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Transportation » School Bus Conduct

School Bus Conduct


The following are Porterville Unified School District’s (PUSD) rules for student conduct while riding, entering or exiting a school bus. These guidelines are established to preserve the safety of all PUSD students who use a school bus for transportation. All students must adhere to the following rules. Violation of these rules will result in suspension of bus riding privileges and/or school disciplinary action. Buses are equipped with video cameras and recording devices to assist with bus behavior. Nothing in this policy shall preclude the required enforcement of other policies that govern student discipline.


STUDENTS WILL ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING:


  1. Students shall follow the instructions and directions of the bus driver and bus monitor at all times.
  2. Students should arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes early, waiting in a safe place off the road, and will wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to board.
  3. Once seated, students will remain seated while the bus is in motion and will not obstruct the emergency exit or aisle with legs, feet, or other objects. Emergency exits and the aisle must remain clear at all times.
  4. Respect the bus driver, bus monitor, and other riders’ personal space; bullying, teasing, harassing or swearing are hurtful and will not be tolerated.
  5. Loud talking, laughing, yelling, singing, whistling, throwing of objects, standing or changing seats are prohibited. Serious safety hazards can result from noise and behavior that distracts the driver.
  6. Aggressive and/or physical conduct such as hitting, punching, fighting, and inappropriate touching are unacceptable behaviors and will not be tolerated.
  7. No part of the body (hands, arms, legs, or head) will be put out of the window.
  8. Nothing will be thrown inside or from the bus.
  9. Students will keep the bus clean and be respectful of PUSD property. Students and/or parents of students who damage or deface the bus or bus equipment will be responsible for payment of any repairs/damage.
  10. No eating, drinking, chewing gum, alcohol, tobacco, or smoking of any kind.

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATIONS OF BUS BEHAVIOR RULES:


Bus drivers have the authority of a classroom teacher. Drivers will initially discuss minor violations with the student and attempt to resolve the problem without written referral. If this technique is unsuccessful, then written referrals will be completed and forwarded to the school administrator and director of transportation for disciplinary action as outlined below:


1st Referral - Student will receive a written referral. A bus suspension may be imposed at the discretion of the school administrator or director of transportation.


2nd Referral - Student will be suspended from riding the bus for 1-3 days at the discretion of the school administrator or director of transportation.


3rd Referral - Student will be suspended from riding the bus for 3 days.


4th Referral - Student will be suspended from riding the bus for 5 days.


5th Referral - Student will be suspended from riding the bus for 10 days. Students, parents, school administrator, director of transportation, and transportation provider must attend a conference to discuss the student’s behavior before the student’s riding privileges are reinstated.


6th Referral - Student suspended from riding the bus for the remainder of the current school year. For grades Pre-K through grade four (4) lesser consequences/actions may be imposed by the school administrator.


SUSPENSION OF BUS PRIVILEGES:


Parents shall be notified before a bus suspension takes effect, except in emergency situations necessary to protect the safety of individuals, property, or the integrity of the educational process. In such cases, the necessary notice will follow as soon as possible. During the suspension of bus privileges, it shall be the parent’s responsibility to provide the student’s transportation to school. Failure to attend school, due to the loss of bus privileges, is considered an unexcused absence. Suspensions of privileges shall not be used as a disciplinary action for non-bus related violations.