The Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District is dedicated to transporting children safely on a daily basis and will transport students in UPK - Grade 8 to child care or an alternate location within the District upon request by July 1 of the upcoming academic year, or within 30 days of a new student registration.

By state law, the District is not allowed to provide transportation to an alternate location without a completed form (see below). A new form must be submitted annually and must be submitted individually for each child. Also, each child may only have a maximum of one alternative pick-up or drop-off location.

Families needing assistance or have further questions may call the Transportation Department at (315) 548-6400. Please select the appropriate form below. 

• Alternate Location Transportation Form
• Private/Parochial Transportation Form

Bus Driver Recruitment
School bus drivers at Midlakes report a number of outstanding rewards and benefits while transporting the most precious cargo in the world − our students!! For more information, including testimonials and video on what it is like to drive for Midlakes schools, visit Midlakes Bus Driver Recruitment Page.

School Bus Safety
Parents: Make sure your child knows of an alternate drop-off location for an emergency dismissal. Be sure to contact the Transportation Department AND the Main Office at your child's schools if this information needs to be updated.
 
School Bus Rules

• Students should arrive at their designated bus stop FIVE MINUTES prior to the scheduled arrival time.
• It is the PARENTS' responsibility to get students to and from the bus stop safely.
• Students MUST stay in their seats while the bus is moving.
• Keep the bus clean and the aisles clear.
• Keep head, hands, and arms inside the bus. 
• No eating, drinking or smoking on the bus. 
• Students should cross the street/highway ONLY when the bus driver has signaled that the path is clear.
• No pets, guests, large objects, glass, or sharp objects on the bus. 
• Be courteous and speak quietly. Observe the school Code of Conduct.
• No throwing of objects either on the bus or out of the windows/doors. 

Boarding/Exiting Procedures

• Use the handrail when on the bus stairs.
• If crossing the street, make eye contact with your driver.
• Be sure to wait for a signal to cross.
• Never go back after crossing.

How Can I Keep My Child Safe On The Bus?

Parents should take the time to check the child's clothing to ensure that it is safe. Long, dangling jackets/sweatshirt drawstrings, backpack straps, loose scarves, and clothing can be dangerous when getting on/off the bus.

What Do All Those Lights On A School Bus Mean?

Our school buses have what we call an eight-light system. The red and yellow lights ABOVE the windows are the lights the bus driver must use whenever students are entering or leaving the bus. The red lights mean STOP. The yellow lights are a warning to let motorists know that the bus is about to stop to pick up or drop off students. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop. 

When Do I Stop? 

Motorists moving in any direction must stop whenever the red lights above the windows are on. This could occur on the road but also in student loading areas, parking lots, divided highways, etc. New York State law does not allow motorists to pass a school bus when the red lights are on unless waved on by a school bus driver or police officer. ALWAYS BE CAUTIOUS. Bus drivers use hand signals to let students who are crossing the street know that it is safe. Don't confuse these signals.  

What Other Laws Do I Need To Know? 

School buses carry passengers and cannot turn right on red. School buses must stop at railroad crossings. Be prepared to stop when following a school bus that is approaching railroad tracks.  

Other Safe Driving Practices

• Be patient. Try to understand that safety is the most important concern for any school bus driver. Take a deep breath, consider the passengers on the bus and try to avoid anger or frustration that can lead to poor driving.
• Be defensive, not aggressive when driving around school buses. Try to anticipate dangerous situations, stops and other drivers' mistakes when you are driving near or with children. School buses have fewer accidents than standard vehicles, largely in part due to the bus drivers' training in defensive driving.
• Anticipate stops. School buses stop frequently. They usually stop at all marked stop or yield signs and railroad crossings. They also stop to unload and load.
• Keep a safe distance from the back of a school bus. Keep at least 10 feet (3 m) between you and the school bus at all times, to allow for stops. Watch the bus’s brake lights to ensure you start to brake immediately when necessary.