Regulations and Guidelines for Student Behavior on School Buses

Consistent compliance with these rules, regulations, and guidelines will encourage safe and satisfactory operation of our transportation system. 

 BOARD OF EDUCATION BUS RULES:

The driver is, at all times, in charge of the bus and all pupils riding therein while the pupils are being transported to and from school. If needed or desirable, the bus driver has the authority to assign students to specific seats. He/she is required to enforce all rules and regulations adopted by school authorities for the conduct of pupils on the bus.

Under no circumstances will a bus driver leave a bus unattended while students are on the bus.

Any pupil who violates bus rules will be reported to the School Principal by the bus driver. Should a serious disruption occur on the regular bus route, the driver may return to the school and make a report to the school Principal or the person in authority. Under no circumstances will a pupil be discharged from the bus other than at his/her assigned stop or at the school.

 

 THE STUDENTS

Pupils must remain seated while the bus is in motion. When the bus is stopped, pupils may change seats only with the permission of the bus driver.

Conduct on the bus should be substantially the same as in the classroom.

No indecent or profane language is permitted on the bus. Rowdyism and loud talking are not allowed.

Food shall not be eaten on the bus.

Pets will not be permitted on the bus.

Unnecessary talking with the bus driver is prohibited.

Smoking is not permitted on the bus. Throwing any object on the bus is specifically prohibited.

Pupils must not extend their arms or heads out of the bus windows.

Bus windows shall not be opened without the consent of the bus driver.

Pupils shall assist in keeping the bus clean, sanitary, and orderly, and shall refrain from abusing the bus, its cushions, or other equipment.

When entering or leaving the bus, pupils shall avoid crowding or in any way disturbing others.

No pupil shall leave the bus, except at his/her designated stop, without permission from proper school authorities.

Pupils shall only enter and leave the bus by the front door except in the case of an emergency.

Pupils must be on time, and at all times, cooperate in keeping the bus on schedule.

After alighting, pupils shall not cross in front of the bus until signaled to do so by the driver.

When seated, pupils must, at all times, keep their feet out of the aisles of the bus.

Pupils may not change buses except for extraordinary, essential reasons. Such requests must be in writing by the parent and signed by administration in advance. This signed request will then be given to the bus driver.

Students must stand ten feet off the road where the school bus stops.

Students must not walk toward the bus until it stops completely.

Students will only be picked up at designated stops.

Any pupil who violates any of the above regulations will be immediately reported to the principal by the bus driver.

Upon receipt of notice of violation, and after verification, the principal shall immediately notify the pupil’s parents.

Pupils who commit violations may be forbidden by the school principal, either temporarily or permanently, from riding the bus to school. Parents will then have the full responsibility for assuring that pupils arrive on time.

Any student who inflicts damage on the bus will be held financially responsible for the cost of that damage.

Children should be at the bus stops on time and should start early enough so that running to catch the bus is unnecessary. If the child has to walk to a bus stop where there are no sidewalks, he/she should walk facing the cars.

While at the bus stop, children should stand and wait in safe areas, not running into, or playing in the streets. They should not push, shove, fight, or engage in other disorderly behavior. Private property at the bus stop should be respected.

As a bus approaches, children should form a line and wait until the bus comes to a full stop before boarding. Unless special seats are assigned by the driver or Principal, pupils should sit in the nearest seat available upon entering the bus and move toward the window to allow others to sit in the seat.

Crossing the road is the most dangerous time. Traffic should stop but…DON’T DEPEND ON IT.

Pupils should get off promptly as soon as the bus comes to a full stop. They should cross in FRONT of the bus away from the bumper so that they can be seen by the driver. The children should stop and wait until the driver gives the signal to cross, then DOUBLE CHECK both ways themselves, to make sure. They should walk across quickly and not stop, run, or turn back. If something is dropped, they should leave it until they get someone to help pick it up. If pupils have to walk beside the bus after getting off, they should keep well away from it. If they can touch the side of the bus, they are TOO CLOSE.

 

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Dear Parents:

The operation of a school bus, especially over our local roads, is a difficult task which requires care and concentration. Nothing should occur on a bus which distracts the driver from his or her prime role, which is to operate the vehicle safely. Consequently, the school bus guidelines have been designated in such a way as to describe exactly the kind of behavior that is expected of students and to impose penalties when students do not meet the standards.

The schools, the bus company employees, and parents must work together to guarantee safe transportation. We ask each parent to review the bus rules with his or her child.

All of us have a stake in bus safety. We thank you for your help.

Dr. Frank Sippy, Superintendent of Schools

Pomperaug Regional School District #15