driver shall not:
• suspend a student’s bus riding privileges
• put a student off anywhere except their designated stop or school
• administer any form of punishment
• ridicule students or embarrass them in front of their peers
• lose their temper - bus drivers shall demonstrate they are leaders and professionals.
3.2 Shall maintain good behavior and conduct of students in transit.
3.3 Shall carefully observe the number of students getting off the bus and account for the safety of
all before proceeding further.
3.4 Must ensure a visible parent or guardian or a responsible sibling or caregiver is available for all
Kindergarten students.
3.5 Driver is responsible for designing a seating plan to ensure the safety and proper loading of
students. This should be done in consultation with the school principal.

4. Routes
4.1 Any changes of assigned routes may be made only with the approval of STSTB . Emergency
situations requiring a detour are acceptable, but should be reported immediately to the operator
by radio.
4.2 Dangerous situations such as a difficult turn-around, construction zones, washouts, narrow roads,
bad turns or stops, etc., must be reported to the operator who will inform STSTB immediately.
4.3 Elementary students transferring from one bus to another must not be left unattended.
Transfers must be made at authorized transfer points only.
4.4 Overloaded buses must be reported to the operator immediately by radio. Buses will not proceed
if overloaded.
4.5 Elementary students will not be unloaded at the school until a supervisor is visible.
4.6 The driver should notify operator of any students who are not riding (“no shows”).
4.7 The driver must ensure proper identification symbols, designated by STSTB, are on buses at all
times.
4.8 Be on time.

5. Driver Responsibility for Loading and Unloading
The time of greatest danger for students occurs when the bus is stopped for loading and unloading.
5.1 Be courteous and considerate to motorists and allow them to pass whenever possible before
stopping and after discharging passengers.
5.2 Bus must be in neutral and the emergency brake engaged when loading or unloading students.
5.3 Stop on the traveled portion of the road while loading or unloading, except where school bus
loading zones are designated.
5.4 Prior to stopping, activate the alternate flashing red lights and leave them on until all students
are safely loaded and unloaded, and across the road. Stop arm should only be activated when
bus is at a complete stop.
5.5 Do not proceed until all students are safe on the side of the road and clear of the bus.
5.6 Students must be seated before bus is set in motion.
5.7 When students must cross the road at any point, make sure all traffic in both directions has
stopped, and then motion the students to cross the road in front of the bus. Students should be
visible to the driver. Students should be visible to the driver and at least 3 meters (10 feet) in
front of bus when crossing.
5.8 Students should not be picked up or discharged on a steep grade, a blind curve, or the brow of a
hill, or at any other unsafe locations. Suggested visibility in both directions at any stop is 150
meters (500 ft.).
5.9 Make sure that children get off at their own bus stop.
5.10 Greet children (by name if possible) and say goodbye.
5.11 At the completion of every run, the driver must complete a walkdown, checking under every seat.

6. Driver Responsibility for Vehicle
6.1 Must observe the speed limit at all times, and adjust speed of bus when encountering hazardous
road conditions and inclement weather.
6.2 Must make the required walk around inspection (as specified by M.T.O.) of each unit before
departure, and spot checks prior to each trip, with a final inspection at the end of each run.
6.3 The bus is to be clean and swept out at all times.
6.4 Bus doors and emergency windows are to be closed at all times while the bus is in motion.
6.5 When approaching railroad crossings, the driver must bring the bus to a complete stop in the
prescribed manner, open the door, look both ways, listen for oncoming trains and, when all is
clear, proceed with caution.
6.6 Must immediately report all accidents involving buses or students to the police and the
operator, by phone or radio and if possible the Principal as soon as arriving at the school. In
case of serious accidents, or when the degree of injury is in doubt, the appropriate medical
assistance should be obtained as soon as possible. STSTB must receive a phone call regarding
the information about the accident by the Operator as soon as possible and then a written report
must be submitted to the office by the Operator within 24 hours of the incident.
6.7 In the case of an emergency where the driver and passengers must evacuate the bus, the driver
must turn off the engine, remove the ignition keys, engage the emergency brake, put on
emergency four-way flashers, and set flares if necessary.
6.8 Must not fill fuel tanks when students are in the bus. The driver shall ensure that the bus has
sufficient fuel before departing on a trip.
6.9 Must never operate a school bus while under the influence of alcohol or an intoxicant, or drugs
of any kind.
6.10 Smoking is not permitted on the bus at any time as per the Ontario Public Vehicle Act. Eating
and/or drinking are not permitted on the bus.
6.11 Must not permit non-students or unauthorized persons to ride the bus while students are being
transported without written authority from the school or STSTB.
6.12 Must not bring animals on the bus.
6.13 Above all, the driver must obey all traffic signs and rules as laid down by the M.T.O. and in
provincial statutes and regulations.
6.14 Sudden stops by the school bus should be avoided. The driver shall keep far enough back of the
vehicle ahead to allow a safe braking distance in the event the vehicle makes a sudden stop. Bus
drivers should activate their flashers to indicate a stop in sufficient time to allow traffic ahead
and behind to come to a safe stop.
6.15 The driver will radio in before any unscheduled backing up of the bus. The driver must never
back up in a loading zone

