Manchester



Chelsea School District

[pic]

Field Trip Information

2014 – 2015

Transportation Department

Andrew D. Ingall

Superintendent of Schools

Julie Deppner

Assistant Superintendent

Teresa A. Zigman

Executive Director of Business and Operations

Jeff Knasiak

Director of Transportation

Chelsea School District / Manchester Community Schools

Chelsea School District

Pupil Transportation Department

Philosophy Statement

It is the philosophy of the Chelsea School District to provide a safe, courteous, consistent, and efficient transportation service over routes authorized by the Board of Education for eligible pupils.

In organizing the operation of the transportation system, all applicable statutes, rules, and regulations of the State of Michigan, or its agencies, shall be strictly adhered to and all recommendations and suggestions shall be carefully considered.

The primary purpose of the transportation system is to provide transportation for those eligible pupils from the vicinity of their homes to the school they attend. Careful consideration shall also be given to efficiency and economy of the operation. Use of transportation equipment for field trips, co-curricular activities, and other authorized educational, cultural, and recreational activities is permitted when it does not conflict with the primary purpose for transportation. School bus transportation shall be considered a privilege to be used by a student only as long as the student accepts the responsibility for his/her own conduct; carefully following all established rules and regulations and complies with the directions and requests of the driver. Most school bus riders may find it necessary to walk some distance to the designated bus stop.

The general supervision of the organization and operation of the school transportation system shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent of Schools, and may be delegated to appropriate administrative and supervisory personnel.

[pic] Transportation Department

Contacts

* Jeff Knasiak, Director of Transportation 734-433-2274 x-4075

jknasiak@chelsea.k12.mi.us

** After hours emergency or cancellation: 734-777-9796

* Theresa Saxton, Transportation Assistant 734-433-2274 x-4074

tsaxton@chelsea.k12.mi.us

** After hours emergency or cancellation: 734-635-3262 or 734-433-0414

* Jim Zenz Transportation Lead Mechanic 734-433-2274 x-4079

** After hours emergency or equipment failure: 517-206-6456

Chelsea School District

Transportation Services

14138 E. Old US 12

Chelsea, MI 48118

(734) 433-2274

(734) 433-2217 = Fax

School Bus Trip Request Procedure[pic]

The District Field Trip Request Form (Attachment F1) must be completed for all trips AND the Transportation Bus Request Form (Attachment F2) requires the approval of your building Principal/Administrator. (District Forms located on home page of web site) chelsea.k12.mi.us

A Transportation Bus Request Form must be completed to use any Chelsea School District Transportation vehicle.  The easiest and quickest way to do this is by e-mail. 

DIRECTIONS 

1.  Download and open the Transportation Bus Request Form. (Attachment F2) (District Forms located on home page of web site) chelsea.k12.mi.us

 

2.  "Save as" to word and keep this as your master form.  For this master form you can also enter any information that remains the same (i.e., school, group, initiating teacher).  You are now working in your word file and not the internet.

3.  Do a 2nd "save as" to whatever you want to call this trip request (i.e., Biology Zoo trip, Greenfield Village.  You can also include the date of your trip.

4.  At this point you need to add any pertinent information for this request (i.e., date, times, destination, number of students, etc.).  Save.

 

5.  Now send this completed form (as attachment) to your building administrator and to Theresa Saxton in transportation. tsaxton@chelsea.k12.mi.us

6.  Once Theresa receives the Administrator's approval, she will e-mail the initiating staff member and Administrator that all paperwork is on file and the trip is scheduled.

 Questions, please contact Theresa @ ext. 4074 or Jeff @ ext. 4075.

Theresa Saxton tsaxton@chelsea.k12.mi.us

Jeff Knasiak jknasiak@chelsea.k12.mi.us

Field Trip Hours [pic]

School Days: 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. (Does not apply to athletics)

Exceptions may apply. Please contact the Transportation Department before planning a field trip.

Weekends & Holidays: Must have Board of Education approval. If request is on a Weekend or Holiday, contact the Transportation Department for possible rate increase.

The Chelsea Board of Education, through its policies, has established rules regarding field trips. Local trips under 75 miles from school are to be approved by the building principal. Trips between 75 miles and 200 miles, within the United States, must be approved by the building principal and the Superintendent. All overnight out-of-state trips, trips greater than 200 miles from the school, trips outside of the United States, and trips including a Sunday must be approved by the Board. Trips requiring Board approval are to be submitted at least 30 days before the scheduled trip and prior to confirming with students and parents that the trip will occur.

