For the safety and well-being of our children, Monroe County’s Student Transportation Department follows Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFACS) guidelines in the bus delivery of younger students to their homes at the end of the school day.

The Monroe County Schools Transportation Department is committed to safely transporting all eligible students. Our drivers and staff are regularly trained in state and district safety procedures to help ensure that every child is transported safely. Transportation is an extension of the school day, and all applicable school rules apply while students are being transported to and from school.

Chipmunk Bus Tracking App

Parents and/or students can use the Chipmunk School Bus Tracker app to see a student’s assigned bus location on a map, view an ETA summary, and set up custom alerts.

How to access the Chipmunk App:

1. Download the app by visiting the app store and searching for “Chipmunk” (the app icon features an outline of a chipmunk).

2. When you open the app, you’ll first select the school district “Monroe County Schools”.

3. You can use your existing BusPlanner Web credentials to log in, or easily create a new account by clicking “Create an account”.

4. Once logged in, navigate to “My Students” and press the plus sign “+” to add a new student.

5. Enter the required student information and click “Add Student”.

6. Once a student is added, you can click on that student and view assigned bus information, view ETAs, and see where the bus is located on the map.

Please Note the Following:

● Estimated arrival times are approximate and should not replace planning to arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early.

● Chipmunk uses GPS data transmitted by each school bus using cellular network. Under ideal conditions, the bus location is updated approximately every 15-30 seconds. If the bus is being operated in an area with poor cellular service, or there is a temporary issue with cellular service, the Chipmunk app may not refresh as often as it should. Under these circumstances, parents and students should rely on the planned bus stop time.

● For Chipmunk to function properly, your child must be registered for the bus, and the school system must have your correct address. Chipmunk will not work for students using a temporary bus pass. If the information you see in the app is incorrect, please contact your child’s school and update your information

Bus Rider Registration

In order to improve the safety and efficiency of transportation services for all eligible students, Monroe County Schools requires parents/students to register for transportation services prior to using a Monroe County school bus. Each spring, a pre-registration process will take place for the upcoming school year. Students who require a change to their transportation services during the school year should submit the request through the school’s front office. It is critical that a student’s home address is kept up to date at all times.

Wait Period

New students or students who request a change in transportation service will be routed as soon as possible. In order to ensure student safety and route efficiency, changes in transportation service will require a 1-5 school day waiting period before service begins.

Single Stop Service

Students must have one established AM transportation address and one established PM transportation address. The AM address can be different from the PM address, but both must remain the same each day of the week. Students with approved special situations such as split custody can obtain a bus pass from their school’s front office on the days they need to go to the home of a secondary guardian.

Bus Passes

Bus passes must be approved by a school administrator and may be issued for emergency situations and situations of split custody. Bus passes will be issued for no more than 10 consecutive school days. Bus passes can ONLY be issued along an existing route path. They cannot be used to alter the planned travel path of a route. To request a bus pass, a parent/guardian must submit a written letter to the school’s front office.

Route Freeze

At the beginning of the school year, bus route paths will be frozen for the first 10 days of school. If a student has not registered prior to the route freeze date, the student may ride the bus with an approved bus pass to a designated location along an existing route path.

Under DFACS Guidelines

Children 8 years and younger cannot be left alone. Therefore, a bus driver must make visible contact with a parent or guardian before dropping off the child. Visible contact means the parent, guardian, or designated responsible person (age 13 or older) is physically present and observable by the driver at the residence or designated drop-off location. If no responsible adult is present for a student age 8 or younger, the student will be returned to the school and the parent/guardian will be responsible for transportation from the school.
Children 9-12 years old can be left alone for up to two hours.
Children 13 and older can be left alone without adult supervision.

When delivering younger children to their homes in the afternoon, bus drivers communicate with school personnel to determine safe drop-off conditions. Should a bus driver deem they cannot leave a child in a safe situation, the driver will contact school personnel, attempts will be made to contact the parent or guardian, and if necessary the child will be returned to their home school.

