General Information

Information On Fee-Based Busing

2019-2020 School Year

In accordance with the Student Transportation Policy of the Hopkinton Public Schools/ Hopkinton School Committee the following information applies to fee-based school bus transportation for the 2019-20 school year:

• Fee based busing is available to students who are in grades 7-12 in which all students, who wish to ride the school bus, pay for busing.
• Payments for the Fee-Based Busing Program are to be received (or postmarked) by Wednesday, May 1, 2019. The cost for a bus pass for the 2019-20 school year is $155 per student with a family cap of $310.
• Grace period: Payments received (or postmarked) between May 2 & June 28, 2019, will be subject to late fees, but will be guaranteed an assignment to a bus that serves your residential area. The late bus fee for the 2019-20 school year is $235 per student with a family cap of $470.
• Payments received (or postmarked) after June 28, 2019 (after the grace period) will incur a late fee; will be waitlisted and will not be guaranteed assignment to a bus for the first two weeks of school; if space is not available on a bus that serves your residential area your student will be offered an alternative bus at the next closest bus stop to his/her home; and new bus stops will not be created to accommodate late applicants.
• Students new to the school district who register/enroll for school after May 1, 2019, pay the standard bus fee of $155 per student, with a family cap of $310.

Payment Options

• Online payments may be made via a secure online payment center provided by UniBank. A link is located on the Hopkinton Public Schools website (www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us) under Transportation. Payments made directly from a checking account, or by credit/debit card, are assessed a fee by Unibank. Only Discover and MasterCard are accepted by Unibank. Visa cards are not accepted. Your online payment serves as the transportation application for the student(s) designated; you do not have to submit a paper application.
• Payments made by mail should be made via check or money order made payable to “Hopkinton Public Schools-Bus Fee”. Please do not send cash. Payments must be accompanied by a completed 2019-20 School Bus Transportation Application and should be sent to: Hopkinton Public Schools, Transportation, 89 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.
• Please note that installment payments are not allowed. The bus fee will not be prorated for one-way trips, nor will it be prorated for occasional use. Refunds and late purchase amounts are determined based on the schedule at the end of this document.
• The School Committee continues to offer a Financial Assistance Program which provides full and partial waivers of most school fees including the bus fee. Details of this program can be found on our website www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us, on the Homepage, under Site Shortcuts, Financial Assistance. This confidential financial assistance fee waiver form is easy to complete and should be sent along with your 2019-2020 School Bus Transportation Application. The deadline for completing a Financial Assistance application is also May 1, 2019. If you have difficulty locating the application on the website please call (508-417-9381) or email us (transporatation@hopkinton.k12.ma.us) and a paper copy will be mailed to you. Free and Reduced Lunch applications are not used to determine free bus pass eligibility.

Other Information

• Bus passes are required to be presented to the bus driver in order to ride a Hopkinton Public School bus. Please note: No bus passes will be available for pick-up at the Transportation Office during the summer months through September 13, 2019, as staff must follow a process of determining bus space availability before a pass can be printed.
• Bus routes will be published in August during the week before school starts.
• All students taking a bus to school should be at their designated bus stop 5-10 minutes before scheduled pick-up time. If your designated stop is located at the end of your driveway, or at a consolidated bus stop, the studnet needs needs to be there rather than on the porch, in the garage, sitting in a vehicle, or standing in the doorway. The timing of the bus routes is such that, if a driver has to stop and wait for a studnet to walk down the driveway or get out of a car, it negetively impacts the schedules of all other students. 
• Bus switching is not allowed on a day-to-day basis for Grades K-5.
• Bus stop switching is allowed for grades K-5 on a student’s assigned bus by sending an online Dismissal Change to your student’s school on the day the bus stop switch is to be made. (see Bus Stop Switching Procedures-Elementary Schools below)
• Bus switching is allowed for grades 6-12 on afternoon (PM) buses for students with a valid bus pass. Morning (AM) bus switching is NOT permitted. Students who are switching buses must wait for all students with passes for that number bus to board first, then may board if there are seats available. A valid bus pass must be shown to the bus driver to bus switch. Bus switching is not allowed on early release and early dismissal days. Bus switching will start on Monday, September 16, 2019, the third full week of school.
• Valid bus passes may be swapped permanently for a Senior or Junior parking spot during the school year, at the High School, by filling out a HS parking spot application, attaching the valid bus pass instead of a check, and submitting both to Officer Phil. With the surrender of the bus pass for a parking spot, the student is no longer eligible to ride school buses.
• Replacement bus passes can be purchased for a $5.00 fee at the Transportation office.

