Bus FAQs

 

 

Frequently Asked Bus Questions

 

 

 

• When are school bus routes be posted?

Carlisle Middle School and Elementary bus routes are posted on the district website under the Families tab.  Bus routes are updated each summer and posted approximately one week prior to the start of the school year.

 

• Will a student have the same bus route, same bus stop, and bus driver each year?

Bus routes are set each year based on projected enrollment.  Every student is assigned to a bus route and bus stop unless a family has notified the school that their student(s) will not be taking the bus.  For many students they remain on the same bus with the same driver from year to year, but occasionally due to enrollment fluctuations there are changes to the bus routes moving stops and students to a different bus route. 

 

• Who do I contact with general questions regarding bus routes and bus stops?

Please contact Mary O’Regan, Assistant to the Superintendent, with general questions regarding bus routes and bus stops at moregan@carlisle.k12.ma.us or 978-369-4102.

 

• When does my student need to be at the bus stop?

Please allow 10-15 minutes before and/or after the listed stop time and have your child wait accordingly.  Stop times for the routes vary over the first few weeks of school until routes are settled into a routine and times become more consistent.  Please note that the stop times listed for each route on the website are approximate.

 

• Is there assigned seating on the bus?

Students do not have an assigned seat, but students sit by grade with the youngest students sitting in the seats in the front of the bus and older students sitting towards the rear of the bus.

 

• Does a parent/guardian need to be at the bus stop?

Elementary students, Kindergarten-grade 4, must be met by a responsible party at the bus stop.  This may be an older sibling in Middle School.  The bus drivers will not leave a student unattended at a bus stop.  If there is no one at the bus stop to receive a student, they will return to school to wait at the Main Office until arrangements can be made for pick-up.  Students in grade 4 may get off the bus alone with prior notification to the Elementary Principal.  All other students must request permission from the Elementary Principal to get off the bus without being met. 

 

• When can a middle school student ride the late bus (elementary bus) home in the afternoon?

Middle School students that stay after a regular school day for school-sponsored events, such as Homework Club or Band, can ride the Elementary Bus with a bus pass home under certain conditions:

• It is the understanding that each Middle School student will get off the bus at the Elementary Bus stop that is closest to their home.  Additional stops will not be made, as this route is established for Elementary School students.
• In the event that a bus is at maximum capacity, bus drivers have the authority to send middle schoolers to the Main Office to call home for a ride. 
• It is a privilege for Middle Schoolers to be provided transportation on the Elementary Bus.  They are expected to sit during the ride, observe all bus rules and set a good example for the younger students.

 

• May a student ride a bus other than the one they are assigned to?

Students may only ride the bus that they are assigned to.  Students are assigned to a bus route based on their home address or their before/after school care schedule at Carlisle Kids House.  Students may get off the bus at a different stop on their assigned route and for Elementary students there needs to be prior notification from a parent/guardian. 

 

• Who needs a bus pass?

All student in grades 7 and 8 who wish to ride the bus must have a bus pass.  Under Massachusetts State Law Chapter 71, Section 68 schools are required to transport pupils in grades K-6 who live two or more miles from the school.  Providing transportation for students in grades 7 and 8 is optional, regardless of the distance from their residence to the school.  The School Committee has approved the following fee structure: the first rider from a family is assessed a fee of $395.00 and each subsequent rider is assessed a fee of $197.50, half the price of the initial bus pass fee.  Families requesting financial assistance must meet the criteria for the free and reduced lunch program.  This program is handled in a totally confidential manner, and may be initiated by submitting an application to the school or by contacting your school principal.

 

• How do you purchase a bus pass?

To purchase a bus pass, please send a check in the amount of $395.00, or more depending on the number of 7th and 8th grade riders in your family, made payable to the “Town of Carlisle.”  Payments should be mailed to: Carlisle Public Schools, 83 School Street, Carlisle, MA 01741, Attn: Business Office.  To pay online please visit the Carlisle Public Schools website and click on the Online Fee Payment link on the bottom left of the homepage. Choose the 7th & 8th Grade Bus Fee option and fill out the requested information.

 

• What are the expectations for student behavior when boarding and exiting the bus?

• Line up single file to board the bus.
• Wait until the bus has stopped completely and the driver signals (thumbs up) it is safe before approaching the bus. 
• Walk to the bus. 
• If you need to cross in front of the bus, please walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus so the driver can see you at all times.
• Find an appropriate vacant seat quickly and seat down. 
• Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop to exit.  Leave your seat quickly and quietly, and wait until it is your turn to get off the bus.
• Use only the front exit of the bus.  Exit the bus using the emergency door at the rear of the bus only in the event of an emergency.
• Walk away from, not alongside the bus once you have exited the bus. 
• Cross in front of the bus, at least 10 feet in front so that you and the driver can see each other.  Look both ways and wait until the driver signals (thumbs up) before crossing the street for your own safety.

 

• What are the expectations for student behavior while riding the bus?

• Follow the driver’s instructions at all times.
• Remain in your seat and face forward at all times.
• Keep hands and feet to yourself.  Keep all body parts and objects inside the bus at all times.
• Use a quiet voice to speak with others sitting in a seat near you.
• Use school appropriate language.
• No food, snacks, gum or drinks on the bus.
• Open the windows only when the driver has indicated it is safe to do so.

 

• Who do I contact if I have concerns about student behavior on the bus?

Please contact your school principal with concerns about student behavior on the bus. 

Middle School Principal - Matt Mehler may be reached at mmehler@carlisle.k12.ma.us.

Elementary School Principal Dennet Sidell may be reached at dsidell@carlisle.k12.ma.us.