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.