The District’s bus behavior rules and expectations outline the necessary behavior to keep all passengers safe while riding in a district vehicle (bus, van, automobile, etc.).  All violations of district rules (bus and/or school) committed as a passenger or at a district bus stop may result in loss of bus riding privileges and other more severe disciplinary measures as determined by the responsible authorities. The bus driver is responsible for the safety and discipline of students on the bus. The transportation team, building principal and/or school security are available to assist when a situation is beyond the control of the driver. Suspension of bus riding privileges applies to all buses unless otherwise designated by Transportation Administration.

Please take time to review the bus behavior rules with your students.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Transportation Department at (253) 841-8775.

Bus Riding Rules and Expectations

·         In the event of any emergency, students shall follow emergency exit procedures and instructions provided by the bus driver.

·         The driver is in full charge of the bus and passengers at all times.

·         Students are to remain seated and facing forward while the bus is in motion. Students are not allowed to change seats without the driver’s permission.

·         Eating, drinking, and gum chewing are not permitted on the bus. Other students may have allergic reactions to the food. (Approved exceptions are field trips)

·         At the discretion of the bus driver, student(s) may be given an assigned seat.

·         Bus aisles are to be kept clear at all times. All materials (backpacks, unbreakable projects, etc.) must be stowed under the seat or in the lap of the student.

Conversation and Behavior While on Bus

·         Quiet conversation using classroom voices is expected between students seated on the same bus seat.

·         Disruptive conduct and aggressive play are not permitted on the bus.

·         Lewd, vulgar, obscene behavior and gestures of any type, and inappropriate language is not acceptable on the bus.  If the language and behavior are not appropriate in the classroom, they are not appropriate on the bus. Any of the above behaviors shall be grounds for suspension of bus riding privileges. Appropriate law enforcement agency may be notified depending on behavior and material.

·         Physical or verbal assault directed at the bus driver, students participating in fighting, bullying, threatening and/or harassment of others shall result in suspension from the bus.

Items Allowed/Prohibited on Bus

·         Band instruments that are allowed on the bus must be small enough to be held in the student’s lap or fit under a seat. Instruments may not be placed in the aisle or take the space of a student.  (See guidelines on Transportation Services website)

·         Smoking is not allowed on any district vehicle.  Illegal or unauthorized drugs/stimulants, tobacco or e-cigarette products, lighting matches, lighters or other sparking devices are not permitted on the bus and shall result in suspension from the bus for a minimum of five (5) days.

·         No weapons of any type shall be allowed on the bus including toys that are made to look like a weapon. Students who bring weapons (real or not) and/or threaten (joking or not) to use guns, knives, bombs or any similar devices shall result in suspension from the bus and the appropriate law enforcement agency will be notified.

·         No animal, reptile, fish or fowl is permitted on the bus except “seeing-eye dogs”. No breakable containers are allowed on the bus.

·         Skate boards, skates, in-line skates, scooters, wheeled shoes, and/or any items that may cause injury to others are not permitted on the bus.

·         The use of any laser device on the bus shall result in a minimum of (5) day suspension of bus riding privileges.

Bus Stop Behavior Rules

·         Students shall respect private property at bus stops (landscape, fences, rock walls, etc.)

·          Students must leave home early enough to arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

·         Students shall not cross the roadway until the driver has given specific instructions. Students must cross only in front of the bus, never behind the bus. When loading or leaving the bus students must maintain order. Students shall be in view of the driver at all times.

·         Students shall refrain from pushing and shoving students while at a bus stop, on the bus or near the bus.

·         All bus passes must be approved by the school’s main office prior to students being allowed to:  
a) Leave the bus except at the student’s regular bus stop
b) Ride a different bus other than the one the student is assigned
c) All bus passes are subject to available space on desired bus

General Bus Riding Expectations

·         Students shall give their correct name promptly and willingly when asked by the bus driver and/or District administrator. Failure to do so shall result in suspension of bus riding privileges.

·         Vandalism and theft of any property shall result in suspension of bus riding privileges with any applicable law enforcement action.  Additionally, the responsible student, parent and/or guardian will reimburse for damage to the bus. 

·         Bus windows are to be left closed unless permission is given by the bus driver. When open, windows will only be opened three notches. Students shall not extend head, hands, or arms out of bus windows.  Students shall not throw anything out of the window, nor spit out of the window or on the bus.

·         Tampering with any bus controls or equipment is strictly prohibited.

·         Students are responsible for helping to keep the bus clean.