Bus Safety and Guidelines
- Be on time at the bus stop (10 minutes before the scheduled pick up).
- Behave in an orderly manner at the bus stop.
- Wait at least 15 feet from where the bus will stop and away from traffic so that the driver can see you.
- Wait for a complete stop before crossing the road or attempting to board the bus.
- Cross the bus at least ten feet in front of the bus and wait for the driver’s hand signal before crossing. ALWAYS look both ways before crossing.
- Board and exit the bus in an orderly fashion.
- Stay in your seat, facing forward, and in your own space.
- Help to keep the bus clean.
- No eating or drinking on the bus (increase in allergy issues and choking possibilities).
- Keep head, hands, and objects inside the windows.
- Keep track of your belongings and check your seat before exiting.
- Respect the property of others, including the bus.
- Refrain from using profane, lewd, vulgar or abusive language or gestures.
- Refrain from actions and activities that may distract the driver.
- Follow all directions from the driver or monitor.
- To ensure safety, students may not bring large objects on the bus (including large musical instruments).
- Animals are prohibited from being transported.
Consequences of not obeying the rules
Riding the bus is a privilege. For the safety of all, it is imperative that children obey the rules. There are three levels of infractions:
Level 1: A misbehavior that represents a minor infraction.
Level 2: A misbehavior whose frequency or seriousness tends to diminish the driver’s authority or if continued would pose a threat to the safety of the students and driver.
Level 3: A misbehavior whose consequences incur monetary damage or poses a threat to the health and safety of others.
Level 1
- Loud or inappropriate language
- Eating or drinking on the bus
- Leaving a mess on the bus
- Teasing/name-calling
- Standing or changing seats while the bus is in motion
- Verbal Warning
- Behavior is documented and parent is notified
- Begin progressive loss of bus privilege
Level 2
- Using obscene language
- Behaving in a way that is deemed to be bullying
- Running around the bus/climbing over seats
- Throwing objects
- Refusal to follow the driver’s or monitor’s direction
- Minor damage/vandalism (e.g. writing on seats)
- Behavior is documented and parent is notified
- Progressive loss of bus privilege
- Parent/Student/Administrator conference
Level 3
- Serious vandalism (for example. cutting seats)
- Fighting on the bus
- Opening emergency exits
- Throwing an object at the bus driver or monitor
- Disrespectful behavior toward the driver or monitor that includes the use of profanity and inappropriate gestures
- Possession of a weapon, drugs, or alcohol
- Immediate loss of bus privilege
- Suspension from school (ISS and/or OSS)
- Long term loss of bus privilege
- Referral to the Superintendent’s office