Field Trip Rates [pic]

2014 – 2015 Field Trip Rate is based upon the amount of miles bus is driven and actual time driver is contracted for. *(One hour is added for driver pre & post trip requirements)

Trip costs for Chelsea School Group: $3.15 per mile (bus)

$25.63 per hour (driver)

Trip Costs for Non-District Groups: $4.73 per mile (bus)

$30.30 per hour (driver)

MDOT Fee Charged to All Non-District Groups: $20.00 per bus request

Mileage is recorded from the moment the bus leaves the Transportation Facility until the bus returns to the Transportation Facility.

The Transportation Department strongly encourages anyone planning a field trip to contact us prior to making final arrangements. We will assist you in planning the most effective trip possible and give you an estimate of the cost.

[pic] General Rules and Guidelines

Breaks / Meals:

Drivers are to remain on site of destination unless parking of bus is not available. The driver MUST notify the trip sponsor of where and how long he/she will be away from the location. Bus and Driver are NOT permitted to transport passengers for meals unless PRE-AUTHROIZED by building Administrator in advance of trip.

Cancellation of Trip:

If the trip is cancelled or the number of buses needed is less than what was requested, notify the Transportation Department as soon as possible. If the Transportation Department is not notified of a cancellation and a bus arrives for the trip, the trip sponsor will be billed for a minimum of one and three quarter (1 3/4) hours plus mileage to and from the bus garage.

If the trip needs to be rescheduled, contact the Transportation Department for available dates.

Chaperones:

Drivers are NOT permitted to leave for or return from a destination without a chaperone on the bus. The School Bus Driver is responsible for the proper operation of the vehicle during boarding, un-boarding and transit. Chaperones are responsible for enforcing bus rules and maintaining a safe environment aboard the bus during the field trip. The driver also has the authority to give instruction to all passengers when the safety and welfare of the students is involved.

Clean Buses:

The trip sponsor will notify the Transportation Department if a bus arrives dirty. This includes the outside of the bus as well as the inside. The trip sponsor is responsible for the cleanliness of the vehicle’s interior at the conclusion of the trip. The sponsor is responsible for the inspection of the bus for cleanliness along with the collection of lost / found articles. The driver will have garbage bags available for clean up. The Transportation Department WILL ADD clean up time to the field trip bill if the bus is returned dirty.

Clear Aisles:

At all time, the bus driver will maintain a clear and unobstructed path to the emergency equipment and exits. No articles will be allowed to block the view from any window in the bus. No books, band instruments, athletic equipment, etc. shall be transported in the driver’s compartment or placed in the aisles.

The Pupil Transportation Act #187 of 1990, Sec. 65, #5, (c)

The school bus is not to be used for transporting freight, goods, or merchandise other than that which is carried on the laps of individual passengers.

Companion:

Pre-authorization required for Chelsea School District enrolled school age family member companion to accompany district employee on trip. Approval must be obtained in advance from trip sponsor and/or Transportation Director and only if space is available.

Field Trip Requests:

A field trip bus request form should be submitted to the Transportation Department for Bus Drivers to bid upon at least (10) ten school days prior to trip date.

No phone request will be taken. All requests are reviewed and approved on a first-come first-served basis. The number of daily trips and buses allowed is limited, so the earlier the request is submitted, the better chance of approval.

If a bus is shared between two or more groups / schools, send only (1) one field trip request form and include complete instructions for services needed.

All field trip requests must include the complete name, address and directions of the destination. (Exception: Athletics)

Any trip changes, i.e., cancellations, times, destinations, number of passengers, etc., must be submitted in writing (email) to Theresa Saxton, Transportation Assistant. tsaxton@chelsea.k12.mi.us

Field Trip Request forms may be obtained on the Transportation page of the Chelsea School District Website. chelsea.k12.mi.us

Food and Drinks:

The Chelsea School District allows eating and drinking of food and beverage on the bus as long as this privilege is not abused by passengers. The bus driver has the authority to NOT permit eating and drinking of food and beverage if passenger behavior and/or safety are compromised. The bus driver may stop en route at a restaurant only if pre-authorized by Building Administrator or Athletic Director and Transportation Director. If a restaurant stop is planned, it must be included on the field trip request form and also should not delay the return time during a regular school day.

