The most important element of school bus transportation is the safety of students. In order to achieve a safe and efficient system, drivers must have the cooperation of all student riders.
- Conduct on the school bus shall be of the same high standard as expected in the school building and classroom. All school rules apply while students are on the bus. Students shall be courteous to fellow riders and their bus driver. Such acts as fighting, pushing, obscene talk or gestures will not be tolerated and will be cause for disciplinary action.
- In order to maintain a strict time schedule, drivers cannot wait for students. Students must be ready and on time for boarding the bus each morning. PLEASE BE READY!
- Students shall wait until the bus comes to a full stop before entering the roadway to board the bus or before leaving their seat to get off the bus.
- Students should use extreme caution when getting on or off the bus. When crossing the highway, wait for the driver to signal to do so and cross 10 feet from the front of the bus.
- Students shall always take a seat upon boarding a bus and remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion. If a seat is not available, students should hold on the back of a seat with both hands and face forward.
- Students are to keep arms and heads inside of the bus at all times. Bus windows shall be kept shut unless permission to open them is given by the driver.
- Smoking or the use of tobacco by students on the bus is strictly prohibited at all times. Eating of food, drinking of beverages, and taking medication is not permitted on the bus.
- Audible electronic devices, glass items, knives, and other dangerous objects are prohibited on the bus. Also, bulky items, pets and animals should not be brought on the bus unless with permission granted ahead of time.
- Buses must be kept clean at all times. Each student has the duty and responsibility to see that he or she does not litter.
- Students shall remain on the bus until it arrives at school or at home. Drivers will not let students off upon request unless a pass is obtained from the Main Office for a change in riding status and given to the driver. A written parental request is required for any change from one bus to another or for a change in pick-up or drop-off point. Allowing for sufficient time to effect these changes ensures student safety.
- The school bus driver is completely in charge when transporting students. All instructions given shall be followed and students should cooperate with the driver in any way they can.
These rules are made for the safety and benefit of all students. Unfortunately, there may be students who will not or do not abide by the rules. In the event of violations, the following disciplinary steps have been established:
A. Verbal warning by the Bus Driver.
B. Written referral to the Principal for possible disciplinary action or suspension, with parental notification.
C. Parent conference with school administrator in order to determine eligibility for continued transportation.
D. School authorities may remove a student from bus privileges at any time if the offense is serious enough to warrant such action, regardless of the number of violations.
E. Exclusive of the verbal warnings, parents will be notified of bus incidents and violations.
To assure bus safety, the New York State Education Department requires three school bus drills during each school year. The drills involve instruction as to the methods of exit from the bus in case of accident, location and use of fire extinguishers, and location of first aid kits. Other safety factors such as crossing roadways, seating, behavior, as well as boarding and exiting exercises are reviewed and conducted.