School Bus

Transportation Code of Conduct

Jessica Podhola

August 18, 2021

From Transportation:  

Transportation Code of Conduct

Students and Parents should understand that riding the school bus is a privilege and not a right. Students need to realize that ANY driver distraction is potentially hazardous to the safety of all passengers.  Violation(s) of the conduct and safety rules below may result in the loss of bus riding privileges. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to obey the driver is sufficient reason for a student to be denied transportation in accordance with regulations as set by the Pinckney Board of Education.

Additionally, it should be noted that bus drivers may return their take-home bus to school for administrative assistance in cases of widespread misconduct and/or serious infraction. Also, the bus drivers are authorized to assign seats as deemed necessary for the safe and uninterrupted transportation of students.

Please understand, students transported in a school bus are under the authority and responsibility of the bus driver and the driver of the school bus is responsible for the orderly conduct of the students transported.

Student Responsibilities

  1. Cooperate with the driver and follow the bus driver’s instructions.
  2. Students must be at the designated bus stop 5 minutes before the bus is due and be ready to board the bus. At drop-off time a parent/guardian must be there to receive students in grades Y5’s, and Kindergarten. The bus cannot wait for tardy students.
  3. Students must remain 10 feet back from the roadway while waiting for the bus, and conduct themselves with courtesy and consideration for others. The safety and conduct of the students at the bus stop is the responsibility of the parents.
  4. Students who must cross the street at a bus stop shall not do so until the driver has given the signal. When crossing the street is necessary, it shall always be done at least 10 feet in front of the bus. Students must be able to maintain eye contact with the driver. Mailboxes cannot be checked until after the bus departs.
  5. Students must ride their assigned bus, and use their assigned bus stop unless written permission by the parent/guardian and school administrator is presented to the bus driver. Prior confirmation of space availability is needed from the bus garage to ride another bus.
  6. Windows may be opened no further than halfway and only with permission from the bus driver.
  7. Once on the bus, the student will need the approval of an administrator to depart the bus at the school or a parent/guardian must be present at the bus door.
  8. Students must remain SILENT at all railroad crossings according to state law. Absolutely no talking or noise is permitted.
  9. Students shall enter the bus in an orderly fashion, go directly to their assigned seat and remain seated until the bus has reached the student’s final destination (facing forward with feet on the floor, not in the aisle and bottom on the seat).
  10. Glass items, lighter/matches, animals, balloons, skateboards, perfume/cologne, sharp objects, large toys or projects that cannot easily fit on the student’s lap, or any other item of a questionable nature that might present a safety hazard are prohibited on the bus.
  11. Weapons of any kind (or objects that look like and/or could be used as weapons), tobacco products, illegal drugs, or alcohol are not allowed on the bus or at the bus stop.
  12. No eating, drinking, or chewing gum will be allowed on the bus. Life-threatening (anaphylaxis) may result. Exception: students with diabetes or hypoglycemia (with physician documentation on file with the school).
  13. Student conversation and behavior should not be loud or distracting to the driver.
  14. Students shall not talk on cell phones. Personal audio devices including cell phones must have headphones to listen to music/videos. Students are required to remove headphones/earbuds from both ears when loading and unloading for safety. Students shall not be taking pictures or videos on the bus at any time.
  15. Students shall keep their hands, arms, and heads inside the bus and in their own personal space.
    1. Obscene language and gestures, name-calling, harassment, intimidation, threats, and bullying is prohibited on the bus.
    2. Fighting, pretend fighting, roughhousing, horseplay, or throwing objects (on, in, out, or at) the bus is prohibited.
    3. Students must report to the driver at once any damage to the bus. Destruction or defacing any part of the bus is prohibited. Parents will be held liable for any damage caused by their student(s).
    4. Students must identify themselves upon request from the bus driver.
    5. The emergency exits must be used for emergencies only. Students are not to touch any safety equipment on the bus unless directed by the driver to do so.

    Bus discipline is progressive and cumulative and will normally start at “Step 1” listed below. Any infraction can be processed immediately at “Step 3” when approved by an Administrator. Immediate suspension will occur for any infraction involving fighting or possession of illegal drugs/alcohol/weapons/contraband. The School District reserves the right to implement alternative discipline options based on individual circumstances. Every attempt will be made to verbally notify parents/guardians prior to suspension of riding privileges. A written notice will be given to the student to take home for each step taken.

      1. Step 1- Verbal warning
      2. Step 2- Parent Contact
      3. Step 3- Student is suspended from all bus riding privileges, including any alternate destination busing (i.e. daycare or second home). The severity of the behavior and the current level the student is on will determine the length of the suspension.