Welcome Back for the 2024-2025 School Year!
The Transportation Department works to assure the safety of all students who are provided district transportation. Bus transportation is provided for students who attend school within the district boundaries. Student transportation is a privilege extended to students in the district boundaries and is not a statutory requirement, except for transportation of students with disabilities as indicated in their respective individual education plans (IEP). Students may have privileges revoked or suspended based on their behavior.
We know that your child's school day begins when they step on the bus and receive a personal greeting from their school bus driver. We also know how important a great start is, and we pride ourselves in giving your child a great start and end to every school day.
The Transportation Department works hard to provide safe, cost-effective transportation services for our students to supplement the educational experience. We provide service to Continental School and Walden Grove High School, including external special education sites, McKinney-Vento, curricular field trips, and athletics. Our Transportation Staff includes a team of outstanding school bus drivers. They are qualified professionals who hold commercial driver's licenses with school bus certifications. They pass regular physicals and random testing, as required by the Arizona Dept. of Transportation, and they receive regular specialized training in the safe operation of a school bus. We conduct twice-daily bus inspections and the fleet receives maintenance and service on a regular, scheduled service rotation. We rely on all of the students, supported by their parents or guardians, to follow procedures that contribute to the safety of everyone on the bus. As always, safety is our number one consideration as we establish bus routes and provide student transportation.
Our fleet is equipped with school buses ranging from 22-passenger capacity to 84-passenger capacity, enabling the department to accommodate a variety of transportation needs. For further information or to request transportation services within CESD, please connect with us. Our staff is available to assist families and community partners.
Please help us support your child's safe school bus experience by discussing with them the importance of following the school bus safety rules (please see below).
Bus Rider's Rules of Good Conduct
Getting on the school bus
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When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness. Do not stray onto streets, alleys, or private property.
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Line up away from the street or road as the school bus approaches.
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Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.
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Use the handrail when stepping onto the bus.
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Quietly taking your seat helps everyone on the bus. Older students are asked to assist younger students.
Behavior on the bus
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When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed.
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Talking with your friends in a normal voice is acceptable bus behavior. Please address the bus driver only in case of an emergency.
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Never put your head, arms, or hands out of the window.
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Keep aisles clear – books or bags are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency.
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Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your books and belongings together.
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Each student will assist the driver by placing litter in a place designated by the bus driver.
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At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat, then walk to the front door and exit, using the handrail.
Getting off the school bus
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If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least ten feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road until you can turn around and see the driver.
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Make sure that the driver can see you.
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Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross.
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When the driver signals, walk across the road keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
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Do not cross the centerline of the road until the driver has signaled that it is safe for you to begin walking.
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NEVER cross behind a school bus. Stay away from the bus’ rear wheels at all times.
The correct way to cross the street
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Children should always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look left, then right, and then left again before crossing.
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They should continue looking in this manner until they are safely across.
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If a student's vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacles, they should move out to where drivers can see them and they can see other vehicles — then stop, and look left-right-and left again.
Prohibited Items
- No Food or Snacks while on the bus
- Tobacco
- Alcoholic beverages
- Glass or other breakable items
- Insects, reptiles, or other animals
- No weapon, explosive devices, harmful drugs, or chemicals
Bus Passes
Does your child need a note to ride home with a friend? Yes! Bus riders who are requesting to get off the bus at an alternate stop (for example, a student going home with a friend) must present their signed note to the classroom teacher or office manager for verification prior to boarding the bus. A bus pass will be assigned and given to the student to take to the bus driver.
IF A PASS IS NOT CREATED IN THE OFFICE, THE STUDENT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUS.
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