Department of Defense Education Activity

Okinawa Student Transportation

THE BUS REGISTRATION PROCESS IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION
PLEASE CHECK BACK ON MONDAY, MAY 22, 2023

Other Transportation Information

Walking Distances

The walking distance for grades 6 and below will not normally exceed 1 mile from their primary residence to the school or designated bus stop. Students in grades 7-12 may walk up to 1.5 miles from their primary residence to the school or designated bus stop. These distances may be slightly expanded or contracted to conform to natural boundaries such as housing areas or neighborhoods. In locations, such as Okinawa, having middle schools, which include grade 6 (i.e., grades 6-8), the walking distance criteria shall be the same as the criteria for grades 7-12.

Student Transportation / Daily Commutes

This is defined as the transportation of students from their assigned bus stop to school at the beginning of their school day, mid-day, and the return to their assigned bus stop at the end of the normal scheduled school day. Maps illustrating bus stops and commuting zones are available at the base housing office and the STO office.

Only one trip to and from school per day is authorized for each student.

Transportation is not authorized to take students to their homes or to eating facilities for their mid-day meal.

Only students attending DoDEA schools, bus drivers, dispatchers, STO personnel, assigned safety/security attendants, community bus monitors, and security personnel assigned by the installation commander are authorized to ride daily commuting services. Additional authorized passengers are U.S. Military Police and host nation police while in the performance of their official duties, and persons authorized in writing by the DoDEA Principal or his or her designee, the contracting officer, or the STO.

Other Student Transportation Authorizations

Daily round trip transportation may be provided to students residing outside the commuting area but are transported at their own expense to an existing school bus stop within the commuting area.

Non-federally connected, space-available, tuition-paying students may be permitted to utilize school bus commuting services on a space-available basis. Even though space-available service may be initially provided, it may be withdrawn at any time.

Off Base Transportation Availability

Transportation is available for many off base housing areas around installations with schools; however, before signing a lease for an off base house please check with the STO to ensure transportation is available in that area for the school you plan your child to attend.

A map and/or narrative description is used to identify the commuting area for each school is available at each STO.

Lost Items

The DoDEA Pacific South STO has the following procedures in place for handling, storing, and discarding items that are lost and found on the school bus:

Everyday items: The STO stores everyday items such as clothing, backpacks, books, and water bottles at its office throughout the week. Everyday items left on the school bus are returned to the school and placed in Lost and Found on a weekly basis.

High-value items: The STO stores high-value items, such as phones and cameras, in a locked and secured area at its office. After 1 week, unclaimed high-value items are turned over to Military Police.

Items Containing PII: Items containing Personally Identifiable Information, such as ID cards, will be stored in a secure location at the STO. STO employees will make three attempts to contact the owner’s parent/sponsor to return the item. If the item is not retrieved after 1 week, it is turned over to Military Police.

The STO does not directly discard items found on the bus; however, items schools often donate unclaimed items in the Lost and Found a period of time.

School Bus Behavior

Riding school buses is a privilege that may be suspended or revoked if a student does not behave in a safe and proper manner in accordance with DoDEA behavior expectations, which is in accordance with Section 7 of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1347.01, “Student Disciplinary Rules and Procedures,” April 7, 2021.

Related DoDEA Policies & Regulations

1347.01: Student Disciplinary Rules and Procedures, Change 1

Pacific Region Student Transportation

Your Local School Transportation Office:

Camp Kinser Schools, Kadena AB Schools, Camp Foster Schools, Camp Lester Schools, Camp McTureous Schools

Okinawa Student Transportation

Transportation
M-F: 0730-1600

Phone: Cell: 098-970-7820 / 2036
DSN Phone: 645-7820 / 2036

Behavior on DoDEA Buses:

  • Comply with the Behavior Standards for School Bus Students
  • Board and exit the bus in an orderly, safe manner
  • Present bus pass when boarding the bus and upon demand
  • Remain seated while on the bus
  • Talk with other passengers in a normal voice
  • Keep all parts of the body inside the bus windows
  • Keep aisles, steps, and empty seats free from obstruction
  • Remain fully and properly clothed
  • Treat the driver and fellow students with respect
  • Promptly comply with the bus driver's or monitor's instructions
  • Treat the bus and other private property with care
  • Make excessive noise or play electronic equipment without earphones
  • Use or possess unacceptable items identified in the school Code of Conduct
  • Tamper with bus controls or emergency equipment
  • Get on or off the bus while the bus is in motion
  • Fight, push, shove, or trip other passengers
  • Put objects out of bus windows or hang out of windows
  • Engage in horseplay
  • Obstruct aisles, steps, or seats
  • Engage in public displays of affection
  • Eat, drink, or litter on the bus
  • Push while boarding or exiting the bus
  • Spit
  • Harass or interfere with other students
  • Disrespect, distract, or interfere with bus driver
  • Damage private property
  • Sit in the bus driver's seat
  • Open or try to open bus door
  • Throw or shoot objects inside or out of bus
  • Use profane or abusive language, or make obscene gestures