7. Radio Procedures for Drivers
7.1 Communication radios must be on at all times.
7.2 Conversations are to be limited to job-related business; kept short and to the point.
7.3 When reporting an accident, give the location, bus number, number of students on board, any
injuries, if ambulance and police should be advised, and whether the bus is involved.
7.4 Do not describe or discuss the accident over the air. The dispatcher will notify the driver if any
other details are needed other than those contained in 7.3.
7.5 If a driver should encounter a discipline problem she/he feels is out of control and cannot be
handled in a conventional manner, the driver should radio their operator immediately for
further instructions.
7.6 As all buses are equipped with radios, courtesy must be exercised to allow previous calls to be
completed before starting a new one.

In spite of all precautions, the possibility of an accident cannot be entirely eliminated. A driver will be
trained so that if and when an accident should occur, she/he will know how to meet the emergency.

8. In Case of Bus-Related Accident, Drivers Shall:
8.1 Notify their operator, or the police for assistance.
8.2 Stop the bus, turn off the engine, engage the emergency brake, and turn on emergency four-way
flashers. Keep ignition on accessory to maintain radio contact.
8.3 Check for any injuries and make students as safe and comfortable as possible.
8.4 If students must leave the bus, keep them together a safe distance from the road and the
accident area.
8.5 Under no circumstances allow students to proceed home by hitch-hiking rides or walking long
distances.
8.6 If necessary, send a responsible student for help. Use the radio to report that assistance is
required.
8.7 Get all other pertinent information about all vehicles and persons involved from the attending
police officer.
8.8 Complete an accident report.

Bus Operators' Instructions

1. The Operator shall ensure:
1.1 that services are provided in a safe and efficient manner;
1.2 that proof of insurance for each licensed motor vehicle is provided to STSTB in accordance
with the Ontario Public Vehicles Act;
1.3 that copies of mechanical fitness inspection certificates required by the Acts and Regulations
are available upon request;
1.4 that all bus drivers familiarize themselves with the First Aid Manual in the First Aid Kit;
1.5 that if a vehicle under contract is involved in an accident while transporting pupils,  STSTB is
notified as soon as possible, and follow up with a written accident report;
1.6 that each driver has driven their assigned routes prior to the first day of the school year;
1.7 that each vehicle is equipped to meet requirements as outlined in all relevant Federal and
Provincial Statutes and Regulations;
1.8 that each vehicle is operated in such a manner as to comply with all relevant Federal and
Provincial Statutes and Regulations;
1.9 that each vehicle displays a current brake inspection sticker and bus safety inspection sticker as
required by the Highway Traffic Act;
1.10 that each vehicle has a log book that is completed daily, according to Ontario Regulation of the
Highway Traffic Act;
1.11 that no person is employed to drive a vehicle unless said person meets all licensing requirements
as set by Provincial Statutes and Regulations;
1.12 that the drivers enforce the standards of discipline for students as set forth under current Board’s
Policies, Regulations and Procedures;
1.13 that each bus is in good working order and maintained in a clean manner both inside and out;
1.14 that drivers have a good moral character and are skilled in the management of students;
1.15 that each bus is provided with a waste receptacle attached at the front or back of the bus;
1.16 that drivers are trained in the use of an Epi Pen and Emergency First Aid;
1.17 that drivers are trained in the use and submission of the Safe Schools Incident Reporting Form of Bill 157 - Keeping Our Kids Safe at School;

2. Buses not on Schedule
If for any reason a school vehicle will be more than 15 minutes late en route to school, the operator will
ensure that STSTB and the Principals of the schools concerned, are notified as soon as possible.  If for
any reason a school vehicle will be late for afternoon dismissal, the operator will ensure that the
Principals of the schools are notified.

