• Bus Rider Handbook
     
    GoldStar Transit operates the school buses for Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD (EMS ISD). Each GoldStar Transit bus is equipped with surveillance cameras to ensure optimum student and driver safety.

    Bus routes and stops will be designated annually by GoldStar Transit. Any subsequent changes to routes and stops will be posted at the school and on the district’s website under the tab designated Transportation. For additional information on bus routes and stops, contact GoldStar Transit at 817-306-0684 or Reola Bealer Moore at rbealermoore@ridegst.com.

    For the safety of the driver and all passengers, students must board district vehicles only at authorized stops, and drivers must unload passengers only at authorized stops and follow the rules, expectations, and guidelines contained in this handbook.

    All eligible students will be permitted to ride the bus provided they conduct themselves properly and have a Bus Registration Form on file. While riding in district vehicles, including buses, students are held to behavioral standards established in this handbook, the GoldStar Transit Bus Rider Handbook, and the Student Code of Conduct. Students may be suspended from riding the bus due to documented misconduct.

    Bus safety is a primary concern of the school district. GoldStar Transit will attempt to balance the loads on school buses by assigning students to a certain bus. It is very important that a student ride their assigned bus. For the well-being and safety of students, GoldStar Transit may request that male and female students are separated while riding the bus.

    In order for a student to get off the bus at another student’s designated stop, the parent must provide a written note to the campus administrator. Once verified, the campus administrator, shall contact GoldStar Transit no later than noon, and then give the written note to bus driver.

    In an emergency situation only, a parent may request for his or her child to ride home with a friend. The parent must provide a written note to the campus administrator and the student must be a registered bus rider with GoldStar Transit. Once verified, the campus administrator shall contact GoldStar Transit no later than noon, and then give the note to the bus driver. If the student is not a registered bus rider, GoldStar Transit cannot transport the student due safety issues and the Texas Education Agency Transportation Guidelines.

    Students should report to the designated bus loading area as soon as the dismissal bell rings in order to avoid missing the bus. Students are expected to assist in ensuring that buses and other district vehicles are clean and safe.

    The guidelines that govern riding the school bus are listed below. In an effort to make bus riding as safe as possible for all students, the enforcement of these rules will be strictly followed. The student’s conduct and behavior on the school bus is extremely important for bus safety. Therefore, the bus driver is charged with the responsibility of maintaining discipline on the bus and will report violations to the campus administrator via a written GoldStar discipline referral.

    Bus Rules and Regulations

    General Bus Rules
     
    1. Obey and follow the directions of the bus driver and bus monitor at all times.
    2. Bus riders are expected to be courteous to fellow students, the driver, bus monitor, and patrol officers.
    3. Enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner at your designated stop. Leave the bus at your designated stop only.
    4. Only students who are eligible to ride may be transported by GoldStar Transit. Students must ride their assigned bus.
    5. Keep feet, books, instrument cases, and other objects out of the aisle.
    6. It is the responsibility of the parents to provide transportation to school if a child misses the bus.
    7. Students should not place their heads, hands, arms, or leg out of the bus window or any other object out of the bus window or throw any objects out of the bus window.
    8. Students must remain seated while the bus is motion.
    9. Skateboards are not allowed on GoldStar Transit buses.
    10. If you do not ride the bus for three consecutive (3) days, you must notify the GoldStar Transit office at 817-306-0684 to maintain eligibility to ride the bus.
    11. If you are injured and are required to use crutches, please contract GoldStar Transit immediately at 817-306-0684.
     
    Procedures for Waiting for the Bus
     
    1. Arrive at your designated bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pickup time. The driver will not wait or honk.
    2. Stand on the sidewalk and back from the roadway at all times while waiting for the bus.
    3. When the bus approaches, stand clear of the bus, wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the red loading lights come on, and then form a line to load the bus.
    4. “Horseplay” is not permitted at any time around or on the bus.
    5. Parents should instruct their children on what procedures to follow if the bus is missed.
     
