TRANSPORTATION CODE OF CONDUCT I. PHILOSOPHY OF TRANSPORTATION The purpose of the transportation system of the The transportation policies and practices of the Transportation of students for special events, athletics, field trips, other curricular activities may be subject to review on a case-by-case basis by the School Administrator. Expectations for StudentsBe Safe Board the bus one at a time Respect the danger zone around the bus Remain seated until dismissed by the bus driver Wait for driver signal to walk in front of the bus Resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner Clear loading/unloading areas as quickly as possible Be Respectful Use appropriate and positive language Speak in conversational tones Respect division property (e.g. bus seats, doors, windows) Respect the property of others Follow the instructions of the bus driver Follow the instructions of the bus supervisors Be Responsible Be on time for the bus Remain seated in assigned seats Eat or drink before or after the bus ride Keep books and or bags on your lap Keep aisles clear Ask the driver's permission to open a window Be Positive Help the bus driver do a good job Help other students Model safe, responsible and respectful behavior When a student violates a rule, he/she will be dealt with directly by the bus driver and reported to the administrator of his/her school. The administrator will determine whether the violation is Level 1-3 and take the appropriate action based on that determination. Consideration may be given to age, disability status and developmentally appropriate behavior. The school principal/designee will have authority to suspend the riding privileges of students and/or take other reasonable disciplinary actions for students who exhibit improper behavior on the bus. School Administrators will determine the disciplinary action based on severity and frequency of referrals. Below you will find a list of violations that are categorized as minor (Level 1), serious (Level 2) or severe (Level 3). Please note that some infractions are included in more than one list. If so, the administrator will determine which category to use in order to apply the consequence for the infraction. In addition, should a violation not be listed in any category the administration shall determine the category to use when applying the consequence. The listed behaviors are examples of behaviors that may be disruptive or compromise safety on the bus and are not intended to be exhaustive. Suspension of bus riding privileges includes all buses to and from school as determined by the School Administrator. In addition, any violation may be shifted from one category to another if the situation warrants as determined by the School Administrator. Level 1 Failure to follow directions Pushing and/or shoving Mischief (horseplay, etc.) Showing affection Spitting Verbal confrontation student to student Inappropriate language Excessive noise Lying down in the seat Not remaining seated Legs in aisle Littering on bus Disrespect to peers Consequences will range from a conference up to and including denial of bus riding privilege and/or consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct as determined by the Building Principal or school administrator. Level 2 Body parts outside the bus Intentionally riding the wrong bus Getting off at the wrong stop Abusive language, profanity or obscene gestures Harassment Changing clothes on the bus Use of electronic flash Interruption of the normal operation of the bus Consequences will range from 3 days suspension of bus riding privilege up to and Level 3 Assault Distribution of alcohol or drugs paraphernalia Lighting flammable sprays, liquids, etc. Consequences will range from 10 days suspension of bus riding privilege up to and BUS NOTES If a student plans to ride a bus to a destination other than the location they ride to on a daily basis, a note from the parent/guardian must be submitted to the Main Office no later than noon (12pm) on the date in question. If a student is riding to the home of or with another student, both students must present notes from their separate parents/guardians by noon (12pm) on the day of the alternative transportation. Failure to provide one or both bus notes (depending on the situation) will result in the student being required to ride the bus originally assigned to them. VIDEO CAMERAS ON SCHOOL BUSES The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of staff and students on school transportation vehicles. Video cameras may be used to monitor student behavior on school vehicles transporting students to and from school or extracurricular activities. Questions about the school transportation program should be directed to the Transportation Supervisor at (607) 698-2631. |