When riding in a school bus, Amery students are responsible for their behavior because their behavior could affect the safe operation of the bus. Misbehavior could result in the bus driver becoming distracted, which could endanger the lives of all students being transported.
It is important that parents explain the importance of appropriate behavior when on the school bus. They are also expected to help their child improve his/her behavior if needed.
The primary responsibility of the bus driver is to safely transport the students to and from school. While transporting students, the driver also has the responsibility of maintaining discipline on the bus. Therefore, the driver will report any behavior infractions to the proper authority and disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the established guidelines.
Behavior Guidelines and Consequences
The following behaviors will not be permitted on the bus. The behaviors are grouped according to the seriousness of the offense. More serious offenses will result in moving into the Major Infractions category - first offense, second offense or third offense. Behavior consequences escalate if the student continues to violate the guidelines.
Bus Rules
- Follow directions the first time they are given.
- Sit in the assigned seat, facing forward with feet on the floor.
- Swearing or loud, obnoxious behavior will not be tolerated.
- No eating or drinking on the bus. Students are only allowed to eat/drink on the bus when on select out-of-town events and are expected to clean up any messes that may occur.
- Students should not litter, write on or damage the bus or anyone else's property in any way.
- Loud music is not allowed on the bus at any time.
- Students are not allowed to get off the bus at any place other than their home without written permission from their parent/guardian, along with the Principal's signature.
Minor Infractions
Failing to follow rules 1-7 listed above will result in the following consequences:
Minor - First Offense: Driver has a conference with the student, identifies the infraction, completes the bus conduct report with copies to the parent/guardian and the building Principal, and calls the parent/guardian.
Minor - Second Offense: Driver has a conference with the student, identifies the infraction, completes the bus conduct report with copies to the parent/guardian and the building Principal, and calls the parent/guardian.
Minor - Third Offense: Driver has a conference with the student, identifies the infraction, completes the bus conduct report with copies to the parent/guardian and the building Principal. The building Principal will contact the parent/guardian, reviews the student's behavior records and suspends riding privileges for one to five days. All succeeding offenses in the minor category will be treated as Major Infractions-first offense, second offense and then third offense.
Major Infractions
- Hanging out of windows
- Throwing or shooting objects
- Physical aggression of any kind against any person
- Possession or use of tobacco, alcohol or any controlled substance
- Vandalism to the bus. Student will be expected to make restitution.
- Lighting matches, firecrackers or any other flammable object or substance
- Holding on to, or attempting to hold on to, any portion of the exterior of the bus
- Extreme disrespect toward the bus driver
- Other behaviors as determined by the Transportation Supervisor
Minimum Consequences for Major Infractions
Major - First Offense: Driver has a conference with the student, identifies the infraction, completes the bus conduct report with copies to the parent/guardian and the building Principal. The building Principal will contact the parent/guardian, reviews the student's behavior records and suspends riding privileges for days. The parent/guardian and the student must attend a conference with the building Principal and the driver before riding privileges are reinstated.
Major - Second Offense: The same procedure will be followed as for the first offense. However, riding privileges will be suspended for ten days.
Major - Third Offense: The same procedure will be followed as for the first offense. However, riding privileges will be suspended for fifteen days. Any further offenses will result in immediate suspension of riding privileges and the case will be present to the Amery Board of Education with a request for action on their part.
These are minimum consequences. Depending on the severity of the offense, the consequences could be more severe. All of these guidelines and consequences are in accordance with state and federal law.
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