Bus Rules and Guidelines
STUDENT DISCIPLINE ON SCHOOL BUSES
School laws of Pennsylvania provide for the transportation of children to and from school. Safety requires the school district to enforce the rules for proper school bus conduct. The school bus driver is authorized to enforce the rules of conduct that must be adhered to within the policies set forth by the district.
Misconduct will be reported immediately in writing to the school principal who will discuss the incident with the student and take appropriate action. Students could lose riding privileges.
If it is proven that your student vandalized any part of a school bus, charges for repair of the damage to the school bus will be submitted to parent for payment.
SCHOOL BUS RULES AND
GUIDELINES
Good student behavior is
a critical. When a driver’s attention is
called from the road, the chance of an accident increases. Maintaining good order on school buses
requires the cooperation of everyone.
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1. Prior to loading:
a. Students should wait for the bus at a safe
place, on the side of the street on which they live. Cross the street to enter the bus only when
the bus is stopped and the red flashing signals are activated.
c. Students must be at the bus stop at least 5
minutes prior to the time designated, and be ready to board with the least
possible delay. The bus will not wait
for students to return home for forgotten items.
d. Respect the
property rights of people who reside at or near the bus stop.
e. Do not get
into private vehicles with strangers.
f. Students may board only assigned buses, and may
board only at the bus stop they are assigned.
Boarding another bus requires a
bus pass.
g. Act 65 prohibits anyone from
boarding a school bus without proper authorization.
h. Only students who are
residents of
i. Students who miss the bus may not be taken to another stop along the route that would require the student to walk from behind the bus, as the driver may not see the student.
2. While on the bus: (THESE RULES ALSO APPLY TO FIELD TRIPS AND ATHLETIC TRIPS)
a. Observe classroom conduct, and follow the bus
driver's instructions. The bus driver
has the same authority on the bus as a teacher has in the classroom. *Disrespect of the bus driver will be
considered a severe violation.
b. Do not distract the bus driver, they must
concentrate on driving.
c. Students may not block the
aisle or emergency door with musical instruments, athletic equipment, lunch
boxes, books or other possessions.
d. Students are to be assigned a
seat and stay in their assigned seat.
e. For the safety of the
student, students must remain seated while the bus is in motion or if the bus
is delayed on the road.
f. For safety, students must not
extend arms, head or other items out of the bus windows.
g. *Students must not damage or
tamper with any parts of the bus or use the emergency door except in the case
of an emergency.
h. *Roughhousing, fighting,
vulgarity, profanity, throwing items in the bus or other improper conduct is
not permitted.
i. *Students may not smoke or
use tobacco products or E cigarettes while on the bus.
j. To prevent choking, students
may not eat, drink or chew gum while on the bus.
k. For sanitary reasons,
students may not spit inside the bus or out of the bus windows.
l. Nothing is to be thrown on
the inside or outside of the bus.
m. The following items are not permitted in any school vehicle: weapons, drugs, alcohol,
tobacco, e cigarette, flammable liquids, matches/lighter, fireworks, firecrackers,
smoke bombs, water pistols, spray bottles, pea shooters, sling shots, marbles,
balloons, glass containers, skateboards, any objects considered harmful to
others.
n. Pets or creatures may not
ride on the school bus. The only
exception is a “Service” dog.
o. Musical instruments, large
duffle bags, class projects or other uncontrollable items may not be brought on
the bus unless small enough for the student to control on their lap. Students may not take up additional space
with their belongings.
p. Students bringing small toys
to school must keep them in their bookbag while on the bus. Balls, yo-yos, etc. could roll under driver’s
feet and/or pedals.
q. Anything that has a strong
odor is not to be opened/sprayed on the bus, as there may be students/bus
driver who are strongly sensitive/allergic to these smells.
r. *Any conduct that endangers
the safety of the other students, or driver, will be considered severe and
could result in immediate loss of bus riding privileges.
s. Students may depart the bus
only at their assigned stop, unless a bus pass is given.
(*) Designates a severe violation
3. After Leaving the Bus:
a. If you must cross the road, cross at least 10
feet in front of the bus, but only after looking to be sure no traffic is
approaching from either direction.
Always make sure approaching cars stop before crossing. NEVER
cross behind the bus.
b. Help look
after the safety and comfort of younger children.
c. Go directly to your school building in the
morning and directly home in the afternoon.
RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS IS A PRIVILEGE....NOT A RIGHT