HOPKINS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Transportation Information
2026–2027
“Working together to provide safe, respectful transportation for every Viking.”
WELCOME TO HOPKINS TRANSPORTATION
Welcome to Hopkins Public Schools Transportation!
Every school day our transportation team safely delivers students to and from school, providing one of the most important services our district offers. Safety is always our highest priority, but creating a positive experience for students is equally important.
Successful transportation is a partnership between families, students, bus drivers, school staff, and the Transportation Department. By working together and communicating openly, we can ensure every student enjoys a safe, respectful ride.
Please take a few moments to review our bussing information with your student. Understanding these expectations helps create a positive environment for everyone riding our buses.
Thank you for allowing us the privilege of transporting your child.
Go Vikings!
2026-27 Bus information including your bus number and times will be emailed to you after August 12th, 2026. Remember the times are estimates and will change slightly as we get our routes established.
The first two weeks of school BUS TIMES will fluctuate greatly as we are adding and dropping bus stops daily, please plan on your bus times meeting consistency around the third week of school.
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Hopkins Public Schools
Transportation Department
2747 22nd Street
Hopkins, Michigan 49328
Transportation Office:
(269) 793-7121
Transportation Email:
jennfran@hpsvikings.org
Website:
https://hpsvikings.org/our-district/departments/transportation/
Office Hours:
Monday–Friday
5:30 AM – 4:30 PM
OUR COMMITMENT
The Hopkins Transportation Department is committed to:
• Providing safe transportation every day
• Treating every student with kindness and respect
• Communicating openly with parents and guardians
• Supporting students through positive behavior expectations
• Working collaboratively with school administrators to resolve concerns
• Providing dependable service that supports student success
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Transportation is provided to eligible students according to Hopkins Public Schools Board of Education policies and Michigan Department of Education transportation regulations.
Bus stop assignments are established by the Transportation Department based on:
• Student safety
• Routing efficiency
• State guidelines
• Road conditions
Bus stop locations may change throughout the school year as enrollment or routing needs change.
Students should ride only their assigned bus and use their assigned bus stop unless prior approval has been granted.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Parents and guardians play an important role in safe transportation.
Please help us by:
• Having students at the bus stop at least 5–10 minutes before pickup.
• Supervising children until the bus arrives.
• Teaching students proper bus behavior.
• Keeping emergency contact information current.
• Communicating transportation changes as early as possible.
• Respecting bus loading zones and helping maintain a safe environment around school buses.
Parents should limit approaching the bus driver during loading or unloading, as the driver’s full attention must remain on student safety.Calls to the transportation department are preferred.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AT THE BUS STOP
Students should:
• Arrive 5–10 minutes early.
• Wait safely away from the roadway, garage lights, porch lights encouraged to make students visible. Reflective tape on backpack is also encouraged..
• Keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves. Aerosol sprays must be kept in a backpack
• Avoid horseplay or roughhousing.
• Wait until the driver signals before approaching the bus.(driver will point at student and signal them across with their hand)
• Cross only when directed by the driver.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES ON THE BUS
A school bus is an extension of the classroom.
Students are expected to:
• Follow driver directions the first time they are given.
• Remain seated while the bus is moving.
• Speak using classroom voices.
• Keep hands, feet, and belongings to themselves.
• Keep aisles clear.
• Treat others respectfully.
• Help keep the bus clean.
• Keep all body parts and objects inside the bus.
Students who demonstrate respect help make transportation safer for everyone.
BUS STOP CROSSING SAFETY
When crossing in front of the bus:
• Wait for the driver’s signal.
• Walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus.
• Look both ways before crossing.
• Never cross behind the bus.
If something falls under the bus, always ask the driver for assistance.
BUS DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY
Our goal is to teach positive behavior—not simply assign consequences.
Whenever possible, transportation staff, school administrators, students, and parents will work together to resolve concerns through communication and problem-solving.
Most behavior concerns can be corrected through positive intervention before suspension becomes necessary.
Student safety will always remain our highest priority.
BUS DISCIPLINE PROCESS
Step One
The driver addresses the concern directly with the student.
A verbal reminder is given, and expectations are reviewed.
Step Two
If behavior continues, the driver issues a written Bus Warning (“Bus Slip”).
Parents are notified so we can work together to correct the behavior.
Step Three
If additional concerns occur, a second written Bus Slip may be issued.
At this point, transportation staff and school administration will review the situation together.
Depending on the severity and frequency of the behavior, bus privileges may be suspended.
SERIOUS SAFETY VIOLATIONS
Certain behaviors create an immediate safety concern and may result in immediate removal from transportation privileges.
Examples include:
• Physical aggression or fighting
• Threats toward students or staff
• Bullying or harassment
• Possession of tobacco, nicotine products, or vaping devices
• Alcohol or illegal drugs
• Weapons
• Vandalism
• Actions that interfere with the safe operation of the school bus
In these situations, Hopkins Public Schools Student Code of Conduct and Board Policies supersede the Transportation Discipline Process. School administration will determine appropriate disciplinary action in collaboration with the Transportation Department.
BUS SUSPENSIONS
Transportation is considered a privilege.
Students who lose riding privileges remain responsible for attending school.
Parents or guardians are responsible for providing transportation during any suspension period.
WEATHER DELAYS & CANCELLATIONS
School closings and transportation delays will be communicated through:
• SchoolMessenger
• District social media
• Local media news outlets
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can my child ride home with another student?
Requests must be approved through the school office and Transportation Department in advance. Approval depends on available seating. Large groups will not be permitted, parents should have alternate transportation plans to bring kids home for birthday parties and other social events.
What if we move?
Please notify your student’s school office and Transportation Department as soon as possible.
What if my child misses the bus?
Parents are responsible for transportation to school if the bus has already departed. Parents are encouraged to call the transportation department if they are unsure if they missed the bus. Never follow a bus in your vehicle to try and catch the next stop, this is unsafe unless coordinated with the Transportation office.
Can I talk with my bus driver at the stop?
For safety reasons, please contact the Transportation Office. Drivers must remain focused on safely loading and unloading students.
THANK YOU
Thank you for partnering with Hopkins Public Schools Transportation.
Together we can provide every Viking student with a safe, respectful, and dependable ride to and from school.
Every Student. Every Stop. Every Day.
“These rules are posted to provide each student with the best chance of riding the bus successfully and safely. Riding the bus is a privilege and failure to comply with these rules may result in Suspension of Bus privileges.” – The Transportation Supervisor
Viking Bus Rules
