Transportation

BUS RULES & REGULATIONS

Our goal is to provide safe transportation to all students. In order to accomplish this goal there are certain rules that must be followed by all bus passengers. Failure to do so may result in suspension of bus riding privileges. Behavior that causes the driver to be distracted from the road puts all students in danger.

Conduct Rules for Bus Riders
The driver is in full charge of the bus and passengers at all times. Students must give their correct names when asked. Students may be assigned seats. In the event of an emergency, students must follow emergency exit procedures. Students must remain seated and face forward. Walking or standing is not permitted while the bus is moving. Quiet conversation with your immediate neighbor is permitted. Disruptive conduct, including aggressive play is not permitted. Improper language is not acceptable. Eating, drinking, and gum chewing are not permitted. Tampering with any bus controls or equipment is prohibited.  Disciplinary procedures include, but are not limited, to the following:

Verbal Warnings

• The first bus misconduct slip is a written warning;
• The second slip may result in a suspension of bus riding privileges from all buses;
• The third slip may result in a progressive suspension of days from all buses;
• The fourth slip may result in a suspension for up to 90 school days from all buses.

Exceptional misconduct may result in an automatic five (5) day minimum suspension from the bus. Exceptional misconduct includes but is not limited to: weapon violations, possession of drugs/alcohol or drug paraphernalia, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fighting, intimidation, harassment, extortion, gang activities, refusing to comply with a reasonable request, possession of tobacco or possession of incendiary devices. Verbal abuse directed at the driver or refusing to cooperate with the driver will result in an exceptional misconduct.

Information for Bus Riders
Bus passes (obtained from the school office) are required for leaving the bus at a stop other than the student's regular stop, or for riding a bus other than the student's regular bus.

Playing in the roadway is prohibited. Students should remain at least six (6) feet from the bus until it is completely stopped. Students must cross only in front of the bus and only when the driver has given consent. Students shall respect private property at bus stops.

Bus windows should be left closed unless the driver gives permission to open them. Students should not extend their heads, hands, or arms out of the bus windows. Nothing should be thrown out the windows.

Bus aisles should be kept clear at all times. Gym bags, musical instruments, etc., should be placed under the seat or carried on the student's lap. All playground or athletic balls must be in bags. Items that may cause injury to others, such as breakable containers, sharp objects, and pins extending from clothing are not allowed on the bus. No glass containers allowed.

• No animals (including insects, reptiles, fish and birds) are permitted on the bus, with the exception of service dogs.
• No skateboards or scooters are permitted.
• Improper language or gestures are not acceptable.

Going Home from School
Because of the increase in the number of requests for individualized transportation schedules, the Transportation Department requests that you choose one AFTERNOON address for each child. If a student goes to daycare daily and the parent wants him to go home instead, the parent must make arrangements to pick up the student at daycare or at the school.

Exceptions to this would be

• an occasional request for a student to visit another student’s house, or
• an emergency

If you have any questions, please call the Transportation Department at (253)) 891-6400.