Parents with questions or concerns about these guidelines may contact the MCS Student Transportation Department, the Family Services Coordinator & Homeless Liaison, or their child’s school administrators.

Temporary Bus Passes (Emergency Only)-- Students must ride their assigned bus to and from their registered address. Temporary bus changes are permitted only in emergency situations as determined by the school administrator or in documented split custody arrangements. Social visits, convenience requests, or after-school activities are not considered emergencies. If a parent is requesting an emergency change, the student will bring a note from the parent to be given to the office upon arrival at school. The note should include the reason for the change and include a daytime phone number to reach the parents. The administrator will decide to grant or deny the request. If the administrator approves, the school will issue a bus pass. Bus passes can ONLY be issued along an existing route path. They cannot be used to alter the planned travel path of a route. If the parent has any concerns about the transportation services, they must contact the school administration immediately.

School Bus Stops—Bus stops are established at various locations determined by the transportation department. Parents should see that their children arrive at the designated stop 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time to avoid missing the bus. If you arrive late, never attempt to chase or flag down your bus. If a student has missed the bus, he or she should never attempt to travel to another stop location. Parents should never follow a bus or attempt to drive their student to another bus stop. Parents/Guardians are reminded that the responsibility for the supervision of their children between home and the bus stop, and while waiting for the bus arrival, rests with them.

In the event the bus is delayed the Parent/Guardian is responsible for the supervision of the children and if necessary transporting the children to school. Students who misbehave at school bus stops are subject to the school student discipline code and bus discipline code.

General Bus Rules

Transportation is a privilege and may be revoked for safety or disciplinary reasons. Each student must have an attitude of respect and cooperation on the part of each student towards the bus driver and the bus driver towards the student.

Students should be at the bus stop 5 minutes before the bus arrives, waiting in a safe place, clear of traffic, and 12 feet from where the bus stops.
The driver of the school bus is responsible for the safety of all students riding on the bus.
The driver has the same responsibility as a teacher in controlling discipline.
The first duty of the passengers is to obey the driver’s directions promptly and cheerfully.
The driver must concentrate on driving the bus and any distractions may cause the driver to have an accident.

Monroe County Board of Education rules, violations, and consequences include, but are not limited to, the following:

Students will follow the directions of the driver promptly and cheerfully.
Students should be at the bus stop 5 minutes before the bus arrives, waiting in a safe place, clear of traffic and 12 feet from where the bus stops.
Students will wait in an orderly line and avoid playing.
Students will cross the roadway in front of the bus after the bus has stopped, students must look at the driver for a hand signal, and the students look in both directions for traffic.
Students will wave to the driver if something is dropped outside the bus and wait for the driver to give a signal before picking up the object.
When entering the bus, students will move directly to the first available or assigned seat. The bus driver has full authority to assign seats at any time for safety, behavior management, or operational reasons. Please keep aisles and exits clear.
Students will remain properly seated, back against the seat back, bottom against the beach section, and keep hands and feet to themselves.
Students will not eat, drink, chew gum, or bring tobacco, e-cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, or any controlled substances on the bus. Water is allowed on school buses but only in non-glass bottles or containers with lids.
Students will not carry animals, glass objects, nuisance items, hazardous materials, or weapons onto the bus. Students may carry only objects that can be held on their laps.
Students will refrain from using loud voices, profanity, and/or obscene gestures, and respect the rights and safety of others.
Students will not extend their head, arms, or objects out of the bus windows.
Students will be totally silent at railroad crossings.
Students will stay seated until time to get off the bus. The open door is the signal to get up from their seat.
Students must provide a written note to the school office, signed by a parent or guardian stating reasons for a bus change. If approved by the administrator, the school will issue a bus pass to the current and prior driver (transfer buses between school sites are for employee’s children only).
Students will keep their bus clean and in good condition.
All school building Rules and procedures apply on the school bus as well.
School Bus Stops are considered “school property.”
Students cannot complete homework or open their book bags on the bus. However, a student may have a book out to read on the bus.

