TRANSPORTATION

Code of Conduct

Since riding a school bus or any other school provided transportation is an extension of the school day, the basic behavior guidelines and expectations as specified in the "Student Code of Conduct" are in effect.  The definition of the terms "Minor" and "Major" violations when used in this code are the same as that listed in the "Student Code of Conduct".  Riding the bus is a privilege.  To safely convey the students to and from school, proper behavior must be observed at all times.  The safety of the riders cannot be jeopardized by the misbehavior of any individual.

Minor Violations

The bus driver is charged with the responsibility of maintaining a safe atmosphere and environment for those students that are being transported.  It is understood that the primary individual responsible for and in the best position to maintain discipline on the bus is the driver.  The bus driver will impose corrective action whenever a student's conduct is inappropriate and/or jeopardizes the safety of the riders.  If the student has not responded to the previous corrective action, the driver has the option of referring the student for further intervention.  When a student is involved in a minor violation that warrants documentation, the general procedure that will be followed is as follows:

First Offense Warranting Documentation
1.     The bus driver informs the student that the behavior displayed is unacceptable and violates the code of conduct. The driver explains what is expected behavior and issues a warning.
2.     The bus driver calls the parents of the student and explains the student's violation and the expected behavior. Assistance of the parents in having the student comply with the code of conduct is requested.
3.     The bus driver sends written notification to the student's building principal that identifies the student's violation and the basic contents of the parent discussion.  Earlier infractions and previous acts of intervention are to be noted.

Second Offense Warranting Documentation

1.     The bus driver informs the student that the behavior displayed is unacceptable and violates the code of conduct. The driver explains what is expected behavior.
2.     The bus driver completes a disciplinary referral form and hand-delivers it to the student's building principal.
3.     The principal will hold a conference with the student.
4.     The student will be warned that further violation may mean a loss of bus riding privileges.
5.     Parents will be notified.

Third Offense Warranting Documentation

1.     The bus driver informs the student that the behavior displayed is unacceptable and violates the code of conduct. The driver explains what is expected behavior.
2.     The bus driver completes a disciplinary referral form and hand-delivers it to the student's building principal.
3.     The principal will hold a conference with the student.
4.     The student's bus riding privileges may be suspended for up to three (3) days.
5.     Parents will be notified.

Fourth Offense Warranting Documentation

1.     The bus driver informs the student that the behavior displayed is unacceptable and violates the code of conduct. The driver explains what is expected behavior.
2.     The bus driver completes a disciplinary referral form and hand-delivers it to the student's building principal.
3.     The principal will hold a conference with the student.      
4.     The student's bus riding privileges may be suspended for up to ten (10) days.
5.     Parents will be notified.
6.     A conference must be held before the student's bus riding privileges are reinstated.

Fifth Offense Warranting Documentation
1.     The bus driver informs the student that the behavior displayed is unacceptable and violates the code of conduct. The driver explains what is expected behavior.
2.     The bus driver completes a disciplinary referral form and hand-delivers it to the student's building principal.
3.     The principal will hold a conference with the student.
4.     The student's bus riding privileges may be suspended for up to thirty (30) days.
5.     Parents will be notified.
6.     A conference must be held before the student's bus riding privileges are reinstated.

Sixth Offense Warranting Documentation
1.     The bus driver informs the student that the behavior displayed is unacceptable and violates the code of conduct. The driver explains what is expected behavior.
2.     The bus driver completes a disciplinary referral form and hand-delivers it to the student's building principal.
3.     The principal will hold a conference with the student.
4.     The student's bus riding privileges may be suspended for the remainder of the school year.
5.     Parents will be notified.
6.     A conference must be held before the student's bus riding privileges are reinstated.

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Major Violations

A student involved in an incident where a major violation occurs will immediately progress to the Fourth Offense Level Violation.

General Comments

Based on the type, severity, frequency, and/or extent of the violation, the principal may increase the length of the suspension, or may place the violation on any step of the code.  The principal has the authority to repeat a discipline step at his/her discretion.

Parents of students who have lost their bus riding privilege for the school year must attend a conference involving the principal, transportation supervisor, and the bus driver before that student will be permitted to ride the school bus in future years.

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Videotapes on School Buses

The Board of Education has authorized the installation of video cameras on school buses for purposes of monitoring student behavior. Actual videotaping of the students on any particular bus will be done on a random-selection basis.

