Responsibilities of Students
Responsibilities of Students
In order to ensure a safe and positive school bus experience, it is important that students, parents and bus drivers understand their responsibilities. Before beginning to ride the bus, students and parents must review and complete the Responsibilities Form provided by your bus driver.
Responsibilities of the Student
To ensure their safety, students are expected to follow the rules outlined in the Rules of Conduct. These rules will be enforced by the bus operator, and we request that parent(s) and/or guardians review the rules of conduct with their children.
Responsibilities of Students.
- Respect and obey the bus operator at all times.
- Be seated promptly and safely in your assigned seat for the duration of the ride.
- Be at the designated bus stop five minutes prior to the school bus arrival. The times indicated by the bus operator are departure times, not arrival times. The bus cannot wait for you.
- Maintain respect for public and private property while waiting at the school bus stop. Line up properly as the bus is coming to a stop.
- Go promptly to your school bus after school dismissal. School buses shall wait for ten minutes after dismissal for loading. Students who are consistently late and hold up the school bus shall be reported to the principal.
- Follow rules of classroom conduct, with the allowance of ordinary quiet conversation.
- Take responsibility for your personal property (books, backpacks, electronic devices, etc.).
- Do not bring animals on the school bus. Only certified and registered guide animals are permitted on the school bus.
- Cross in front of the bus only when it is safe to do so and under the guidance of the bus operator. Only cross in front of the bus upon exiting if you live on the opposite side of the road.
- Dress adequately for current and anticipated weather conditions.
- Exit the bus only at your designated stop.
- Treat the bus with respect and refrain from engaging in the following activities while riding the school bus. Engaging in these activities may result in disciplinary actions. The degree of seriousness of the offences listed below may warrant immediate suspension and referral to Police Services.
- Endangering safety
- Failing to follow the bus operator’s instructions
- Possessing, using or carrying potentially dangerous items (guns, knives, etc.)
- Displaying disruptive behaviors (yell, scream, bully, push, spit, fight, hit, profane gesture or language)
- Consuming any food or beverages while on board (unless medically required)
- Having tobacco, lighters, vaping products or e-cigarettes or other smoking items
- Possessing or using controlled substances (alcohol, drugs, tobacco, vaping products etc.)
- Vandalism of any form is acceptable
- Using any device, including cell phones, to record video while riding the bus
- Playing any electronic devices without earphones and/or earbuds
- Extending any part of the body out of the windows
- Throwing objects on the bus and/or out the window
- Engaging in unnecessary distracting conversation with the bus operator
Responsibilities of the Parents/Guardians.
- Ensure that your child(ren) are dressed properly for current or anticipated weather conditions. The temperatures on a school bus can drop dramatically in the event of mechanical problems.
- Help keep students safe before they board the bus in the morning and after they disembark in the afternoon. It is recommended that a parent or caregiver drop students off and supervise at the bus stop in the morning, and be at the stop to take custody of your student(s) after they are dropped off in the afternoon. Daycare providers are required to meet students in their care at the bus stop.
- Contact Transportation Services if your student will not be riding the bus in the afternoon, as the bus operator is otherwise held responsible for taking home every student he/she picks up in the morning. Drivers are not permitted to use a cell phone during their bus route, and will not be able to accept text messages or phone calls during this time.
- Contact Transportation Services a minimum of 24 hours in advance to request your student(s) ride a different school bus (i.e. emergency situations only). Approval will be based on space and availability. Students will not be permitted on the bus without prior permission.
- Collaborate with your principal and bus operator in order to correct any problems your student may be causing on the bus.
- Notify Transportation Services when you no longer require bus service, or when a change in service is needed. User Pay families will recieve a refund based on when they notify us of the last day of ridership.
- Review the regulations and rules of conduct with your child(ren) to ensure they understand safety on the bus.
Please note: Any negotiations between the parents/guardians and the bus operator, requesting pick-up or drop off at any location other than the designated stop as assigned by Transportation Services, is strictly prohibited.
Responsibilities of the Bus Operator.
- Post “Code of Conduct” posters at the front and back of the bus.
- Develop seating plans and assign students seats
- Assist any student who may be having problems getting on and off the bus.
- Never enter private property, except for Special Needs Transportation or by way of written agreement. Approval is needed if a student becomes physically handicapped on a regular route, or a relevant safety concern arises.
- Check to ensure that no students are at the stop or running towards the stop before departing the bus stop.
- Check the bus after completion of the route or field trip for any students, damage and/or lost articles. Maintain a clean bus. Post "Empty" signs as required.
- Only pick up or drop off students at designated stops as assigned by Transportation Services. Any negotiations between the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) and the bus operator requesting pick-up or drop-off at any location other than the designated stop as assigned by Transportation Services is strictly prohibited.
- Refrain from using a cell phone. Bus drivers are not permitted to use their cell phone during their bus route - even when stopped. An exception will only be made for emergencies when dispatch cannot be reached.
