Descriptor Term: Student Conduct on School Buses
Descriptor Code:EEAC-R
Amended Date:04/15/2024
Rescinds:08/09/1988
The school furnishes buses and suburbans (or similar designated pupil transportation vehicle) as transportation for the convenience of the students. This does not guarantee that under all conditions a student will be transported. Most students want a safe, clean, well-regulated bus/vehicle. This service is provided for those who wish to ride under the established guidelines provided in conformance with the Pupil Transportation Administrators’ Manual, Wyoming Department of Education and the directives set forth by the District Board of Trustees. The right of students to ride the bus/vehicle is conditional upon their behavior and observance of the rules.
Use of school buses/vehicles will be permitted for class or school field trips at the discretion of the Superintendent.
The following rules will be enforced while riding the school bus/vehicle.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
The following rules and regulations have been developed to provide safe, enjoyable and efficient transportation for students.
1. Prior to boarding the school bus/vehicle, students should:
a. Be on time and waiting at the approved stop.
b. Stay off the road while waiting.
c. Refrain from destructive activities or behavior that is dangerous or irritating to others in the area.
d. Wait for the school bus to come to a complete stop before attempting to board.
e. Not run toward the bus/vehicle in an effort to be the first to board.
f. When it is necessary to cross the road at the bus stop, the following procedures should be used to ensure the safety of the students:
ALWAYS CROSS IN FRONT OF THE BUS after the driver signals you to cross and after you have looked up and down the road to be sure no traffic is approaching from either direction.
2. While on the Bus/Vehicle, students shall adhere to the following safety regulations:
a. Help keep the bus clean, sanitary and orderly.
b. Obey school bus driver and in case of emergency remain in bus unless otherwise instructed by the individual in authority.
c. Never stick hands, arm or any other part of the body out of windows or doors.
d. Remain seated until the bus has stopped and avoid horseplay, objectionable language or gestures, or conversation which is loud or boisterous.
e. Refrain from unnecessary conversation with the driver which might divert the driver’s attention and cause an accident.
f. In no event will a pupil being transported to or from school be permitted to disembark from the school bus/vehicle mid-way and take a different mode of transportation on to school or home. Only an emergency situation may alter this ruling. Exceptions to the foregoing rule must be arranged with the administration staff.
g. Students who are not regular riders of the bus/vehicle must secure a statement from their parents to the effect that it is all right for them to ride on the bus/vehicle.
h. Damage done to seats or other equipment must be paid for by the pupil.
i. Never experiment or tamper with the bus/vehicle or any of its equipment.
j. Be careful not to leave lunches, clothing, books, etc., in the bus/vehicle.
k. Keep personal possessions out of the aisle.
l. Never throw anything in or out of the bus/vehicle windows.
m. Assist in looking after small children. Be courteous to fellow pupils, assist the bus driver and other adults.
n. Passengers of a school bus/vehicle should be limited to regular and approved pupils and activity sponsors.
o. No person shall be permitted to enter the bus/vehicle who is under the influence of liquor or drugs or who is known to be drinking.
p. Smoking, or any use of tobacco shall be prohibited on a school bus/vehicle.
q. Guns (loaded or unloaded), shells, or any explosive articles shall be prohibited.
r. Animals shall be prohibited.
s. School buses/vehicles shall stop to load and unload passengers only at authorized bus stops.
t. Students must wear seatbelts at all times in school vehicles.
3. Leaving the School Bus/Vehicle:
The responsibilities of the passengers are to:
a. Students must not run or push while unloading from the bus/vehicle.
b. Help look after the safety of smaller children.
c. Be careful and watch for alert signal from school bus driver.
d. Cross 12 feet from bus/vehicle when crossing road after departure, and look both ways to make sure no traffic is approaching.
e. Get off at the designated stop unless prior permission has been approved by the administration.
4. Driver’s Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the driver are to:
a. Provide at all times for the safety and welfare of the students assigned to their bus/vehicle.
b. Provide a clean and sanitary bus/vehicle for students to ride in.
c. Obey traffic laws and driving regulations.
d. Follow, as rigidly as conditions will permit, the regular time schedule.
e. Be in control of the bus and passengers at all times.
f. Enforce the regulations of the board and administration.
g. Report all infractions of the rules to the principal of the school.
5. SCHOOL BUS/VEHICLE DISCIPLINE PRODEDURE
Good conduct aboard the school bus/vehicle is of extreme importance. Riders should regard the bus/vehicle as another school room and act accordingly.
Drivers are authorized to take the following disciplinary actions:
a. Give verbal warning. *
b. Make assignment of seat. *
c. Issue written bus conduct report.
d. Revoke riding privileges as follows:
(1) After the first three conduct reports, the student will lose riding privileges for the following five school days.
(2) After the fourth conduct report, the student will lose an additional ten days.
(3) After the fifth conduct report, the student will lose riding privileges for the remainder of the school year.
e. Under extremely unusual circumstances riding privileges may be revoked immediately. Such circumstances may include those that endanger student lives, malicious damage to the buses/vehicles, etc. In this instance, the director of transportation, the bus driver, and the building principal will act together to make the decision.
* Driver may move immediately to Step c or e if the situation warrants such action.
6. WHAT PARENTS CAN DO
Parental interest and assistance are valued assets to the Transportation Program. Your interest in safety and your emphasis on proper behavior while riding a school bus/vehicle is appreciated by your school bus driver. The following suggestions are ways in which you can assist the Transportation Program:
a. Ensure that your children are at their bus stop five (5) minutes early but not more than ten (10) minutes early.
b. Dress your children in clothing appropriate for the weather conditions. This will ensure a comfortable and safe ride.
c. Encourage school bus/vehicle safety at home. Caution your children regarding safe behavior and conduct while riding a school bus/vehicle.
d. Establish a safety-minded example for your children.
(1) Remember to always stop when approaching, from either direction, a bus with flashing lights.
e. Notify school if your child has any special health problems.
I have read the school board policy about school bus transportation. I agree to abide by the conditions listed and acknowledge that I may lose bus/vehicle transportation rights.