Rules of Conduct and Discipline on Buses

Safety depends heavily on student behavior while traveling on school vehicles and as such it is essential that students act responsibly. This also extends to areas of student pick up, drop off and transfer points. Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay will abide by the policies and procedures of each individual Board as it pertains to student behavior on school buses.

1. Breaches of conduct detrimental to the safe operation of the bus or to other students riding on the bus will not be tolerated. Boards may provide or rescind transportation privileges where appropriate and , as such, this benefit is to be respected by all parties. To this end, inappropriate behavior may lead to the withdrawal of transportation services. The creation and maintenance of a safe transportation environment is a goal Students Transportation Services of Thunder Bay is committed to.

2. The driver of the bus, by law, is in charge of the safe operation of the bus, and the safety and welfare of all students.

3. Where students do not observe the rules of conduct, the bus drivers must notify the Principal or
designate of the school concerned as soon as possible after the completion of the route. The driver must
complete a Student Behavior Report and submit it to the principal.

4. All transported students are accountable to the school Principal who has the authority to ensure that an appropriate level of conduct and discipline is maintained for all riders while traveling on a school bus that is under contract to the Boards.  The principal or designate shall determine, in consultation with the driver, the circumstances surrounding a reported breach of conduct by a student on a school bus.  The principal will initiate a discussion with the drivers to form a basis for behavior of students while riding the school bus. The Principal or designate shall determine the form and extent of discipline.

5. If it is determined that the student’s bus riding privileges are to be suspended, the principal or designate shall advise in writing the student, the student’s parents, the bus operator, and STSTB, before such suspension comes into effect.

6. In the interest of safety and in an effort to reduce student discipline problems and vandalism on school buses, video camera surveillance systems have been placed on school buses under contract to the Boards.

7. Should an incident occur involving students(s) from different Boards, it would be the responsibility of
each Principal or designate to determine the form and extent of discipline for the student(s) attending
their school. The Principal or designate shall determine the circumstances of the breach of conduct in
consultation with the Principal or designate of the other Board and the bus driver.

Exceptional Students

While taking into consideration the specific needs of individual children, Student Transportation Services
of Thunder Bay is committed to delivering safe effective transportation for Students with Special Needs.
Our goal is to optimize service by using regular transportation wherever possible while utilizing the
special education vehicle fleet to the highest degree.
Students come first and STSTB is part of the member-Board’s system of support services for identifying
and including students with special needs into the appropriate program.  The gathering of information
that is required comes from Special Education coordinators and other stakeholder organizations.
Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay follow official policies, procedures and authorized
practices for all three Boards;

1. The Driver
1.1 Must give special attention to students with disabilities.
1.2 Must be firm, but gentle; be patient, but persistent; be consistent.
1.3 Must see that the students are properly seated at all times.
1.4 Must be sure the student who leaves the school bus is delivered to a responsible person.
1.5 Shall report any unusual actions in detail to the Principal or teacher immediately.
1.6 Ensure that exceptional students abide by student regulations for transportation.
1.7 Will be aware of students identified on bus routes with potential life-threatening illnesses.

2. The Principal
2.1 Shall advise the operator of any health or behavioral problems of these students where lawful.
2.2 Must realize that regulations for school bus riding apply to the exceptional student.

3. The Parent/Guardian
3.1 At the time of “intake” meeting parents are reminded that all rules and regulations related to
school bus transportation apply to the exceptional student.
3.2 Shall advise the student of the rules and regulations.
3.3 Parental help may be needed at time of pick up when loading students into vehicles that require
vests to be buckled or to have specific equipment ready.

Student Behaviour Report

Please view the attached PDF file

Emergency Procedures for Inclement Weather, Transportation, and School Evacuation

School bus service may be cancelled from time to time due to inclement weather and/or poor road
conditions.  In these cases, parents and students should develop alternate care/transportation
arrangements.