Questions regarding transportation should be directed to Mary Ann Fitzpatrick at 508-417-9381 or emailed to: transportation@hopkinton.k12.ma.us.

Purchase/Refund Schedule

 

	Purchase	Refund
September through December	100%	50%
January through March	75%	25%
April through end of school	50%	0%

 

The additional $80.00 fee assessed after May 1, 2019, is not refundable.

Information On No Fee (Free) Busing

2019-2020 School Year

In accordance with the Student Transportation Policy of the Hopkinton Public Schools/ Hopkinton School Committee the following information applies to no fee (free) school bus transportation for the 2019-20 school year:

• All students in grades K-6 receive free busing regardless of the distance they live from their assigned school
• If your student is in grade 6 for the 2019-2020 school year your student will automatically be placed on a school bus. Please contact Transportation, transportation@hopkinton.k12.ma.us, as soon as possible before June 1, 2019, if your student will NOT be riding the school bus so that we do not fill our buses with students who will not be riding.
• Busing information for students in grades K-5 for the 2019-2020 school year will be released after the April vacation week 2019.

Other Information

• Information on Childcare Transportation will be released after April vacation week 2019.

Bus passes are required to be presented to the bus driver to the bus driver in order to ride Hopkinton Public School buses. Please note: No bus passes will be available for pick-up at the Transportation Office during the summer months through September 13, 2019, as staff must follow a process of determining bus space availability before a pass can be printed.

• Bus routes will be published in August during the week prior to the start of school.
• All students taking a bus to school should be at their designated bus stop 5-10 minutes before scheduled pick-up time. If your designated stop is located at the end of your driveway, or at a consolidated bus stop, the studnet needs needs to be there rather than on the porch, in the garage, sitting in a vehicle, or standing in the doorway. The timing of the bus routes is such that, if a driver has to stop and wait for a studnet to walk down the driveway or get out of a car, it negatively impacts the schedules of all other students.
• Bus switching is not allowed on a day-to-day basis for Grades K-5.
• Bus stop switching is allowed for grades K-5 on a student’s assigned bus by sending an online Dismissal Change to your student’s School on the day the bus stop switch is to be made. (see Bus Stop Switching Procedures-Elementary Schools below)
• Bus switching is allowed for grades 6-12 on afternoon (PM) buses for students with a valid bus pass. Morning (AM) bus switching is NOT permitted. Students who are switching buses must wait for all students with passes for that number bus to board first then may board if there are seats available. A valid bus pass must be shown to bus switch. Bus switching is not allowed on early release and early dismissal days. Bus switching will start on Monday, September 16, 2019, the third full week of school.
• Replacement bus passes can be purchased for a $5.00 fee at the Transportation office.

Questions regarding transportation should be directed to Mary Ann Fitzpatrick on 508-417-9381 or emailed to: transportation@hopkinton.k12.ma.us.

Elementary Bus Stop Switching Procedures

Parents must submit an online Dismissal Change in order to request an elementary student bus stop change.

