TRANSPORTATION

Transportation Guidelines

The Andover Regional School District transports approximately 1,250 students in both public and parochial schools throughout Andover Borough and Andover Township as well as neighboring Newton and Sparta.

New Jersey State Law Title 18A:39 requires the Board of Education to provide transportation for children who live more than two miles from an elementary school and more than two and a half miles from a high school. Because of the broad areas served by the district and the traffic conditions on our roads, the Board of Education has established sufficient bus routes to ensure the safety of all students, including routes to carry pupils to Newton High School and Sussex County Technical School. Transportation is also provided for students attending St. Joseph's, Pope John High School, Rev. George A. Brown Elementary School, Northwest Christian School, and others.

Parents/guardians who wish to have their child's bus or bus stop changed, must make the request in writing to the Transportation Department at the Long Pond School, 707 Limecrest Road, Newton, NJ 07860. Such requests will be reviewed and considered per Board policy and safety issue regulations.

As per Board policy, transportation is provided to and from school only. Transportation for babysitting purposes and play dates is not permitted due to space restrictions on the buses.

Temporary changes in transportation due to emergencies must be made in writing to the Transportation Department and School Principal. Please include a telephone number with your reason(s) for requesting the temporary change. Upon approval of the request, the Transportation Clerk will notify the Bus Contractor and parent. Parents are requested to not contact the bus contractor directly for any reason. Please direct all inquiries regarding transportation to our Transportation Clerk, Cheryl Henry at 973-383-8454, ext 3.

Bus Safety and Behavior

Safety and behavior on the school bus is not the sole responsibility of the school bus drivers. It is a matter of teamwork that requires the cooperation of pupils, parents, and school personnel. New Jersey State Law 18A:25-2 gives the authority to the school principal to exclude a pupil from the bus for disciplinary reasons and allocates the responsibility for the child's transportation to and from school to the parents for the exclusion period. Cooperation and understanding by all students and parents are appreciated. Please emphasize to your children the importance of following the rules and regulations covering transportation and bus safety.

Bus Safety Tips

s Sit in your assigned seat and keep the aisle clear.

s Never put your head, hands, or arms out the window.

s Stay seated until the bus stops.

s Never cross behind the bus.

s Cross in front of the bus so the driver can see you.

s Behave at the bus stop.

s Obey the rules.

s Talk quietly.

s Do not throw things or litter the bus.

s Do not distract the bus driver.

s No eating, drinking, or gum chewing on the bus.

s Arrive at assigned bus stop 10 minutes before the bus is due to arrive.