1. Implementation Procedures Due to Inclement Weather
Emergency Process Starts by 5:30 a.m.

1.1 The bus operators will set up a network of driver contacts to ensure the reporting of all road
and weather conditions for all serviced areas.  The driver contacts will advise the operators   of
all dangerous weather and travel conditions.

1.2 The operators will gather information from the M.T.O., Local Roads Boards, rural bus drivers
and then contact the Consortia Officer, reporting conditions and their recommendatio by 6:30
a.m. or before if possible.

1.3 Based on the data gathered from the bus operators, the Consortia Officer will decide whether to
cancel rural busing and the resulting impact of such cancellations on rural schools and rural
routes.  Managers from respective School Boards will be then informed by the Consortia Officer.

1.3a Route cancellations will be confirmed with the Consortia Officer after consultation with senior Board officials.

1.4 This will affect the following Lakehead Public Schools rural schools, areas and routes.

• Crestview
• Five Mile
• Gorham and Ware
• Kakabeka Falls
• McKenzie
• Nor’wester View
• Whitefish Valley
• Valley Central and
• The Lakeshore area of Claude Garton and Rosslyn Road Area of Westmount
• Including all Lakehead Public Schools secondary students from these areas

1.5 A closure of Thunder Bay Catholic District District School Board Rural Routes will affect the routes from the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board and CSDC des Aurores Boreales that are designated rural routes by the Boards.

1.6 Media notification will be made by fax and follow up phone calls by STSTB staff before
7:00 a.m. where possible.  Parents, students and school staff are asked to access local radio
stations at 7:00 a.m. and after to receive bus cancellation information.

1.7 The Transportation Manager from Lakehead Public Schools will be responsible for
notifying the Superintendents of Lakehead Public Schools of the decision to terminate
busing.  Superintendents or designates will be responsible for notifying Principals.
Notification to Principals should be no later than 7:00.

1.8 Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay Emergency Weather and School
evacuation Closure Number is 625-1661.  School closure information is also available
from Lakehead Public School’s website at www.lakeheadschools.ca Thunder Bay
District Catholic School Board at www.tbcdsb.on.ca and CSDC des Aurores Boreales
at www.csdcab.on.ca.  All information sources will be updated by STSTB staff

1.9 STSTB staff will cover the transportation office and radio communications.

1.10 Principals are expected to notify all staff of the decision to suspend busing and to ensure
that any students who do arrive at school have safe keeping.

1.11 Routes that service urban schools from a rural area will not run in a rural closure.  The
Transportation Department will identify these routes to the school by October 31 and
the school will be responsible for notifying the parents.

1.12 When encountering minor deviations and impassable areas/routes, drivers are to
follow procedures in the yellow “School Bus Transportation Instruction” booklet.

1.13 In the event of a system wide closure, the Consortia Officer or designate will contact
the School Boards representatives to recommend the total shutdown of area busing
system.  The system wide closure of schools will be confirmed to the Consortia Officer
after consultation with the Senior Board Officials.


2. Situations Arising During School Hours

2.1 Should it be necessary to send bused students home during school hours in rural and/or
urban areas, principals will be notified no later than 11:00 a.m. where possible.  In the
event of an emergency school closure, the Principal shall contact the necessary Board
Representatives and/or the STSTB office.  Appropriate action will be coordinated between
Board representatives and STSTB office.

2.2 Upon notification to terminate busing during the school day, Principals are expected to
immediately start implementing their school emergency evacuation plan and to ensure that
all students have been evacuated safely.

Transportation Trivia

ROAD CLOSURES DUE TO CONSTRUCTION
- Should a road or street closure occur in your school zone that will affect transportation to your school STSTB will work with Service Providers to find an alternative route and possible changes in pick up and drop off spots for students.  STSTB will notify schools and school will notify parents should there be any changes.  Every effort will be made to ensure buses arrive at schools on time.

LOOSE CLOTHING, SCARVES, DRAWSTRINGS, BACKPACK STRAPS ETC
- These clothing items can be dangerous if they are hanging loose.  They could become caught on bus handrails, doors etc.  

KNOW YOUR CHILDREN’S BUS NUMBER, DRIVER AND SCHOOL BUS OPERATOR
- In case of an emergency it is easier to locate your child if you have the correct information at hand.
LET US KNOW ABOUT LIFE THREATENING MEDICAL CONDITIONS - Member Boards each have an Anaphylactic policy in place.  Let your school know if your child is allergic to anything, suffers from
asthma or has any other life threatening medical conditions.  The school will provide this information to
STSTB and in turn will be passed on to your child’s bus driver.  This will allow the bus driver to be aware of an existing condition and enable them to recognize an emergency situation more quickly.

