LC High School: Handbooks

Lewis Central Community Schools Bus Rules

by Paul Massman

August 19, 2008

TRANSPORTATION RULES AND POLICIES 366-8207--LC Transportation Office

School transportation is provided as a service to students. Using school transportation is a privilege not a right. Since the safety of students is of the utmost concern, it is imperative that all students conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Disruptions which interfere with the driver's ability to operate the bus safely will not be tolerated.

The following rules have been approved by the Lewis Central Board of Directors. Rules pertaining to student transportation services include, but are not limited to the listing below. Such language prevents the claim from being made that the list below is all inclusive.

The school bus driver is in charge of the students at all times. The driver has the right to give instructions to passengers and assign seats.

The driver is entitled to be treated with respect. Belligerent or disrespectful language will not be tolerated.

Students will be required to ride the bus to which they are assigned. To obtain permission for a student to ride a different bus, a written request must be submitted by the student�s parent or guardian to the Transportation Department.

Students are expected to be at their designated bus stop five (5) minutes prior to their assigned time. While waiting for the school bus, students are expected to remain at the bus stop, be respectful of property, conduct themselves appropriately, and remain at least ten (10) feet from the roadway.

Student conduct at bus stops may be monitored.

Some school buses are monitored by video cameras. When available, video taped documentation may be used to verify infractions of the school bus safety rules.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner fitting their age level and maturity and with respect and consideration for the rights of others.

Students are asked to follow the Three T's for school bus safety.

The Three T's are:

THINK SAFETY AT ALL TIMES___Stay in your seat at all times___Keep head, hands, and/or arms inside the bus___Keep center aisle clear at all times.

TREAT OTHERS WITH RESPECT___Follow driver�s instructions at all times___Keep hands to yourself.

THINK APPROPRIATE CLASSROOM BEHAVOIR___Protect the school bus from vandalism___Help keep the bus clean___Normal school rules apply on the bus.

Drivers will instruct all students on the school bus safety rules. Students are expected to follow all rules, at all times. Students encountering problems on the school bus should report the problem to the bus driver. The student does have the right to report the problem to their building principal as well. Parents or guardians who wish to discuss a discipline issue or procedure should contact the building principal or Transportation Department. When a student does not behave appropriately, corrective action will be taken. During all discipline proceedings, students will be accorded the rights of due process.

Drivers will verbally warn students who are not behaving appropriately. If the driver has warned the student about the inappropriate behavior and the student chooses to again behave inappropriately, a discipline referral will be issued by the driver and given to the Transportation Department. All discipline referrals will be sent to the appropriate building principal where the inappropriate behavior will be verified and corrective action taken. Issues which are not resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, appeals should be directed to the Director of Operations. If the issue is still not resolved, appeals may then be submitted to the office of the Superintendent.

The following are rules for discipline violation. Items listed below are not intended to be all inclusive, but rather examples of behavior which will result in disciplinary action.

GRADES 6-12

Assault: threatening or trying to injure or causing injury to a student or school employee. First Offense: 3 - 10 suspension Repeated Offense: 5 - 10 day suspension or expulsion

Weapons: possession, use, handling of any instrument generally considered a weapon; using any object to injure another person.

First Offense: police notification, expulsion

Drugs: possession, use, or under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, imitation substances, and/or paraphernalia.

First Offense: 10 day suspension to expulsion, police notification Repeated: police notification, expulsion

Tobacco/Imitation Substances: in possession, use, or distribution of.

First Offense: 1 day suspension or cessation class Repeated: 3 - 10 day suspension or expulsion

Vandalism: damaging and/or destroying property on purpose.

First Offense: Restitution and 1 day suspension Repeated: Restitution and 3 - 10 suspension or expulsion

Verbal Abuse/Harassment: swearing, profanity, belligerent and/or disrespectful language and/or actions that attempt to threaten, intimidate another person.

First Offense: 1 -3 day suspension Repeated: 1 - 5 day suspension or expulsion

Fighting: mutual combat.

First Offense: 1 - 3 day suspension Repeated: 4 - 10 day suspension or expulsion

Disrespect/Insubordination: failure to follow the request or direction of a school employee.

First Offense: 1 - 3 day suspension Repeated: 5 - day suspension or expulsion

Sexual Harassment: unwelcome advances, verbal and/or physical misconduct, graffiti, jokes, gestures.

First Offense: Written warning to 5 day suspension Repeated: 5 - 10 day suspension

GRADES PK - 5

Assault: threatening or trying to injure or causing injury to a student or school employee.