If a student is reported to have misbehaved on a bus and his/her actions were recorded on videotape, the tape will be submitted to the principal and may be used as evidence of the misbehavior. Since these tapes are considered part of a student’s record, they can be viewed only in accordance with Federal law.

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Athletic Bus Trips – Rules of Conduct

1.     Students in Grades 7-12 are permitted to ride buses.

2.     Students who go to the game by bus must return by bus (this means THE SAME ONE TAKEN TO THE GAME).  Failure to comply with this rule will result in student being denied bus transportation to future games.

3.     We are interested only in providing transportation to students remaining at the field or at the gym (in case of basketball) rather than wandering around the outside the field or building.

4.     We do not believe a school bus should provide the place nor the time for romance.  Any boy-girl relationship not in the acceptable standards of good taste will result in the offenders being denied future transportation privileges. Students are not to be in the bus unless the driver or chaperone is present.

5.     A school is judged by the conduct of its students.  Any booing, profane talk, boisterous conduct or smoking will not be tolerated.  Referrals will be handled according to our discipline policy.

6.     We expect the students to have a good time on the bus trip. Singing and cheering is fine but rowdyism is not. There is no need for any horseplay on the buses.

7.     We expect each student to do his/her part toward keeping candy, gum, wrappers and debris off the floor of the bus.

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Bus Rules

A.    Expect to conform promptly with suggestions of the bus driver. Help him/her to assure safety at all times. Remember, the bus driver has the same jurisdiction over children on the bus as teachers have in the classroom.
B.    Be on time at bus stops.  The bus cannot wait.
C.    Expect to walk at least a 1/2 mile to bus stops if necessary. Stops will be made on a regular schedule only.  This is the State ruling and not a local ruling. Bus stops are to be determined by the bus supervisor and to be made in a clear vision area. The bus supervisor has the final decision.
D.    Stay off the roadway at all times while waiting for the bus.
E.     Cross in front of the bus when crossing the highway, not in back of the bus and at least 20 feet in front to assure adequate vision.
F.     Wait until the bus has come to a full stop before attempting to enter or leave the bus.  Stay seated until the bus stops.
G.    Do not leave the bus without the driver's consent except at home or at school.
H.    Occupy seat assigned by driver.  Keep feet out of aisles.
I.      Take books and instruments to your seat and keep them out of the aisle at all times.
J.      Keep head and hands inside the bus at all times.
K.    Avoid all unnecessary disturbing noises.  Do not shout at passing persons or vehicles.
L.     Do not use profane or vulgar language.
M.    Help keep bus clean, orderly, and sanitary.
N.    Be considerate of small children.
O.    Inform the driver when absence is expected from school.
P.     Report all injuries occurring due to bumps immediately to the driver so proper action can be taken.
Q.    The Safety Law states that the driver must stop where he has 500 feet of clear vision before and behind. Stops will not be made on curves.
R.    Students must ride their assigned bus both to and from school. A written request signed by parents to ride another bus must be given to the driver after it has been approved and signed by the principal and/or his/her designee.
S.     Absolute quiet must be maintained at railroad crossings and other danger areas.
T.     If you are planning to ride the bus to a friend's house, both you and your friend must bring a written request signed by your parents and the building principal and/or his/her designee.

Violation of bus rules will not be permitted. Any student guilty of improper behavior on the bus may be denied bus transportation by the superintendent. Violations will be handled as per our disciplinary policy.
Our school bus code authorizes transportation of all children over 1-1/2 miles from their school.  We will continue to transport children within this distance on established routes as room allows.  Please take note that we are NOT allowed to transport adults to or from town or anywhere other than a very temporary emergency such as a car breakdown.

Kindergarten students may have in-town pickup, to be determined by the bus supervisor.  Safety will be considered.

The Board of Education has authorized the installation of video cameras on school buses for purposes of monitoring student behavior. Actual videotaping of the students on any particular bus will be done on a random-selection basis. If a student is reported to have misbehaved on a bus and his/her actions were recorded on videotape, the tape will be submitted to the principal and may be used as evidence of the misbehavior. Since these tapes are considered part of a student's record, they can be viewed only in accordance with Federal law.

The rules apply to the student.  In turn the parents and student may expect the following:
1.     safe, dependable transportation.
2.     buses that are on time for all stops.
3.     courteous and fair treatment
4.     understanding and intelligent handling of all situations that may arise.

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