Student Conduct on School Buses

The bus is an extension of the school day.  The Student Code of Conduct remains in effect any time the student is on the school bus (including the assigned bus to and from school, activity buses, sports buses, field trip buses, etc.) Buses are provided for those students whose distance from school or health issues make this service essential.  Children should be instructed in the following rules of behavior:

• Pupils must obey the driver promptly and be courteous to the driver and to fellow pupils.  The driver is in full charge of the bus and pupils, and has the authority of a classroom teacher.
• Pupils must be on time; the bus has to run on schedule and cannot wait for those who are tardy. Students should arrive at their bus stop 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time.
• Pupils should never stand or play on the roadway while waiting for the bus.
• Before boarding the bus, pupils must keep a safe distance from it while it is in motion.
• Pupils must enter the bus without crowding or disturbing others and occupy their seats immediately.
• Pupils must not try to get on or off the bus when it is in motion.  When on the bus, they must remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop.
• Pupils must keep out of the drivers’ seat and remember that unnecessary conversation with the driver is prohibited while the bus is in motion.
• Outside ordinary conversation in normal tone, classroom conduct is to be observed when on the bus.
• Pupils should help to keep the bus clean, sanitary, and orderly.  They must not damage or abuse the equipment.
• Pupils are not permitted to smoke while on the bus.
• Pupils must not damage or abuse the equipment.
• Pupils must keep all body parts in the bus at all times.
• Pupils must not throw articles of any kind in, out or around the bus.
• Pupils are not to eat or drink while on the bus.
• Other forms of misconduct that will not be tolerated are acts such as, but not limited to, indecent exposure, obscene gestures, and spitting.
• Pupils bringing musical instruments and sports equipment on the bus must keep it between their legs. It is not permitted to be on the seats or in the aisle. Misusing the equipment or allowing another student to misuse the equipment while on the bus will lose the privilege to transport the equipment on the bus.

Drivers have bus rules or expectations posted on the bus.  When there is an infraction, a student contact referral is turned into the school administrator, who is responsible for contacting the student and parent to solve the lack of compliance with bus expectations.  The school administrator is solely responsible for consequences based on the incident as described by the driver and student.  Most buses are equipped with video cameras, which are used to verify incidents.  Our goal is never to deny any student transportation to and from school, but we must maintain safety for all students.