Our Facilities and Transportation department takes pride in maintaining our buildings and grounds, and staying on top of all our safety compliance protocols. They maintain our fleet of buses, and provide  the friendly faces our students encounter whenever they ride the bus. The competence of their work allows the campus to run efficiently, so our students and staff can focus on learning.

Transportation

As of December 18, 2024, Sonora Elementary has joined forces with Sonora Union High School for Bus Transportation Services.

The Sonora Union High School District’s Transportation Department leads Shared Services Tuolumne County, which supports student transportation for Curtis Creek School Elementary District, Jamestown School Elementary District, Sonora Elementary School District, and Sonora Union High School District. This collaborative effort aims to provide consistent and reliable school transportation for students in the participating districts.

Serving a diverse geographical area, the department provides safe and reliable bus services for home-to-school commutes, school-sponsored activities, and athletic events. Buses are equipped with safety features, and drivers are highly trained and certified, following all state and federal regulations. Routes are planned strategically to accommodate students from various parts of the district efficiently.

The district emphasizes clear communication, ensuring families are informed about schedules, delays, and safety procedures. Additionally, the Transportation Department works closely with school staff and community partners to support special events and field trips.

Bus Transportation General Information

Bus Rules and Regulations

Sonora Elementary School District provides bus transportation to and from school. Students who stay after school for extracurricular activities must be picked up by their parent/guardian.

Bus routes and times are available in the school office and on the school’s website. The bus driver annually reviews bus safety with their student riders, including red light crossing, bus danger zones, and walking to and from bus stops.

Authority of the Bus Driver

Pupils transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of and responsible directly to the driver of the bus. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reason for a pupil to be denied transportation in accordance with the regulation of the governing board of the school district. Any serious offense may result in the student being removed from the bus. Parents and students are advised that the district operates surveillance cameras in all buses to promote safe ridership.

Bus Behavior Expectations for student riders

• Obey the bus driver immediately and without question.
• Enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner.
• Stay seated at all times unless otherwise directed.
• Do not disturb another passenger or their belongings.
• Keep hands, arms, possessions, etc., inside the bus and out of the aisle.
• Do not throw anything inside the bus or out of the bus.
• Do not eat, drink or chew gum on the bus.
• Cross the street with an escort from the driver, and never cross behind the bus.
• Large bulky items, glass containers, balloons, animals, etc., will not be transported.
• All rules apply while on the bus or waiting at the bus stop.
• No electronic devices are allowed to be used on the bus.

Consequences for inappropriate bus behavior

• 1st Offense: Warning/Assigned Seat (2 Demerit Point Loss)
• 2nd Offense: 1 day suspension from bus (5 Demerit Point Loss)
• 3rd Offense: 5 day suspension from bus (8 Demerit Point Loss)
• 4th Offense: 10 day suspension from bus (12 Demerit Point Loss)
• 5th Offense: Off the bus for the remainder of the school year (15 Demerit Point Loss)

Please note: It is the discretion of the administration to determine appropriate consequences based on the severity of the incident.

When you need to make a temporary change in your child’s bus stop

• A written request is required when a student needs to ride a different bus or get off at a different stop. If an emergency change needs to be made, you may fax a note to (209) 532-7244. Please call (209) 532-3159 x 1000 to ensure it has been received.
• A bus note must include the following information:
  • Your student’s first and last name.
  • The bus stop at which your student will be getting off or the first and last name of the student with whom they will be going home.
  • Your phone number or the name and phone number of someone on your child’s emergency card who knows where your child will be going.
  • Your signature.

Permanent Notes

If your child needs to ride a different stop on a regular basis during the year, you may write a permanent bus note. This note must include the day(s) of the week your child will be riding, as well as the information that is required on the regular note.

How to Use 3-Point Retractable Seat Belt

Sit in the bus seat and pull the latch portion of the outboard side over your shoulder and across your body and latch it to the short inboard latch. For your safety the retractable seat belt has an emergency locking device built into the belt for your protection, which allows you to move freely unless the bus stops suddenly or is involved in an accident. Pull in a slow and smooth fashion so as not to engage the automatic emergency locking mechanism. Your student is protected by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) #209 & # 302 approved safety harness.

Facilities

Our facilities have been at the center of the community for decades. In addition to providing clean, safe classrooms, and well-maintained outdoor spaces, we have a robust sports program, and host community events all year long.  Organizations interested in utilizing our spaces can submit a facility-use application to check availability. We are committed to providing top-notch facilities that enhance the educational experience for our students and foster a sense of pride within our community.