Transportation Rules & Regulations

Transportation Rules and Regulations - 2025-2026 School Year

1.     Students are only allowed to ride on the bus(es) they have been assigned, unless permission is granted by the SMR Business Office or SMR Student Life Office.

• Once a student is on the bus, they will not be allowed to leave the bus until they have reached their destination or transfer point. If a parent/ guardian chooses to pick up their student from the bus at a different stop, they must identify themselves to the driver and state their request.
• If a student temporarily needs to ride a different bus other than the bus assigned at registration, a bus pass will need to be obtained 24 hours in advance either in person from the Dean of Student Life Office in Paschal 110 OR via email transportation@smrhs.org or angela.swann@smrhs.org to request.

2.  No person is permitted to transport or have in their possession firearms or any other dangerous weapons (real or pretend), while on the school bus. This will constitute automatic dismissal from the bus for the remainder of the school year. Student will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

3.  The use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco is prohibited on the school bus at all times.

4.  All food and drinks must be in closed containers. No food or drinks may be consumed on the bus; ex. gum, candy, etc.

5.  Portable electronic devices may be used while on the bus with personal earphones. Sound levels will be kept at a minimum as not to disturb other students or the driver.

• No profane or obscene media is allowed. The bus provider and SMR/OLSS are not responsible for damages to the devices; or if the device is lost.

6. Students must not extend any part of their body or any other items out the windows of the bus.

7. Students must remain seated in their assigned seats while the bus is in motion and are not permitted in front of the first row of seats until they are authorized by the bus driver.

 8.  Due to space constraints, large bundles and large sports bags should be limited.  

• Animals are not permitted on the bus. Only packages, equipment, or musical instruments that you can reasonably hold on your lap are permitted.  

The bus drivers and St. Mary’s Ryken/Our Lady Star of the Sea are not accountable for items left on the buses.

 9.  Students may talk in a normal tone, and in an appropriate manner. Loud, profane, or obscene language will warrant disciplinary action.

10. The Activity/Late bus seating will have girls seated in the front half of bus and male students in back half of the bus.                   

11.Students must cooperate in keeping the bus clean and undamaged especially in their seating area.

• Any intentional damage to a school bus will result in the immediate suspension of transportation of bus privileges for the student(s) involved, and/ or until the terms for the repair and cost have been settled satisfactorily.
• Parents/ guardians will be accountable for their student’s damage to the bus through a parent/guardian conference, which will determine the repair costs.

12. Misbehavior, such as fighting, bullying, throwing of things around the bus, etc. will not be tolerated and a referral will be sent to the Dean of Students, Ms. Angie Swann, Principal, Mr. Tom Campbell and/or the Principals at OLSS. 

• Behaviors not in favor of the SMR/OLSS Handbook are subject to suspension or expulsion from the school bus, as determined by the Dean of Students/Principals, and further action may be taken, by the appropriate school.

12. If a student is expelled or suspended from the bus, all payments are non-refundable.