SEAT BELTS ON SCHOOL BUSES
- Currently the Ontario School Bus Association, Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Transport Canada do not feel that seat belts will increase safety, actually the opposite.  The yellow school bus is the safest vehicle on the road and is designed with the safety of your child in mind.  The seats are compartmentalized and padded and if an accident were to occur, the design is intended to contain your
child between the two seats.  Studies have shown that seat belts (specifically lap belts) cause more injuries to children in school buses especially those whose abdominal area is still developing.  Most young children require assistance in putting on their seatbelts and there wouldn’t be a guarantee that they would leave it on.  Should an accident occur and the driver is injured, they may be unable to assist passengers and young children would be unable to free themselves.

CAR SEATS AND BOOSTER SEATS
- In 2004 the Ontario Legislature passed Bill 73, An Act to Enhance the Safety of Children and Youth on Ontario’s Roads.Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay consortium’s responsibility is to ensure this Bill is adhered to by all taxis and public vehicles with a seating capacity of less than 10 persons (non chrome yellow school purpose vehicles).

Booster seats must by used by passengers who
• are under 8 years of age and
• weigh more than 18kg but less than 36 km (40-80 lbs), and
• are less than 145 cm (4'9" tall)

Forward facing car seats must be used by passengers who:
• weigh more than 9 kg but less than 18 kg (20-40 lbs).

It is the responsibility of the parents and the schools to ensure the children are properly buckled into their seats from home and school and visa versa.

School Telephone Numbers

LAKEHEAD DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD - SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

ELEMENTARY
Agnew H. Johnston                                                                                   577-6448
Algonquin Avenue                                                                                     767-3881
C. D. Howe                                                                                                 767-6244
Claude E. Garton                                                                                       683-6289
Crestview                                                                                                    935-2692
Ecole Gron Morgan                                                                                   345-1468
Edgewater Park                                                                                         577-7551
Five Mile                                                                                                       767-1411
Gorham and Ware Community                                                               767-4241
Hyde Park                                                                                                    623-1541
Kakabeka Falls                                                                                          473-9252
Kingsway                                                                                                     623-6722
McKellar Park                                                                                              623-2289
McKenzie                                                                                                      983-2355
Nor'wester View                                                                                          475-9231
Ogden Community                                                                                     622-9513
St. James                                                                                                     345-7191
Sherbrooke                                                                                                  475-4226
Valley Central                                                                                              473-5810
Vance Chapman                                                                                         344-8661
Westmount                                                                                                  623-7715
Whitefish Valley                                                                                           475-3181
Woodcrest                                                                                                   346-9396

SECONDARY
Hammarskjold High School                                                                     767-1631
Superior Collegiate C.. & V. I.                                                                   768-7284
Westgate C.. & V. I.                                                                                     577-4251
Sir Winston Churchill C. & V. I.                                                                 473-8100



THUNDER BAY CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD - SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

ELEMENTARY
Bishop E. Q. Jennings                                                                             767-3052
Bishop Gallagher                                                                                      345-4482
Corpus Christi                                                                                           345-9782
Holy Cross                                                                                                 767-6811
Holy Family                                                                                                 473-4900
Our Lady of Charity                                                                                    768-9363
Pope John Paul II                                                                                      623-2324
St. Ann                                                                                                          577-7211
St. Bernard                                                                                                  344-8321 
St. Elizabeth                                                                                                622-5250
St. Francis                                                                                                   577-8565
St. Jude                                                                                                        623-5989
St. Margaret                                                                                                 344-4701 
St. Martin                                                                                                      475-5289
St. Paul                                                                                                         683-8941
St. Pius X                                                                                                     767-3061
St. Thomas Aquinas                                                                                  577-1835
St. Vincent                                                                                                    577-3823

 
SECONDARY
St. Ignatius                                                                                                  344-8433
St. Patrick                                                                                                     623-5218

Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boreales - SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

ELEMENTARY
École Catholique Franco-Supérieur                                                       344-1169

SECONDARY
École Secondaire Catholique De La Vérendrye                                   344-8866

** Special Education - Specialized Transportation Manual **

  Student Transportation Services of

   Thunder Bay

   Specialized Transportation Manual

       STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OF THUNDER BAY

Special Needs Transportation Service Delivery Model 

 STSTB MISSION STATEMENT To develop, implement, administer, and providea safe, efficient, cost effectivetransportation system for students of Lakehead District School Board, Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board and Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boreales, that meets the needs of eligible students, parents/guardians, schools and staff.

