BUS
CONDUCT "Uniform Code of Discipline"
Conduct of students riding school buses will be regulated and acceptable
discipline will be maintained. When a discipline problem arises on a
bus, the bus driver will prepare a written report regarding the actions
of the student violator. The "Bus Conduct Report" will be
submitted to the Coordinator of Transportation who will sign the report
and submit it to the student's principal. In case of a serious offense,
the Coordinator will notify the principal by phone that a written report
of a disciplined student will follow.
The Transportation Department will be responsible for
preparing and sending four "Bus Conduct Report" copies to the
principal, while retaining one copy for the Transportation Department.
Principals will notify the parents(s) or guardian of the student's
misconduct by sending a copy of the discipline report and /or by
telephoning the parent(s) or guardian. Principals will investigate by
setting up conferences with all concerned parties in order to determine
the facts. The Coordinator of Transportation and the bus driver will be
available for conferences.
When final disposition is made in the case -- relative
to the CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT regulations -- the principal will inform
the Coordinator of Transportation as to what action was taken. In order
to expedite this, the principal will complete the bottom portion of the
"Bus Conduct Report". When the Coordinator of Transportation
receives the disposition report, a completed copy is also given to the
bus driver. Both the principal and the Coordinator of Transportation
will maintain a discipline file on cases brought for action.
TO THE PARENTS OF CHILDREN RIDING
SCHOOL BUSES
The rules and regulations which follow are the result of careful study
and based upon the experiences we have had in the operation of a school
bus system. Transporting students to and from school and on field trips
is becoming more complex each year. The number of students to be
transported is constantly increasing, and traffic is changing rapidly.
In order to ensure maximum safety to those riding school buses, it is
necessary that students and the parents or guardian cooperate in this
effort. There is no substitute for training to develop safe habits in
pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Students in the Benton Harbor, Coloma, and Eau Claire
school districts are provided with the safest equipment possible.
Drivers are trained not only in operating procedures, but in many
related areas as well. However, to ensure maximum safety there are
certain practices which must be followed by each bus rider. Parents
should be willing to read these rules and cooperate in seeing that their
children are given instructions relative to their responsibilities. The
"Uniform Code of Discipline" CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT for the Benton
Harbor, Coloma, and Eau Claire school districts will be utilized in all
discipline reports. Students must obey drivers promptly as they are in
full charge of buses and students while in transit.
STUDENTS MUST:
- Be on time at designated bus stops. Buses cannot
wait for tardy students.
- Obey the driver's suggestions cheerfully. Help the
driver to assure safety at all times.
- Expect to walk one-half or up to one mile to a bus
stop.
- Stay off roadway while waiting for the bus. Form a
line to get on the bus.
- Cross in front of the bus when crossing road or
highway, NOT IN THE BACK OF THE BUS.
- Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop
before attempting to enter or leave the bus. Remain seated while the
bus is in motion. Enter or leave the bus only at the front door,
except in the case of an emergency.
- Do not leave the bus, except at home or school. No
unscheduled stops will be made except those authorized by the
Coordinator of Transportation or a school administrator.
- Occupy any seat assigned by the driver. Keep feet
out of aisles, off seats, and backs of seats.
- When conditions require, sit three in a seat by
filling back seats first.
- Hold musical instruments. Do not leave them in
aisles or at the front or rear emergency door.
- Sit erect with feet on the floor.
- Keep head, arms, and hands inside the bus.
- Observe classroom conduct. Avoid unnecessary
disturbing noises. The driver should not be distracted while the bus
is in motion. Do not shout at passing persons
or vehicles.Be courteous! Use no profane or vulgar language.
Help keep bus clean. Do not chew gum, eat, or drink
beverages. NO SMOKING IS ALLOWED ON THE BUS.
Be considerate of others, especially small
children.
Inform driver when absence is expected from school.
Report any bus damage you observe to the driver.
Damage or vandalism will result in payment for the damages and a
suspension of bus riding privileges.
ALSO, STUDENTS
- Who are unauthorized riders are not allowed to ride
school buses.
- Are not to reserve seats for fellow students.
- FIGHTING - PUSHING - SHOVING or other rowdy
behavior will not be tolerated.
