School Bus Conduct

Riding a bus is a privilege, not a right. Any behavior that distracts the bus driver or places the students and driver in danger will not be tolerated. Students are expected to follow the same rules at bus stops and on buses as they are in the classroom. Disciplinary actions for the bus violations will follow the Code of Conduct Category progression outlined in each grade level Code of Conduct section.

At the Bus Stop:

1. Students should be at the bus stop five ten (10) minutes prior to the scheduled time. The driver will stop only at loading and unloading locations designated by the Transportation Department.
2. Students should remain in a safe place away from traffic while waiting for the bus. Playing on the highway is prohibited. If students miss the bus, they should contact a parent or guardian for a ride.
3. Students should not litter, damage road signs/warning signals placed on the highway by the highway department, or damage personal property of others.
4. Students should stand back about 10 feet from the bus stop and wait until the door is opened before moving closer to the bus.
5. If students cross the highway to enter or exit a bus, they should wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and the driver or school official has signaled them to cross in front of the bus.
6. While loading or unloading, students must enter or leave the bus quickly and in an orderly manner.
7. When required by the bus driver or other school authority, students must present school provided IDs that authorize them to ride the bus.

Entering the Bus: (Student in grades 7-12)

1. Students will be expected to present their bus pass to the driver to board the bus.
2. Students will only be allowed to ride their assigned bus to and from school.
3. Students without a bus pass or needing a temporary bus pass must see the appropriate personnel prior to 2:00 p.m. before being allowed to board the bus.
4. Students needing a replacement bus pass due to loss will be charged $5.00. Students will be allowed (3) three temporary bus passes per semester.

While riding the bus:

1. Students are under the supervision of the driver and must obey the driver at all times.
2. Students should go to their seats without crowding or pushing. All riders must remain seated while the bus is in motion.
3. Passengers must not put any part of their bodies out of the bus windows.
4. Students are not to tamper with any of the safety devices such as door latches, fire extinguisher, etc.
5. Students must keep the aisle of the bus clear from books, coats, band instruments, etc. They are not to throw paper, food, or other objects on the floor of the bus. Students are not allowed to eat or drink on the bus.
6. Students must not deface the bus or any other school property; i.e., writing on the bus, cutting seats. Parents or guardians will be financially responsible for damage caused by their children.
7. Passengers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that would not distract the attention of the driver or disturb other riders on the bus.

Leaving the bus:

1. Students must remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop. They must never attempt to leave until the bus has come to a full stop and the door is opened to indicate that they may leave.
2. Students should leave in an orderly manner. Students in front should leave first.
3. Students may not loiter or play around a stopped or parked bus.
4. Students should not enter a restricted area set aside for bus parking or loading unless the bus is at a complete stop. Students should enter only their assigned bus.
5. Students are permitted to leave only at regular designated stops. Any changes must be made with the parent’s request and approved by the school principal (or his/her designee).
6. If a student must cross a highway after leaving a bus, the student should walk at a right angle to and at least 10 feet in front of the bus and wait until the bus driver directs him/her to cross. After a signal is given by the driver, the student should walk, not run, across the highway.

Bus Stops:

Bus stops are determined by the District’s Transportation Department based on state requirements, bus operational guidelines, and school board policy.