4.15 - Bus Conduct

Students are expected to follow all school rules when riding the school bus.  A student may be suspended from riding the bus for up to 10 consecutive school days for engaging in gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to, the following:

1. Violating any school rule or school district policy.  Prohibited student conduct is defined in Board Policy 7:190, Student Behavior.
2. Willful injury or threat of injury to a bus driver or to another rider.
3. Willful and/or repeated defacement of the bus.
4. Repeated use of profanity.
5. Repeated willful disobedience of a directive from a bus driver or other supervisor.
6. Such other behavior as the Building Principal deems to threaten the safe operation of the bus and/or its occupants.

If a student is suspended from riding the bus for gross disobedience or misconduct on a bus, the School Board may suspend the student from riding the school bus for a period in excess of 10 days for safety reasons.

A student suspended from riding the bus who does not have alternate transportation to school shall have the opportunity to complete or make up work for equivalent academic credit. It shall be the responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian to notify the school that the student does not have alternate transportation.

Cross-reference:
Round Lake Area Schools Community Unit District 116 Policy 4:110, Transportation
Round Lake Area Schools Community Unit District 116 Policy 7:190, Student Behavior
Round Lake Area Schools Community Unit District 116 Policy 7:220, Bus Conduct

Student Expectations and Responsibilities

1. Be aware of moving traffic and pay attention to your surroundings. 
    
2. Dress properly for the weather. Make sure all drawstrings, ties, straps, etc. on all clothing, backpacks and other items, are shortened or removed to lessen the likelihood of them getting caught in bus doors, railings or aisles.
    
3. Arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to scheduled pick-up time. Stay away from the street while waiting for the bus. Always walk to the bus stop. Never run to the bus.
    
4. Stay away from the bus until it stops completely and the driver signals you to board. Enter in single file without pushing. Always use the handrail.
    
5. Take a seat right away and remain seated facing forward. Keep your hands, arms, and head inside the bus.
    
6. Talk quietly on the bus. No shouting or creating loud noises that may distract the driver. Tablets, computers, smart phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices must be silenced on the bus unless a student uses headphones.
    
7. Help keep the bus neat and clean. Keep belongings out of the aisle and away from emergency exits. Eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus.
    
8. Always listen to the driver’s instructions. Be courteous to the driver and other students. Sit with your hands to yourself and avoid making noises that would distract the driver or bother other passengers. 
    
9. Wait until the bus pulls to a complete stop before standing up. Use the handrail when exiting the bus.
   
   10. Stay out of the danger zone next to the bus where the driver may have difficulty seeing you. Take at least five giant steps (10 feet) away from the bus and out of the danger zone, until you can see the driver and the driver sees you. Never crawl under a bus.
   
   11. If you must cross the street after you get off the bus, wait for the driver’s signal and then cross in front of the bus. Cross the street only after checking both ways for traffic, even after the driver's signal.
   
   12. Never run back to the bus, even if you dropped or forgot something. 

Parent/Guardian Expectations and Responsibilities

1. Become familiar with district rules, policies, regulations and principles related to school bus safety.
    
2. Assist children in understanding safety rules and encourage them to abide by them.
    
3. Recognize parent/guardian responsibilities for the actions of their children.
    
4. Support safe riding practices and the established discipline protocols.
    
5. Teach children proper procedures for safely crossing the roadway before boarding and after leaving the bus.
    
6. Support procedures for emergency evacuation as prescribed by state and school district.
    
7. Respect the rights and privileges of others.
    
8. Communicate safety concerns to school administrators.
    
9. Monitor your child at their bus stop, when possible.
   
   10. Support all efforts to improve school bus safety.
   
   11. Make sure children are aware of the dangers involved in and around the loading and unloading zone, including the dangers of loose clothing, clothing accessories and other loose personal items.
   
   12. Be respectful of property owners at your bus stops.