    Loading the Bus
     
    1. Form a line and do not push or shove.
    2. Use the handrail and steps and carry large bags and objects in front of you.
    3. Go to your assigned seat. The bus will not move until all students are seated.
    4. Students will sit and remain in their assigned seats at all times.
     
    Conduct on the Bus
     
    1. Students must sit in their assigned seats and remain seated while the bus is moving. Each student will be expected to remain seated for the duration of the trip and remain seated until the bus door opens.
    2. A student shall not refuse to sit in an assigned seat or deny another a place to sit.
    3. Keep feet, books, instrument cases, packages, coats, and all other objects out of the aisles.
    4. Normal conversation is permitted; any loud noises may distract the driver and create an unsafe driving condition.
    5. Students must be quiet when the bus approaches a railroad crossing.
    6. Scuffling, fighting, horseplay, the use of obscene, vulgar, or profane language and gestures are forbidden.
    7. Do not throw objects inside or out of the bus.
    8. Bus riders should never tamper with the bus or any of its equipment. The emergency door and exit controls should be used by pupils only during supervised drills or actual emergencies.
    9. Students must never sit or attempt to sit in the driver's seat, must never operate the passenger door, or other driver controls.
    10. Students are not permitted to transport sharp, pointed, breakable, or other dangerous objects while on the bus.
    11. Students are not permitted to bring animals on the bus, except verified service animals.
    12. Students shall face forward while the bus is in motion and shall keep their feet on the floor in front of them and out of the bus aisle.
    13. Recording or taking photos on the bus is not allowed.
    14. Students are not permitted to talk or play loud music on their cell phones.
    15. Students shall assist in keeping the bus clean and sanitary by picking up their items.
    16. Any items left of the bus will be taken to the school office.
     
    Getting Off the Bus
     
    1. Students should remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop and the bus doors open.
    2. Use the handrail and take one step at a time when leaving the bus.
    3. Wait for your turn to leave the bus, pushing and crowding will only slow exiting.
    4. You must use your assigned stop at all times on morning and afternoon routes.
    5. If any article drops or rolls near or under the bus, do not go after it. Go to the door of the bus and ask the driver for help.
     
    Crossing the Street
     
    1. All students needing cross the roadway/street shall exit the bus and wait for the driver to signal you that it is safe to cross.
    2. Check in both directions before crossing and walk directly across the road.
    3. Never cross the roadway/street from behind the bus.
    4. CAUTION! Be alert for vehicles that do not stop when the bus is loading or unloading students.
    5. Cross all streets at the intersection or pedestrian crosswalk and obey all traffic signals and signs on your way home.
     
    Accidents or Emergencies
     
    1. In the case of an emergency or accident follow the instructions of the bus driver or monitor.
    2. If you must leave the bus from the emergency exit:
         a. The student nearest the door will open the door and hold it open.
         b. Students will exit the bus in a single file line as quietly, quickly, and orderly as possible. The student sitting closest to exit door will evacuate first.
         c. Once outside the bus, follow the driver or monitor’s instructions and remain in a group.
     
    Extracurricular Trips
     
    1. All bus rider rules and expectations apply to all school-sponsored events or trips.
    2. Discipline will be the responsibility of the campus administrator in collaboration with the trip sponsor.
     
    Prohibited Items
     
    1. Tobacco, illegal substances, alcohol, food, candy, and glass containers are not permitted on any buses.
    2. Weapons, explosive devices, knives, clubs, bats, matches or cigarette lighters, or any harmful chemicals is prohibited.
    3. Any object (musical instrument, shop project) that is too large to be carried by the student is prohibited. All projects must able to be kept on the student's lap at all times.
     
    Students who engage in documented misconduct will receive a GoldStar discipline referral and all violations of the Bus Rider Handbook will address in accordance with the EMS ISD Student Code of Conduct.