• Parents/guardians are to use the online Dismissal Change form found on their student's School website Home Page to advise the School of a dismissal bus stop change.
• For Marathon & Elmwood Schools: The Dismissal Change must be in place before 2:00PM (11:30AM on Early Release Days)
• The Dismissal Change form is to be used for the current day only and cannot be submitted in advance.
• Bus stop switching is only allowed on the bus route the student would ordinarily be taking that day. Example: If a student rides Bus 1 to home on Monday and Friday, and Bus 2 to daycare on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, they can bus stop switch on Monday on Bus 1 only. They cannot switch to Bus 2. Switching between buses is not allowed at the elementary level.
• Bus drivers are not responsible for monitoring if students get off at the switched bus stop. Students must be made aware of the stop where they are getting off by their parent/guardian. If a student does not get off the bus at the switched bus stop and remains on the bus, they will be returned to their school for parent pick-up. If a student gets off at an incorrect stop the parent is responsible for picking up the child.
• The information provided on the Dismissal Change form concerning name of the adult meeting the bus, and address where the child is going, is for school information only. Bus drivers are not responsible for where the children are going when they get off the bus and with whom.
• As with all Kindergarten drop-offs, an adult must be present to meet the Kindergartener and other children getting off with the Kindergartener. If an adult is not present the student(s) will be returned to the school for parent pick-up.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Revised 2/20/19

Hopkinton Public Schools Bus Conduct Rules and Carry-on Items

We are pleased to offer school bus privileges to Hopkinton students.  Students should understand that the school bus is an extension of the school, and rules regarding behavior are the same as in the school.  School bus safety is a primary concern of the Hopkinton Public Schools, and we reserve the right to take steps necessary to maintain a high level of safety.

The right of a student to school bus transportation is a qualified right, dependent on good behavior. In cases where a student seriously or continuously misbehaves, the principal or designee of the student’s school will notify parents.  The principal may revoke the bus pass if such action is necessary for the safety and well being of other students. In cases where the driver assesses that a student’s conduct jeopardizes the safety and well being of other students, that student may be immediately assigned to a seat at the front of the bus for the remainder of that bus ride. School Administration will investigate all bus conduct reports, alleged infractions, and assign appropriate consequences.

All eligible and fee-based students will be issued a bus pass which they should be prepared to show to the driver each day upon entering the bus.  The pass entitles students to a school bus ride to and from school.  If a student loses a bus pass, a duplicate pass may be obtained from the Transportation Office for a $5.00 fee (check or money order).

A student who pays a fee for transportation and whose riding privileges are suspended because of violation of these rules will not receive a fee refund.

STUDENTS WHO RIDE A SCHOOL BUS ARE EXPECTED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE FOLLOWING:

1. A student who allows another student to use his/her bus pass or sells his/her bus pass may have his/her bus pass privileges revoked.
2. Students shall stand on the sidewalk or another designated place while waiting for the school bus. They shall respect other people’s property and respect the right of other people to pass on the sidewalk.
3. Students should not annoy the driver or distract him/her attention from driving. The bus driver has full authority and responsibility for control of student conduct while they are on the bus.  Drivers should be treated with courtesy and respect.
4. Students shall never approach a school bus until it has completely stopped and the door is opened. In boarding the bus, they should proceed in an orderly, single file line. 
5. Younger students should board and exit first from the bus.
6. In crossing the roadway after exiting from the bus, students should cross only in front of the bus when the blinking lights are on and the stop sign is extended. Students should also pass at least 10 feet in front of the bus and look for traffic in both directions before crossing the roadway. 
7. Never run beside a bus, chase after a bus, or pick up anything that has fallen near the wheels of a bus.
8. Students shall not open windows without permission. Do not throw anything out of the window.  Do not put your hands, arms or any parts of your body out of the window at anytime. 
9. Do not open the rear exit emergency door unless there is an emergency or the driver directs you.
10. There shall be no pushing or striking others, general fooling around, or use of profane or abusive language.
11. Students may not vandalize, destroy, or deface any part of the bus.
12. Students who witness the destruction of property have a responsibility to report such misbehavior to the driver or school authorities.
13. There is no smoking (including E-cigarettes), eating, or drinking on the school bus.
14. Under no circumstances should drugs, alcohol or related items, firearms, explosives, knives, or weapons be brought onto a school bus.
15. Students may not bring open food items of any kind on the bus. All food items must be kept in a sealed container.
16. School Bus Carry-On Items: The interior of the bus must be free of objects that can cause injury. Objects must be secured, and the aisles, foot wells, and emergency exits must be kept open and free of blockage. The following must be adhered to at all times:

 

• Carry on items must be carried/held in a student’s lap. Small items less than 10 inches in width and height may be placed under the student’s seat on the floor.
• Items are not to be placed in the aisles, or at the student’s feet in the foot wells, as they block ready exit (*exception- see Sports Equipment chart below).
• Items are not to be placed in empty seats as they can become projectiles upon impact or abrupt emergency stops.
• Nothing is to be placed in the driver’s compartment, doorway or aisle area.

The following is a list of carry-on items that are allowed and not allowed on the school bus:

General:

ALLOWED ON BUS	NOT ALLOWED ON BUS
Small projects that can be held on student’s lap	Large projects, tri-fold posters, poster boards, over 30 inches in height and/or 14 inches in width
	Projects made with any type of food
	Breakable objects

 

Instruments:

ALLOWED ON BUS	NOT ALLOWED ON BUS
Violin	Cello
Viola	Bass
Piccolo	Bass Clarinet
Flute	Baritone
Clarinet	Euphonium
Oboe	Tuba
French Horn in soft case	French Horn in hard case
Trumpet
Bassoon	Baritone Saxophone
Alto Saxophone	Tenor Saxophone
Soprano Saxophone	Trombone
Mini Baritone	Any type of Keyboard
Xylophone- under 30 inches	Xylophone-over 30 inches
Drum practice pad	Drums/cymbals-set
Pbone (beginner trombone)	Any type of Guitar
Any instrument in a case that the student can hold securely on his/her lap under 30 inches in height and 14 inches in width. The student’s backpack must be able to fit securely under the student’s seat	Any instrument in a case that the student cannot hold securely on his/her lap and/or is over 30 inches in height and/or 14 inches in width.

Reviewed and approved by Craig Hay, Music Director

 

    Sports Equipment:                 

ALLOWED ON BUS	NOT ALLOWED ON BUS
Baseball bats (2) in bag at HS/MS level	More than 2 baseball bats at HS/MS level Baseball bat(s) of any number at Elementary Schools
Basketball (1)	More than one basketball
Soccer ball (1)	More than one soccer ball
Volleyball (1)	More than one volleyball
Football (1)	More than one football
Tennis rackets (2) in case at HS/MS level	More than two tennis rackets at the HS/MS level Tennis racket(s) of any number at the Elementary level
Ice skates in a case (1 pair)	More than 1 pair of Ice skates in cases
	Skis
Ski boots in a case (1 pair) if under 30x14 inches	Ski boots in a case over 30x14 inches or multiple pairs
Skate board 32 inches & under (must be placed under the student’s bus seat)	Skateboard over 32 inches
	Golf clubs
*Lacrosse stick (1) at the HS/MS level	More than one Lacrosse stick at the HS/MS level Lacrosse stick(s) of any number at Elementary Schools
*Ice hockey stick (1) at the HS/MS level	More than one ice hockey stick at HS/MS level Ice hockey stick(s) of any number at Elementary Schools
*Field Hockey stick (1) at the HS/MS level	More than one field hockey stick at HS/MS level Field hockey stick(s) of any number at Elementary Schools
Helmet (1)	More than one helmet
Small sports bag that a student can hold securely on his/her lap under 30x14 inches	Equipment bag that the student cannot hold securely on his/her lap and/or exceeds 30x14 inches
*Lacrosse, ice hockey & field hockey sticks must be held securely between the students legs with the net/play end at the floor so the narrow, handle end is at the top which will not obstruct the bus driver’s view	Multiple items of equipment that the student cannot hold securely on his/her lap

Reviewed and approved by Deirdre King, Athletic Director
 

Superintendent of Hopkinton Public Schools

HPS Transportation Department

Latest Revision: February 27, 2017