• Fort Osage R-1 School District
    SCHOOL BUS CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
    Behavior Rules and Discipline Procedures for School Bus Riders

    Transportation for any student to ride in a school bus is a PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT.
    The safety and welfare of student riders depends on proper behavior and observance
    of the following rules and regulations. Any pupil who violates any of these rules will
    be reported to the proper authority and his/her privilege of transportation may be denied.
    These rules apply to STUDENT ACTIVITY TRIPS as well as regular bus routes to
    and from school.

    • The DRIVER is in FULL charge of the bus and its passengers and has authority to
    enforce all the rules. Respect the authority of the driver by obeying promptly and
    courteously. Students and parents are to refrain from unnecessary conversation
    with the driver.
    • BE AT THE BUS STOP 5 MINUTES EARLY. The BUS CAN NOT WAIT for those who
    are tardy. DO NOT run after the bus if you are late.
    • Wait for the bus to come to a COMPLETE stop before trying to board or depart. If
    you must CROSS THE ROAD, wait for the DRIVER TO SIGNAL (thumbs up) you
    across when he/she has determined all traffic has stopped. ALWAYS cross at least
    ten (10) feet in front of the bus, whether boarding or departing.
    • After boarding the bus, sit down and remain seated in your assigned seat until the
    bus reaches your stop.
    • NO fighting, pushing, tripping, kicking, etc. will be tolerated on the bus.
    • NO tobacco, drugs, alcohol, matches, lighters, weapons, or explosives on the bus.
    • NO loud or boisterous speech, swearing or shouting in the bus or out the windows
    will be allowed. Rude and abusive language will not be tolerated.
    • DO NOT extend any part of your body out the bus windows.
    • DO NOT throw anything in or out of the bus window.
    • DO NOT eat or drink on the bus.
    • DO NOT bring glass containers, live animals, reptiles, insects, etc. on the bus.
    • TREAT THE BUS WITH RESPECT. ANY DAMAGES TO THE BUS WILL BE PAID FOR
    BY THE STUDENT OR HIS/HER PARENTS. VANDALISM MAY RESULT IN THE LOSS
    OF RIDING PRIVILEGES UNTIL PAID FOR.
    • Keep the aisle clear. Store personal items on your lap. Bulky items may be
    brought onto the bus as long as they can safely fit into the seating compartment
    and do not pose a safety hazard or occupy space needed for a bus rider. All items
    must be in a backpack or case.
    • USE HANDRAILS when boarding or departing the bus.
    • CELL PHONES are not to be used, displayed, heard or visible on the bus.
    In summary, no distracting or dangerous activity will be allowed on the
    bus.

    DISCIPLINE PROCESS

     

    For the safety of all students inappropriate behavior on the school bus will not be tolerated. Transportation
    to and from school is part of the school day, and all of the rules governing student behavior are in
    force. The issue of safety requires that students be on their best behavior while on the school bus.

    Students, parents and school employees must understand that rules are to be consistently and fairly
    enforced and obeyed.

    Such misbehavior as rudeness, pushing, fighting, throwing objects, obscenity, and other offenses may
    result in immediate suspension of all transportation services.

    The following will be observed in dealing with violations of the school bus safety rules.

    1. First Offense - Warning
    Parents will receive a notification letter from the Assistant Director of Transportation
    stating the infraction. A copy of the misconduct will be issued to the building principle
    and student. Parents signatures are required on the report to be returned to the driver
    the following day.

    2. Second Offense - Short Term Suspension
    A second misconduct will result in a three day suspension. Parents will receive notification
    by phone from the Assistant Director of Transportation regarding the students infraction.
    A copy of the misconduct will be issued to the building principle and student.
    The misconduct must be signed and returned to the driver by the student before transportation
    can be resumed.

    3. Third Offense - Short Term Suspension
    A third misconduct will result in a five day suspension. Parents will receive notification
    by phone from the Assistant Director of Transportation regarding the students infraction.
    A copy of the misconduct will be issued to the building principle and student.
    The misconduct must be signed and returned to the driver by the student before transportation
    can be resumed.

    4. Fourth Offense - Long Term Suspension
    A fourth misconduct will result in a ten day suspension. Parents will receive notification
    by phone from the Assistant Director of Transportation regarding the students infraction.
    Parent/guardian may be called in for a conference before transportation can resume.
    A copy of the misconduct will be issued to the building principle and student.
    The misconduct must be signed and returned to the driver by the student before transportation
    can be resumed.

    5. Fifth Offense - Extended Suspension
    A fifth misconduct may result in a ninety day suspension. Parents will receive notification
    by phone and a conference will be scheduled before transportation can resume.

    IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION CLAUSE: Defiance of driver, flagrant safety violation, or hurting another
    student will result in immediate suspension and a conference before the student may ride again.
    The safety of all students riding the bus is dependent on the driver's ability to attend to driving. Unauthorized behavior draws the driver's attention away from the important task of attending to the safe transportation of students. District buses are equipped with video cameras and the student's behavior is subject to being reviewed on videotape. Videotapes are to be reviewed by district personnel only in accordance with Federal Education Right to Privacy Act guidelines.