                                                                                                                                                   Student safety is our number one priority  

 Students come first and the Transportation Department is part of the member-Boards’ system of support services for identifying and including students with special needs into the appropriate program.  The gathering of information regarding the needs, relevant health and contact information and the type of transportation that is required comes from Special Education coordinators and other stakeholder organizations.  Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay follow official policies, procedures and authorized practices for all three boards;

·          Lakehead Public Schools Special Education Policy 5000 – 5010

·          Lakehead Public Schools Special Education Plan - reviewed annually,presented to SEAC and then to the   Board in the spring of each year

.·          Thunder Bay Catholic Special Education Policy 600 – 601

·          Lakehead Public Schools Transportation Policy 3000 – 3040

·          Thunder Bay Catholic Transportation Policy 700- 704

·          Lakehead Public Schools Anaphylaxis Policy 6060

·          Thunder Bay Catholic Anaphylaxis Practice

·          CSDC des Aurores bore’ales C-O44-P, C-004-DA

The following are items that must be considered: 

 Zones 

• Students wherever possible should be set up in programs closest to their home address.  Cross zone transportation affects cost. The challenge is to keep costs at a minimum when transporting students from diverse locations to centralized program schools. In peak periods and due to complexity three to four days lead time is needed to set up special education students that require wheelchairs, have other equipment requirements or that may come from rural areas.

 DISABILITY AWARENESS 

Mobility Issues 

• Students who are to be transported in wheelchairs or are ambulatory with equipment are set up on appropriate wheelchair vehicles.

 Equipment Needs 

• Some children bring walkers, canes, have braces, casts etc that prevent us from using the most cost effective means of transportation, as a result each student is assessed on an individual basis.

 Behavior Issues (due to cognitive conditions) 

• Each child is assessed on an individual basis by appropriate special education staff and depending on the degree of behavior identified, the type of transportation provided is then decided upon.  Points that are  considered; if a child can be included on a regular school bus; can ride in a special education vehicle; can ride in a taxi with other students or must be transported alone. Refer to page 5 “Definition of Exceptionalities”.

 Medical Conditions 

• Children with life threatening allergies or medical conditions are identified on our routes and information is then passed on to respective school bus drivers.
• Boards have Anaphylaxis policies or practices in place.
• Other medical conditions are assessed on an individual basis and noted on routes.

             Refer to page 5 “Definition of Exceptionalities”.

 Anaphylactic Students 

• STSTB annually requests information regarding any students that are Anaphylactic or that suffer from other life threatening allergies.  Students and the location of medical equipment that may be needed i.e. Epi pen or Puffers, are identified on the routes. 

• All drivers contracted by member Boards are trained in the use of the Epi pen. Should there be a need for driver intervention a meeting is set up with the driver, parents and school personnel to develop strategies to minimize the risk and to make sure drivers are equipped to respond appropriately.

     Time and Distance Tolerance 

• STSTB service area is large and geographically diverse.  Distance from home to school and the student’s ability to travel a long time over a great distance is considered at the time of entry into the program.  Most special education programs are provided at urban schools only; students from rural areas are given individual consideration.

 Program Hours 

• Special Education classes can be set up using a wide variety of “hours of attendance”.  Some students also have staggered entries.  Transportation implications are asked to be considered at intake meetings.

 Emergency Evacuation Drills 

• Each year schools are asked to carry out by October 15^th, Emergency Evacuation school bus drills for all students. This plan includes and considers the individual capabilities and needs of each student with special needs. Service providers that transport our students are trained in the Emergency Evacuation of special education students on their vehicles.

 Booster Seats 

• The use of booster seats in transporting STSTB students follow MTO Regulation 613 s. 8.1 (1) Seat Belt Assemblies, that require all pre school to primary grade students that ride in vehicles hired (other than a school bus or taxi) by the Board(s) to be secured in a booster seat.  Information on the age, height and weight of students are identified at time of intake.

