Any student who is transported to school on a school district bus is required to act in a responsible manner. Appropriate measures must be taken when a student fails to cooperate with the bus driver or fails to show respect for other students. In order to establish lines of communication and assure all students equal consideration, a uniform procedure has been established for handling discipline problems.
Step 1: First Offense
The student is given a verbal warning by the bus driver.
Step 2: Second Offense
The driver makes a record of the incident on the "Bus Discipline Form." The principal of the school is given the original and three copies of the completed form. The principal investigates the incident and records on the form the action taken. Copies of the form are then filed with the bus driver, the director of pupil transportation and the parents (optional). The principal retains the original.
Step 3: Third Offense
The driver makes a record of the incident on the "Bus Discipline Form." The principal is given the original and three copies of the completed form. The principal takes appropriate disciplinary action depending upon the seriousness of the incident. Action may range from assigned seating to five-day transportation suspension. The forms are filed as in Step 2 but parent notification is required.
In rare cases, a principal may feel that parent notification is not in the best interest of the student. If such a decision is reached, the principal should make this decision known to the driver, the Director of Pupil Transportation and the elementary supervisor assigned to the building.
Step 4: Fourth Offense
The procedure is the same as Step 3 but the five-day transportation suspension is automatic.
Step 5: Fifth Offense
This step carries automatic transportation suspension and requires that a conference be arranged before action is taken. The driver, the principal and the Director of Pupil Transportation must attend the meeting.
Rules for riding on the bus will be posted on all school buses and sent to all parents or included in the school newsletter.
A student whose actions jeopardize the safety of other students may be denied transportation on a school bus. In such cases, the process moves to Step 5 and requires a conference.
A student suspended from bus transportation must have a note from the principal before he will be allowed to board a bus.
Student Conduct on Buses (School Bus Rules)
- Follow the bus driver's direction the first time they are given.
- Be in your seat whenever the bus door is closed.
- Keep hands, feet, books, and objects to yourself.
- No swearing, rude gestures, cruel teasing or putdowns.
- Use classroom voices on the bus.
- Do not throw anything off the bus or have any part of you outside the bus.
- Do not smoke, chew tobacco, eat or drink while on the bus.
- Do not bring anything alive or dangerous on the bus.