Transportation & Buses

General Information

• Students should arrive at the assigned bus stop at least ten (10) minutes before the published bus stop time. Parents/Guardians should assure that students dress appropriately for the weather, rain gear for inclement conditions, proper footwear for walking to and from and waiting at the bus stop.
• The bus stop and the school bus are considered an extension of the classroom and students are expected to observe the same code of discipline expected in the school classroom.
• Students are not allowed to eat, drink or chew gum while on the school bus.

 Bus Rules of Conduct

A. Students shall obey the following bus rules:

1. Be on time and stand off the roadway while waiting for the bus.

2. When crossing the roadway, be sure that the road is clear of traffic in both directions. When needing to cross the road, follow the driver's instructions and never cross behind the bus.

3. Wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt at all times when the bus is in operation if the bus is equipped with a safety belt.

4. Remain in the seat at all times while the bus is in motion.

5. Use ordinary quiet conversation and classroom conduct.

6. Be respectful to the driver. Do not talk to or distract the driver while the bus is in operation.

7. Refrain from foul language, racial slurs, or making obscene gestures.

8. Keep hands, feet, arms, head, and objects to yourself and inside windows at all times.

9. Do not throw wastepaper or other rubbish on the floor or otherwise litter, mark, deface, or damage any part of the bus.

10. Do not throw anything from the bus. Nothing may be thrown into, within, out of, or at the bus.

11. Do not tamper with or exit from the bus emergency exit doors or windows. Do not use for ordinary boarding and alighting.

12. Do not stand or sit in the service doorstep well.

13. Do not sit or climb on top of seat backs or stand in bus seats.

14. Take backpack off before entering the bus, and while on the bus keep it off. Students will put their backpack on their lap.

15. Remain quiet approaching and during a railroad crossing procedure.

16. Students will ride their assigned bus and get on and off at their assigned bus stop. Exceptions must be preapproved and signed by the Principal.

17. Electronic devices, such as I-Pods, MP3 players, PCDs, tablets, etc., may be used on school buses at the discretion of the bus driver, classroom teacher, and/or sponsor/advisor/coach and only if used with headphones. Cell phone cameras and other cameras are not to be used on the bus. A student will not use a cell phone or electronic device to make a video or audio recording while on the school bus. At no time should an electronic device create a distraction for the bus driver or interfere with the safe operation of the bus.

B. The following are prohibited on the school bus:

1. Bullying, including pushing, shoving, calling names, or harassment, such as sexual gestures and aggressive behavior. Behavior on the bus should not make any student feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

2. Gum chewing, eating, drinking or tobacco products.

3. Animals or pets; including animal cages, unless approved service animals.

4. Small objects or toys that are loose and that could get underfoot and cause passengers to trip or fall. Examples: toys, such as laser lights, toy guns or weapons, air guns, paintball guns, BB guns, water guns, flashing lights, reflective surfaces, including noisemakers and party poppers.

5. Band instruments, projects, athletic equipment, and other objects will need to be held in the student's lap. Other arrangements will need to be made if, band instruments, projects, athletic equipment, and larger items cannot be held by the student. Large objects can become dangerous projectiles on the bus and interfere with the driver's visibility.

6. All athletic equipment needs to be in a backpack, book bag, or an athletic bag. Examples, skateboard, baseball glove, baseball bat, baseball, basketball, pool stick, tennis racket, tennis ball, etc.

7. Glass bottles or containers and fragile items. Aerosol cans such as deodorant, hairspray, or perfume need to stay in the student's backpack or purse.

8. Balloons.

C. The driver shall be in full charge of the bus and students at all times and his/her directions shall be obeyed.

D. The driver will assign students to certain seats.

E. The driver may issue verbal warnings, contact parent/guardian, and issue written referrals for violations of these rules.

F. The Principal shall consider the bus driver’s recommendation for discipline when making a decision regarding a student’s referral.

G. The Principal may suspend a student from riding the bus for rule violations or repeated violations.