Interstate Travel: (Out of State) Any field trip bus traveling out of the State of Michigan must not allow the driver to be working for more than (10) ten hours from start to finish. Typically, Chelsea School District does not travel out of the State of Michigan.

Contact Transportation Office for more information regarding “Interstate Travel”.

Noise Level and Radios:

The driver and the trip sponsor will cooperate to maintain the noise level and determine any rules unique to the field trip. Cheers are allowed until the bus reaches the public roadway. For safety reasons, the noise shall be at a level of acceptance for the bus driver when the bus is on the road.

Besides the bus-equipped radio, only earphone-type radios are allowed.

Cell Phones:

Student cellular telephones, pager/beeper or other electronic communication devices MUST be turned OFF (not simply set on silent mode) while being transported on school buses. Field trip buses will be given notice by driver when bus is (15-20) minutes upon return to Chelsea for parent/guardian notification.

Overcrowding:

A 71-passenger bus will seat 71 passengers, placing (3) three in a seat. When requesting a bus for a trip, please keep in mind the number of students, equipment to be transported, the size of the students, and the type of clothing the students will have, i.e., uniforms, ski jackets, etc.

The bus driver will report to the Director of Transportation if he/she feels the bus is overcrowded and a safety issue. The Director of Transportation will determine if additional vehicle(s) are needed and/or available, based on State Guidelines.

Bus Size Availability

35 Passengers with 3 Wheelchair Station (Bus #1)

35 Passengers with 3 Wheelchair Station (Bus #4)

35 Passengers with 2 Wheelchair Stations (Bus #9)

35 Passengers with 5 Wheelchair Stations (Bus #48)

A separate field trip request form MUST be completed for every bus needed.

Suggested passenger capacity limits:

High & Middle Schools-47 / Elementary 3rd-6th grades-55 / Elementary K-2nd grades-71

Wheelchair busses have different capacities – please contact transportation with your specific equipment needs.

Pick Up and Return Times:

Pick Up Time: is when you want the bus to depart at your pick-up point. The earliest scheduled leave time is 8:00 a.m.

Contact the Transportation Department before scheduling a trip that will require an earlier leave time.

Return Drop Off Time: is the return time to the departure site. The latest return time during a regular school day is 2:30 p.m. Remember when informing the bus driver the time you wish to re-board the bus for departure back to school to leave plenty of travel time. The return time to school is necessary to assure that regularly scheduled bus routes are maintained for school dismissal.

**When planning travel time, keep in mind that buses DO NOT travel as fast as cars**

Pre-School Children:

Only pre-school children enrolled in Chelsea School District programs will be permitted to ride on field trip buses. The State Law regarding car seats in private vehicles for pre-school age children will be enforced. Contact the Transportation Department to ensure equipment for pre-school age children is available. Infants will not be transported on a school bus.

Return Trip:

All students transported by Chelsea School District school buses will be transported back to the starting destination in the same vehicle. The trip sponsor must approve exceptions. The trip sponsor will assume all responsibility of any students not returning in a school district vehicle or left behind.

Roster:

A roster of all students and adults (including teachers, coaches and parents) who will ride the bus during the trip must be kept and maintained by the trip sponsor in the event of an emergency. No Exceptions.

Special Needs Students:

Transportation of Special Needs students:

Check with the Transportation Department for availability of an ortho (lift bus) before scheduling a field trip.

Students MUST be transported with their equipment (wheelchair, walker, etc.). The equipment CANNOT be transported separately.

Contact Transportation Department for additional questions regarding the transporting of students with special needs.

Student Bus Rules:

The Student Bus Rules shall be in effect for all passengers on field trips. The Trip Sponsor and school personnel in charge are expected to have control of students and ensure that the bus rules are being followed. The School Bus is an extension of the classroom. The safety and welfare of all passengers will be maintained by the Trip Sponsor / Teacher / Coach and Parents on board the school bus during the field trip.

Unavailable Date:

According to contract language, all bus drivers MUST attend first staff day of the school year in order to bid routes. Any trip requests needed on this day must be pre-approved by the Director of Transportation.