 Harnesses and Seat Belts 

• If a seat belt is required to enable a student with special needs ride a regular school bus STSTB follows the Highway Traffic Act (s.106) requiring that any seat belt installed in a seating position must be used by anyone occupying that seat in the absence of the special needs student.

• Harnesses are used in some instances to aid in the transportation of students with special needs on regular school buses.  Harnesses will be used following the guidelines of Transport Canada.  Tether kits and vests are evaluated according to size and weight of individual students.

      Driver Training (Safety) 

• Drivers contracted by member boards are trained in all aspects of safety and this includes a Disability/Awareness course in the transportation of students with special needs. All drivers receive First Aid and CPR training.  Driver workshops on transporting children with specific needs such as Autism and student/driver relations are held yearly.  Drivers of special education vehicles are trained in the use of Securing Devices, lift operation and wheelchair loading and unloading.  Driver should communicate regularly with the school to ensure the needs of the children are met.

  Dropping off Students with Special Needs 

• Students with special needs will not be dropped off at school, at home or return address, without a parent, designated adult or caregiver to receive them.  Students are never to be left alone in the vehicle.  Routes will be designed to pick up and drop off students in front of home.

 Yearly Review 

• Before the onset of every new school year special needs facilitators are contacted by STSTB requesting any information on the “progress” of students that would allow them to be transferred from a special needs vehicle to a mainstream school bus. 

 Parental Responsibility 

• At time of “intake” meeting parents are reminded to follow guidelines set out in our School Bus Transportation Instruction booklet, and must realize that all rules and regulations related to school bus transportation apply to the exceptional student.

Parental help may be needed at time of pick up when loading students into vehicles that require vests to be buckled or to have specific equipment ready. 

Public Special Transit (HAGI) 

• Some students with specialized mobility needs are provided service using contracted accessible handi-van vehicles.  Rates for public special transit (HAGI) are negotiated.  HAGI keeps, wherever possible the same driver on school trips.  All drivers have criminal reference checks, CPR, First Aid training, Epi Pen training and Emergency evacuation of vehicles as well as training in accessibility requirements for the transporting of special needs students.

 Taxis and Wheelchair Accessible Taxis 

• In some instances taxis need to be used in the transportation of students with special needs.  Taxis are used as a last resort and are hired only when students with special needs cannot ride on a regular school bus, handi-van, special education bus or special education vehicle.  Transporting students from diverse locations to centralized programs and hours of programs are also some reasons why taxis may be used.  Every effort is made to keep same drivers on school runs.  Students transported by taxi are to ride in the back seat only.

        Mileage to Parents 

• STSTB service area is large and geographically diverse. Sometimes distance to program location and hours of attendance does not enable us to provide contracted special education vehicles or regular school buses to transport children.  Taxis are cost prohibitive from far distances and in some instances it is cost effective to pay parents, that are willing, a mileage rate to transport their child into school.  They are paid the Board mileage rate.

  Coding of Special Education Needs 

• Student Service codes noted in Mapnet allow for easy identification of students needs. Codes also help us identify the mode of transportation that would best suit the child taking into consideration their needs and the cost to transport.  Information can be printed on routes to alert drivers of any issues that may occur.

    DEFINITION OF EXCEPTIONALITIES 

Behaviour

 A learning disorder characterized by specific behaviour problems over such a period of time, and to such a marked degree, and of such a nature, as to adversely affect educational performance, and that may be accompanied by one or more of the following: a)       an inability to build or to maintain interpersonal relationships;b)       excessive fears or anxieties;c)       a tendency to compulsive reaction;d)       an inability to learn that cannot be traced to intellectual, sensory, or other health factors, or any combination thereof. 

Communication

Autism 

A severe learning disorder that is characterized by: a)       disturbances in:-rate of educational development;-ability to relate to the environment;-mobility;-perception, speech, and language; b)       lack of the representational symbolic behaviour that precedes language. 

 Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing

 An impairment characterized by deficits in language and speech development because of a diminished or non-existent auditory response to sound.

    Language Impairment

 A learning disorder characterized by an impairment in comprehension and/or the use of verbal communication or the written or other symbol system of communications, which may be associated with neurological, psychological, physical, or sensory factors.