Spark Transportation Procedures are established for the safety of all participants riding on Kearney Enrichment Council buses.

Participants will be picked up at their school. It is the responsibility of the participant's parents to inform the school that their child will be riding the bus for Spark .  It is also their responsibility to notify the school of any transportation changes.

The Bus Drivers have complete authority over all participants and the power to enforce all rules and regulations. Their directives are to be always followed to transport participants safely, orderly, and reliably.

NOTE: By riding the bus, it is implied that all participants and parents understand these rules and will abide by them. Stating that they did not know the rules does not excuse a participant from misbehavior or infractions of the rules.

Obey the instructions of the bus driver. At no time should a participant be disrespectful or refuse to cooperate with the driver.

Board and leave the bus at designated stops only.

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide transportation to Spark if a child misses the bus.

The driver has the authority to confiscate any prohibited items or any other items deemed distracting or dangerous.

The driver will not allow any unauthorized person to board the bus.

Participants will be picked up from their home school. Parents/guardians should instruct their children on what to do if they miss the bus.

Participants should be no closer than 10 feet from the bus, which is called the "Danger Zone." Be in plain sight of the approaching bus driver and other traffic. Be watchful and do not play around.

Before the bus approaches, form a line and be prepared to load immediately.

Stand still and clear of the bus. Move toward the bus ONLY after the bus driver opens the door and/or driver signals you to load.

Do not push or shove; always use the handrail.

Go directly to a seat. The bus will not move until all participants are seated. Participants must always remain seated.

Spark code of conduct rules shall be followed. Participants should follow all rules outlined in the Spark Studios Code of Conduct, as well as any rules established by the driver.

NO food, gum and/or drink of any kind are allowed on the bus. All food, gum and/or drink must be disposed of before boarding the bus.

Normal conversation is permitted; avoid loud noises that may distract the driver and create an unsafe condition. Do not talk to the driver while the bus is in motion.

SEATBELTS ARE TO BE WORN AT ALL TIMES. It should be fastened appropriately across their lap.

Do not spit or throw objects inside or out of the bus.

Do not litter, mark, cut or scratch any part of the bus. The participant is responsible for any damages.

Do not tamper with the bus.

The emergency door and exit controls should be used by participants only during supervised drills or an actual emergency.

Participants shall never attempt to operate the passenger door or other controls except in case of emergency.

Participants shall always remain seated and face forward for the duration of the trip. Shall keep their feet in front of them. The aisle should be always clear.

Do not spray any substance (ex. hairspray, cologne, perfume, deodorant, etc.) while on the bus.

Participants shall not use electronic devices such as phones, tablets, laptop computers, or video games on the bus without the Bus Driver’s permission.

If permission is granted, headphones or earbuds must be used provided the user is listening through personal headphones and the volume is low enough that others cannot hear the music.

The Bus Driver may provide participants the use of their cell phone in emergency situations. Taking pictures or video recording is strictly prohibited.

Stay seated until the bus has come to a complete stop and the door has opened.

Use the handrails and take one step at a time leaving the bus.

Wait for your turn to leave the bus. Pushing and crowding will only slow exiting and may cause an accident.

Participants must move away from the bus as soon as they depart. Do not chase or hang onto the bus at any time. Stay out of the bus "Danger Zone."

If an article drops or rolls near or under the bus, get the attention of the driver immediately and have the driver assist you to retrieve the article. Do not attempt to retrieve the item without the assistance from the bus driver. Always keep your eyes on the bus driver.

If a student misses the bus, it is the parents’ or guardians’ responsibility to provide transportation to Spark.  

Parents/guardians, please instruct your children on procedures to follow if they miss the bus.

Once the bus starts moving, it will not stop to pick up a late student.  Do not run after a moving bus.

• Tobacco.
• Live animals or insects.
• Glass containers.
• Alcoholic beverages, drugs or chemicals.
• Weapons, explosive devices, stun guns, pepper spray, sharp objects or firecrackers.
• All items must be kept on the student's lap or within the seating compartment and may not deny another student a seat.
• Food or drinks (no eating or drinking on the bus).
• Matches or lighters.

Follow the driver's instructions completely.

If you must leave the bus, stay in a group, and move to a safe location as directed.

The following procedures will be used for evacuation in an emergency:
• Participants nearest the door will open the door and hold it open.
• Leave the bus in a single file as quickly and quietly as possible.
• Evacuation will start with the seat nearest the front door unless otherwise instructed.

The bus is an extension of the Spark program and discipline will be administered by the program coordinator with assistance from the bus driver. All Spark Studios policies that apply to participant conduct apply to the bus. The following procedures shall be followed when discipline concern arises on a bus:

The driver may pull the bus over and stop to safely manage participant behavior.
If the participant refuses to comply with a reasonable request, the driver will report the incident to the program coordinator upon returning to the Firehouse Community Center. The notification shall be documented in writing.
The program coordinator shall investigate the incident and notify the driver of the action taken.
1st report = verbal/written warning
2nd report = parent/guardian contact
3rd report = suspension from riding the bus for the reminder of the year

Note: At the discretion of the program coordinator, bus riding privileges may be suspended due to the nature of the infraction.

Serious Violation: The program coordinator has the authority to bypass steps from serious violations or to repeat a step if the behavior is not a serious violation. Some examples of a serious violation are fighting, cursing, threatening the driver, etc.