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BUS TRANSPORTATION
As a security measure, requests for students to not ride on their assigned buses, on any day, must be in writing on a note signed by the parent. For obvious security reasons, phone calls with change of after school plans are not accepted for requests such as riding another bus or using another drop off point.
To assist the School Bus Drivers and Transportation Officers in carrying out their responsibilities for the safety and conduct of children who ride school buses, parents can never stress too often the importance of good bus behavior, which includes the conduct of children when boarding and leaving the school bus.
The School Bus Driver and Transportation Officer may deny bus privileges to children who violate bus rules. All children who ride the bus are required to have a bus pass. Proper conduct while aboard buses is essential. Children must not be rowdy or create a diversion that distracts the driver's concentration. Infractions of rules may result in suspension of bus privileges. The Lakenheath School Bus Office handles bus discipline problems and follows strict guidelines for behavior.Bus passes may be obtained from the School Bus Transportation Office at RAF Lakenheath. Students will be allowed to ride the bus to school without their bus pass; however, they will not be allowed to ride the bus home. Therefore, parents will be contacted to either bring the pass to school or make alternative transportation arrangements when this occurs.
Questions about school bus transportation can be directed to the Isles District School Bus Office by calling DSN 226-3752.The school considers it important that parents alert their children to the different traffic rules and practices while living in England. For instance, in the U.S., school buses have the right-of-way. All traffic must stop when the bus is loading or unloading passengers. This is not true in the United Kingdom. School buses DO NOT have priority over other vehicles on the highway, creating a serious hazard for children getting on and off buses. Motor vehicles will continue to pass a stopped bus from both directions. It is imperative that all children understand this and do not try to cross the road in front of or behind a stopped bus. They must wait until they have a clear view of traffic from both ways before they attempt to cross a road.
Parents should wait for their children on the same side of the street as the children unload from the bus and then cross the street together, as needed. Fatal accidents have resulted from an excited child running across the street to someone waiting for them on the other side. CHILDREN LIVING ON BASE AND IN THE ANGLO HOUSING AREAS MUST BE MADE AWARE TO CROSS STREETS ONLY AT MARKED CROSSINGS.Another important consideration is for children commuting by bicycle to and from school. Most would not be accustomed to riding on the left side of the road. British law requires a bicycle to have a front white light and a red light at the rear. British police frequently give citations to cyclists who violate this law. On base, everyone is required to wear a helmet. Being aware of traffic direction is also important when attempting to cross the street and looking for oncoming vehicles since traffic travels on the opposite side of the road than in the U.S.
If parents need additional information or assistance regarding transportation safety, they may contact the Wing Ground Safety Office at DSN 226-3736 or go to the DoDDS-E web site for further information.