Van Use: (Maximum Capacity 8 (Including driver)

Chelsea School District requires all school employees to obtain a “Chauffer’s License" prior to driving school district vans. Employees must maintain current copy of chauffer’s license in the transportation office.

Weather Conditions:

Decisions regarding the cancellation or early return from destinations due to weather or road conditions is decided upon by the Superintendent of Schools, Trip Sponsor, Building Principal, Athletic Director and/or the Director of Transportation.

Update – July 1, 2014 jk

CHELSEA SCHOOL DISTRICT FIELD TRIP REQUEST FORM

The Chelsea Board of Education, through its policies, has established rules regarding field trips. Local trips under 75 miles from school are to be approved by the building principal. Trips between 75 miles and 200 miles, within the United States, must be approved by the building principal and the Superintendent. All overnight out-of-state trips, trips greater than 200 miles from the school, trips outside of the United States, and trips including a Sunday must be approved by the Board. Trips requiring Board approval are to be submitted at least 30 days before the scheduled trip and prior to confirming with students and parents that the trip will occur.

|Teacher/Sponsor Name: |Group Name: |

|Destination: |Mileage One-Way (required): |

|Date(s) of Field Trip: |

|Departure time: |Return time: |

|Instructional objective and purpose of the trip: |

|Cost of the trip: |

|How will students be transported? |

|Number of students attending: |

|Names of Chaperones (a 1:8 ratio is required |

|Will substitute teacher(s) be required? ( yes |

|( no |

|If yes, how many? 1 |

|Are there scholarship opportunities available? ( yes |

|( no |

|If yes, explain. |

|Does the trip involve a Sunday? ( yes |

|If yes, what provisions have been made for students who wish to attend religious services? |

|Principal Approval |Superintendent Approval |Board Approval (over 200 miles; overnight |

|(under 75 miles) |(75-200 miles, within US) |Out-of-state or country; and incl. Sun.) |

|( yes ( |( yes ( no |( yes ( no |

|no | | |

| |______________________ |________________________ |

|Signature |Signature |Signature |

| | | |

|Date________________ |Date__________________ |Date______________ |

| |INSTRUCTIONS |

|2014 - 2015 |E-mail requests must be submitted with approval to the Transportation Department a |

| |minimum of 10 school days prior to any trip. |

|TRANSPORTATION REQUEST |Complete one request per day indicating number of passengers. Suggested passenger |

| |allowances as follows: H.S. & Middle School 47; Elementary 3rd - 6th grades ~55; |

|CHELSEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS |Elementary K-2nd grades ~71. Wheelchair busses have different capacities – please |

| |contact transportation with your specific requirements. |

|Send as e-mal to Transportation Department and to the authorizing building|Teacher/coach must provide thorough directions and/or map. Should always check for |

|administrator. Building administrator will send e-mail approval to |road repair work that could cause delays. Staff member(s) required on each bus. |

|Transportation Department. |Transportation Department will send return e-mail confirming request to initiating |

| |staff member. |

| |With the cost of fuel, drivers will remain on site. |

|Date of Trip |School |Destination |

|Exact Departure Time |Approximate Return Time |Group |

|Number of Riders (a roster of riders |Initiating Teacher/Coach |Date Submitted |

|should be with coach or teacher and | | |

|available to driver) | | |

| | | |

|Directions can be typed here - Teacher/Coach is responsible to bring thorough directions and/or map. |

| |

|THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETD BY AUTHORIZED ADMINISTRATOR |

|Approved by |Title |Date Approved |

|Academic Trip: Yes No |Billable trip: Yes No |Check with Transportation Office for current |

| |Bill trip cost to: |fees. Fees are subject to change due to |

| | |fluctuating fuel costs. |

|THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETD BY TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT |

|Date received in Transportation |Date acknowledged by Transportation |Transportation Approval |

|Driver Assigned |Vehicle Number |

|THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BY BUS DRIVER |

|Starting Mileage |Ending Mileage |Miles traveled |

| | | |

|Starting Time for Pre-trip |Arrival time at destination |Driving Hours |Sitting Hours |

| | | | |

|Starting Time for RETURN Pre-trip |Finished time |Driving Hours | |

| | | | |

| |Office Use |Office Use |

| | | |

|Signature of driver |Date |

| | |

-----------------------

F1 District Trip Request Form

F2 Bus Request Form

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download