Level I Violations

Blocking the school bus aisle
Bothering (poking, pushing, annoying, hitting) other bus riders
Eating or drinking on bus
Leaving or throwing trash on the bus (littering)
Not meeting or exiting the bus promptly
Using an electronic device in a disruptive, harassing, or distracting manner
Riding unassigned bus without permission or using unassigned bus stop (5 day suspension minimum).
Dress Code Violation
Other Misbehavior
Not allowed on the bus: glass objects, animals and items too big to fit in the student’s lap.

Level I Consequences

Consequences for Level I offenses shall include but not be limited to: warning, parent conference, loss of privilege, suspension from bus, restitution, attend safety class. Level I consequences shall be progressive in nature.

Level II Violations

Excessive horseplay, mischief, shouting, yelling, screaming, or excessive noise
Unacceptable language or gestures
Failure to cross 12 feet in front of the bus
Leaving seat/standing while bus is in motion.
Tripping, pushing or shoving a student at, on or near the school bus including bus stops
Extending head, arms, or legs out of window of the bus
False identification/refusal of student to provide name to driver
Occupying more space in a seat than is needed, and refusing to allow another passenger to sit down
Tampering with emergency equipment including lighting system, radio, video equipment, and fire extinguisher (5 day suspension minimum)
Tampering with the property of others, or vandalism (in excess of $50) of the school bus or property of others (restitution will be made).
Public Display of Affection
Open opposition to and defiance of the bus driver, argumentative/insubordinate/disrespectful behavior
Failure to follow the driver's instructions
Riding while under suspension from transportation (additional 5 day suspension minimum)
Theft or robbery
Any safety issues (Ex. chasing, or running beside, a moving bus. Holding onto/or attempting to hold onto any portion of the exterior of the bus)(10 day suspension minimum)
Making false accusations against the bus driver
Fighting (10 day suspension minimum)
Throwing or shooting an object(s), in the bus, out of the bus window (5 days minimum) or at the bus driver (10 day suspension minimum)
Use of spray cologne and/or perfumed items

Level II Consequences

Consequences for Level II offenses shall include but not be limited to: warning, parent conference, loss of privilege, suspension from bus (up to 10 days), restitution, attend safety class, referral for long term suspension from the bus. Level II consequences shall be progressive in nature. Some Level II Violations will automatically be 10 days suspension.

Level III Violations

All incidents involving the police
Assault (verbal/physical) or threat of assault on the school bus driver (i.e. cursing the driver)
Opening any emergency exit, or exiting, or attempting to exit (10 day suspension minimum)
Sexual harassment in any form including but not limited to words, gestures, actions, unacceptable sexual conduct or indecent exposure
Using or possessing alcohol, tobacco, non-prescription drugs or paraphernalia
Possession of a handgun, knife, other weapon, ammunition, look-a-like weapon, including chemical spray (Mace or Pepper Spray) or propellant that may be used to harm or injure someone
Possession or ignition of any type of fire, matches, lighters, or detonation of a pyrotechnic device on the school bus
Bullying (10 day suspension minimum)

Level III Consequences

Consequences for Level III offenses shall include but not be limited to: parent conference, long term suspension from bus (10 days or more), suspension from bus for remainder of semester or school year, restitution, attend safety class. Level III consequences shall be progressive in nature.

Bus Suspension Procedures

Suspensions may begin the afternoon route of the same day. Parents must make arrangements to pick up children in the afternoon. Bus riding privileges can be suspended at any time at the discrepancy of the school level administrator, Director of Transportation and/or their designee. The violations/consequences offer a standardized outline for administrators to follow. When determined by the school level administrator or Director of Transportation, riding privileges can be revoked at any time for chronic or serious offenses. Offenses not listed will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If a student is suspended from his/ her regularly assigned school bus they may not ride any Monroe County Board of Education School Bus until the date their riding privileges are restored. All transportation services are subject to all of the school bus rules (including all field trips).

