Students AP 351: Student Conduct on School Buses

Background

The student’s primary responsibility is to conduct himself/herself in a manner which will not cause the bus driver to divert his/her attention from driving the bus.

Procedures

1. Violation of any of the following may lead to the loss of riding privileges, or suspension from school.
2. Students are expected to be at the road, at the designated stop, prior to the arrival of the bus.
3. Students who reside on the opposite side of the road, from the designated stop, are to cross in front of the bus and at least fifteen (15) feet ahead of the bus.
4. The operator will report any serious student misconduct to the Principal of the school. Any student who continues to misbehave will be denied the privilege of riding the school bus.
5. The operator may assign specific seats to students.
6. While the bus is in motion, students must not extend any part of their bodies out of windows, try to get on or off the bus, or move about within it.
7. Students must remain seated, in their seats, during the entire trip.
8. Students will not consume food or beverages on the bus, unless permission is granted by the driver.
9. Students must not throw paper or other waste materials on the floor, or out of the windows of the bus.
10. Students must conduct themselves in a quiet and courteous manner, showing consideration to the bus driver, and others, while boarding, riding, or departing from the bus.
11. Students must not distract the bus driver.
12. Silence must be maintained when the bus stops at railroad crossings.
13. Students causing willful damage to the bus will be held responsible for all costs.
14. Bus drivers may appoint a monitor to assist in safety practices.
15. Bus passes must be produced upon request or ridership may be denied.
16. Drivers are not required to transport individuals not registered on the bus. Furthermore, drivers are not required to add stops to the routes to accommodate the students' personal activities such as piano lessons, sports activities, etc.
17. Parent Responsibilities
    1. Instruct their children to obey all school bus rules.
    2. Ensure their children are at the bus stop on time and follow appropriate loading procedures.
    3. Accept responsibility for the proper conduct of their children prior to boarding the bus, during the daily trips and upon leaving the bus.
    4. Provide the necessary supervision for their children when they are going to and from the bus stop.
    5. Make certain their children are appropriately dressed.
    6. Ensure their children are aware of your alternate arrangements to follow in the event of emergent conditions (e.g. inclement weather, school closure, evacuation, bus breakdown).
    7. Written, dated and signed authorization must be given to the bus driver if children are to be dropped off at a bus stop different from their regular designated stop.
18. Student Discipline
    1. For violation of rules of conduct, a student may be reported by the driver to the parents/guardians and/or Principal.
    2. The Principal may suspend any student under the provisions of the School Act, from riding on any bus and report the circumstances, in writing, to the parents/guardians, the driver and the Superintendent or designate.
    3. The Principal may reinstate a student suspended from riding the bus.
    4. When a student is not to be reinstated on the bus within five (5) school days of the date of his/her suspension, the Principal shall immediately report, in writing, all the circumstances of the suspension to the Superintendent or designate, together with his/her recommendations.
    5. The Board may reinstate the student or expel the student from riding the bus.
    6. For causing willful damage to a school bus, a student will be held fully accountable for the cost of repairs to the bus and may, at the discretion of the Superintendent or designate, be suspended from riding on the bus until such costs have been recovered.
    7. The District strongly supports its bus drivers in maintaining proper student behaviour on the bus.