TRANSPORTATION CODE OF CONDUCT

children

 PHILOSOPHY OF TRANSPORTATION

The purpose of the transportation system of the Canisteo-Greenwood Central School District is to provide safe reliable transportation of school age children to and from school on a regular, consistent basis. Riding buses is a privilege and not a right. Students may be denied the privilege of riding the bus for just cause.  Students and parents should understand that the responsibility for seeing that students are at school rest with the parents, regardless of whether or not the student may ride the bus. (See New York State Education Law - Transportation 30:16)

The transportation policies and practices of the Canisteo-Greenwood Central School District shall be consistent with and governed by the rules and regulations set forth by the Canisteo-Greenwood Code of Conduct. 

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 Students

Be 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.

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child

Level 2

Body parts outside the bus

Intentionally riding the wrong bus

Insubordination/Disrespectful

Getting off at the wrong stop                                    

Jumping over seat             

Abusive language, profanity or obscene gestures

Shooting projectiles
Bullying/ Harassment

Spraying aerosol

Possession of matches/lighter

Stealing/Fighting

Throwing objects on the bus or outside the bus

Inappropriate actions toward motorists

Use of laser pointer or reflective device                                            Changing clothes on the bus                                     

Use of electronic flash

Opening emergency door/window

Use of pepper spray

Vandalism/writing on bus surfaces

Possession of tobacco products

Verbally threatening                

Interruption of the normal operation of the bus

Consequences will range from 3 days suspension of bus riding privilege up to and including suspension of bus riding privilege for the remainder of the school year and/or consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct as determined by the Building Principal or school administrator.

Level 3

Assault

Possession of a weapon

Possession and/or discharging of firecrackers or other explosive devices

Sexual misconduct

Possession and/or consumption/use of alcohol/tobacco products

Severe safety violations

Possession of drugs and/or drug paraphernalia                     

Distribution of alcohol or drugs paraphernalia
Lighting matches, lighter                                 

Lighting flammable sprays, liquids, etc.

Consequences will range from 10 days suspension of bus riding privilege up to and including suspension of bus riding privilege for the remainder of the school year and/or consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct as determined by the Building Principal or school administrator.

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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) 698-1301.