Investigation of Student Misconduct

Due to the fact that we cannot predict all possible violations, any violation not addressed will be evaluated on a case by case process. If a student commits offenses of different classes during the same incident, the consequences associated with the more serious class of offense will be applied. If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about bus discipline, call your child’s school.

Security Cameras

Portions of all campuses and buses are equipped with digital video cameras. Occasionally, video segments are used in student disciplinary investigations. Parents may produce a written request within three days of the student’s discipline to view the video only when it is used as evidence in determining the innocence or guilt of the student. These videos can only be viewed by appropriate administrative personnel, school resource officers, or other appropriate law enforcement agencies. Video segments revealing unlawful actions may be brought to the attention of law enforcement agencies.

Special Needs Transportation

In the event your child requires Special Needs Transportation, these procedures and regulations will be covered in your child’s IEP meeting.

Interference with School Bus Operations

Parents must not board the school bus for any reason. It shall be unlawful for any person to disrupt or interfere with the operation of any public school. This includes the operation of the school bus and school bus stops. The penalty for disrupting public school: Any person found guilty will be guilty of a misdemeanor. The bus is an extension of the classroom. Persons who have been advised that minor children are present and who continues to berate, insult, or abuse any public school teacher, public school administrator, or public school bus driver in the presence and hearing of a pupil while on the premises of any public school or public school bus may be ordered by any of the above designated school personnel to leave the school bus, and upon failure to do so such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00. A person is trespassing by boarding a school bus and may be charged with such.

If a parent has a concern or problem with a school bus driver or a school bus route they should contact the Transportation Office in order to resolve the problem. Please do not take it upon yourself to correct any problem while the school bus is stopped at your child’s bus stop.

Samuel E. Hubbard Elementary School

Samuel E. Hubbard Elementary School

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

2026-2027 SCHOOL CALENDAR

ACADEMIC FOLDERS

ACADEMIC GRADES (K—5th)

ACCELERATED READER (AR 1st—5th)

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

ARRIVAL/TARDY/EARLY CHECK OUT

ARTICLES TO LEAVE AT HOME

ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

ATTENDANCE POLICY

CELEBRATION OF BIRTHDAYS

CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES

CELL PHONE USE ON GEORGIA STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS

CHAIN OF COMMAND

CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS

CLINIC INFORMATION

CODE OF CONDUCT

COMMUNICATION

CONFERENCES

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

DELIVERIES

DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL

DRESS CODE

DRESS CODE ACCOMODATIONS

EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM (EIP)

ESOL LANGUAGE PROGRAM

FIELD TRIPS

GIFTED PROGRAM

GRADING POLICY FOR 5TH GRADE

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

HOMEWORK/MAKE-UP WORK

HONOR ROLL

HOSPITAL HOMEBOUND SERVICES

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

LOST AND FOUND

LOST STUDENT AGENDA

MATH FACTS

MEDIA CENTER

MEDICAL PLANS

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

MOMENT OF SILENCE/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

MONROE COUNTY BOE POLICY REMINDERS

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY - TITLE IX, SECTION 504, and AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

ONLINE LEARNING PROGRAM

PARENT ACCESS

PARENT INVOLVEMENT/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

PARENT RESOURCE CENTER

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

PARTIES

PETS AND ANIMALS

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT (PBIS)

PROMOTION/RETENTION POLICY (K-5)

REMOTE LEARNING DAYS

REPORT CARDS and PROGRESS REPORTS

RtI (Response to Intervention) PROGRAM

RETURNED CHECK POLICY

SAFETY DRILLS/SCHOOL CLOSING DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE COUNCIL (SAC)

SCHOOL COUNCIL

SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

SEARCHES

SECTION 504 PARENT RIGHTS

SECURITY

SNACKS

STUDENT DATA PRIVACY

STUDENT GRIEVANCES

STUDENTS WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES

TECHNOLOGY

TEXTBOOKS

TITLE I: FEDERAL PROGRAMS / PARENTS’ RIGHT TO KNOW

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

UPDATING INFORMATION

USE OF TOBACCO

VISITORS/PARENTS IN THE BUILDING