Student School Bus Behavior
Regulations
Students are expected to behave in an orderly manner while riding
the bus and during loading and unloading procedures. The bus driver
shall be in complete charge of the bus and its passengers at all
times and shall ensure the safety and well-being of all students who
ride the school buses.
Students shall observe the following
rules and safety procedures and are encouraged to wear seat
belts:
1. The driver's instructions shall be followed at all
times;
2. Students will only ride their assigned bus to and from
the assigned stops; Drivers will not allow unauthorized students to
board the bus;
3. State law prohibits lighting of matches or smoking on
the bus;
4. The parents of the student(s) must assume liability for
any bus vandalism involved;
5. No pushing or shoving at the bus stop;
6. Line up single file to board the bus. Do not run
toward the bus as it is preparing to stop but wait until the bus has
stopped completely before approaching
the door;
7. Find a vacant seat quickly and sit down;
8. Remain seated while the bus is in motion;
9. Keep hands and feet to yourself. Do not disturb
others;
10. Do not shout or make distracting noises. Speak
quietly to others around you. Neither profanity nor obscenity will
be acceptable aboard the bus;
11. Do not change seats or leave your seat unless
instructed to do so by the driver;
12. No pushing or shoving when getting off the bus. Leave
your seat quickly and quietly;
13. Upon departing the bus, walk away from the bus. Do
not walk along the side of the bus;
14. If you must cross the street after getting off the
bus, cross in front of the bus far enough ahead so that you and the
driver can see each other. Look
both ways before crossing the street for your own safety;
15. Consumption of food or beverage is not permitted on
the bus;
16. The emergency door at the rear of the bus is to be
used as an exit only in case of an emergency;
17. Throwing objects on or around the bus or at the bus
stop is not permitted; and
18. Objects that may create a hazard on the bus will not
be permitted, such as sharp objects, animals, or excessively large
items which cannot be transported
safely or which cause an inconvenience to other passengers due to
insufficient seating space. The
Bus Transportation Office
reserves the right to make this determination.
Students'
Rights
1. Students will be given the opportunity to express their views to
their respective Principal prior to any disciplinary action being
taken because of a formal complaint from a bus driver.
2. Students will be transported until such time that disciplinary action is taken. Students will be transported to their designated destination. No arbitrary decision can be made by the driver to discharge a student at a location other than the student's authorized destination.
Disciplinary
Action
Bus drivers have been instructed to prepare formal reports in case of
student misconduct aboard the bus. The following procedure will be
followed after the report has been received by the building
Principal:
1. First Offense - Principal speaks to the student and a
first notice is sent home to parents. In addition, the Principal
will either speak with the parent or send a letter home (which
requires written acknowledgment of receipt) explaining the situation
and the potential consequences of a subsequent offense. In serious
incidents, the Principal may elect to suspend bus privileges;
2. Second Offense - Principal speaks to student and a
second notice is sent home. Principal may elect to suspend bus
privileges;
3. Subsequent Offenses - Principal speaks to student, a
notice is sent home and this shall result in an automatic one- (1)
week suspension of bus privileges. The Principal shall continue to
work with the parents and student when subsequent offenses occur;
4. Violation of State Laws (e.g., smoking or lighting of
matches) will result in an automatic one (1)-week suspension of bus
privilege
5. The Principal will determine the time of suspension of
bus privileges in all cases, based on the seriousness of the offense.
In the case of an offense where an automatic one (l)-week suspension
is required, he or she may decide to lengthen the
suspension.