The Fort McMurray Catholic School Division considers the school bus to be an extension of the classroom. Student safety is our primary priority; ridership is a privilege.
All students accessing Yellow Bus Transportation must strictly adhere to the following behavioral expectations. Non-compliance will subject the student to disciplinary action, up to and including the temporary or permanent suspension of transportation privileges.
The bus driver is an authorized division representative responsible for the safety and operation of the vehicle. Students must comply promptly and respectfully with all instructions issued by the driver.
Students must use respectful language at all times. Profanity, abusive language, bullying, harassment, or intimidation directed toward the driver or fellow passengers will not be tolerated.
Only students officially assigned to the specific route are permitted to board. Guest riders, friends, and unauthorized adult passengers are strictly prohibited.
Students must arrive at their designated master stop 3 to 5 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time. Drivers operate on strict schedules and can not delay routes for tardy students.
While awaiting the bus, students must remain a safe distance back from the roadway curb. Property adjacent to bus stops must be respected; loitering, littering, or disruptive behavior at stop locations is prohibited.
A parent, guardian, or designated adult must be physically present at the stop for both the morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off of Kindergarten (ECS) students. If an adult is not present at afternoon drop-off, the student will be returned to the school.
Students must proceed directly to a seat upon boarding and remain fully seated at all times while the vehicle is in motion. Changing seats during transit is strictly prohibited.
Aisles, emergency exits, and entryways must remain entirely clear of obstruction. Backpacks, and all items, must be stored safely under the seat or on the student's lap.
Students must not throw objects inside the bus or project items/debris out of the windows. Extending limbs, heads, or clothing out of bus windows is strictly prohibited.
Students must remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop. Off-boarding must occur in an orderly, single-file fashion utilizing the handrail.
Drivers are legally bound to pre-determined routes. Parents and students are strictly prohibited from requesting or demanding deviations from established stops or routes.
If a student must cross the street after exiting, they must walk at least 10 paces in front of the bus, establish clear eye contact with the driver, and wait for the driver's signal before crossing the roadway.
Student conduct on school division transport is subject to the standard School Code of Conduct. The Division Transportation Contractor retains the authority to document infractions via digital video monitoring or written reports.
Initial or minor infractions will result in a warning or school-based intervention. Repetitive misconduct, vandalism to the vehicle, or behaviors that actively compromise vehicular safety will result in an immediate suspension of bus riding privileges, requiring parents to secure alternative transportation at their own expense.
While RMWB transit is not explicitly considered an extension of the school, students riding on transit buses are expected to follow the same code of conduct outlined above. Non-compliance will subject the student to disciplinary action.