The District provides transportation of students to and from our schools for the regularly scheduled day that live outside the walking boundaries.

Transportation will be provided for resident students, public and non-public, who live more than two (2) miles from the assigned secondary school, which is  Grades 9 through 12; more than one and one-half (1 ½) miles for Grades 7 and 8; or more than one and one-fourth (1 ¼) miles for Intermediate school Grades 5 and 6 and Kindergarten through Grade 4 from the assigned elementary school

The Ephrata Area School District offers bus transportation for the convenience of pupils living outside the walking perimeters. Students and parents need to be aware of the expectations and follow the bus rules provided. By complying with these rules, we can maximize the potential for a safe, pleasant bus experience for everyone. Each school year, eligible students are assigned a bus and a bus stop. Bus drivers stop only at established and authorized bus stops. Bus stops and bus numbers assigned to students may only be changed with school permission.

Students need to arrive at their bus stop five minutes before the designated time. For safety purposes students will not cross the road until the bus has come to a complete stop. Students should cross approximately ten feet in front of the bus remaining visible to the driver at all times.

A responsible individual must be present at a bus drop-off before a kindergarten student may exit the bus. If no one is present, the student will remain on the bus while the driver completes their run and then returned to their elementary building. (Please have current contact information updated at your elementary building)

Always follow the driver’s directions.
Students must sit in assigned seats.
No foul or loud language.
No fighting, pushing, shoving or bullying.
Stay properly seated. No standing or kneeling on the bus seats.
No eating or drinking on the bus.
Music can only be played with ear buds.
Use cell phone etiquette. No video/still photography.
Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
Keep hands, head and other items inside the bus.
All other school rules apply.

* If a student receives a bus suspension, it is the parent’s responsibility to transport the student to/from school.
** If at any time a student poses a safety risk to themselves and/or others (examples include but are not limited to moving around on the bus as it is moving, becoming physically aggressive, excessive verbal aggression…) as determined by the driver and administration a bus suspension will be initiated.

When you meet or approach a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP.
When you approach an intersection where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP. It does not matter if you are traveling on the same road or a cross road.
Drivers do not have to stop on a highway with clearly defined dividing sections or physical barriers providing separate roadways. This only applies when the school bus is on the opposite side of the road.
You MUST STOP at least ten (10) feet away from the school bus.
You MUST WAIT until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving.
DO NOT MOVE until all the children have reached a place of safety.
THE CONSEQUENCE FOR DISOBEYING THESE LAWS IS: Applicable fines, 60-day suspension of your license and 5 points added to your driving record

Each school bus is equipped with a video camera box that records oral communications and visual images. Students and their parents agree that the students’ use of the school bus constitutes consent to the District’s audio/visual monitoring. The Administration will monitor all the school buses for disciplinary problems as well as safety related concerns. School policy allows use of video and recording devices on all district vehicles to support efforts in maintaining discipline, safety and security. Surveillance systems can be turned over to authorities upon request.

Board Policy (PDF)

Special Transportation

Non Public Transportation Request

Student Medical Info for Transportation