Behavior Rules For Riding The School Bus

1.    Keep hands, feet, and other objects to self

2.    Use appropriate language and gestures or talk in a normal one of voice

3.    Remain seated on the bus

4.    Obey reasonable requests by the bus driver and other staff members

Discipline Procedures

    All students misbehavior serious enough to result in losing bus privileges will be documented and communicated to parents on a Transportation Discipline Referral Report.  The bus driver will be responsible for informing the student of the specific misbehavior and recommended consequences, and for personally delivering this report to the student’s principal or his designee.  The bus driver will recommend disciplinary action based on the established discipline plan.

    Once the principal has decided the most appropriate consequences, a personal communication will be initiated with the student’s parent.  The principal will send a copy of this report to the student’s parent, bus driver, transportation maintenance supervisor, and superintendent.  Unless communicated otherwise, disciplinary consequences will begin the following day.  A 24-hour delay will be provided when the principal has not been able to make a personal contact with the parent.

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior

    A progressive discipline plan will be consistently used when students choose not to follow these established behavior rules.  A written warning is not required in cases of severe misbehavior which included, but is not limited to, fighting, using profanity, or abusive or defiant behavior.

First Consequence-         A written warning

Second Consequence-    Loss of privilege to ride the bus for five days

Third Consequence-        Loss of privilege to ride the bus for one month

Fourth Consequence-      Loss of privilege to ride the bus for at least one month and for up to                                              

                                         the remainder of the school year

Transportation Guidelines for Students and Parents

    Transportation is provided for all K-12 rural students residing  within Abilene USD 435 who have completed a Student Transportation Card.  In-town shuttle bus transportation is also provided for all elementary students and also for those middle school and high school students residing -1) North of Union Pacific tracks -2) South of NW 21st -3) East of Van Buren.  To pick up shuttle go to the closest attendance center (schools) for transportation.

    Safe bus riding practices should be reviewed before and throughout the school year.  It is important that the following guidelines be understood by students and parents:

    ~  Parents should advise the rural route bus drivers before the morning and evening routes if the student will not be riding.

    ~  Parents should advise the bus driver or the Transportation Maintenance Center (263-4575) of existing road hazards that may not be known, and report any practice or condition that is considered unsafe.

    ~  Parents should be aware that buses may be sent home early during threatening weather such as a blizzard.  Bus drivers will attempt to advise parents when buses will not make the morning run due to inclement weather.  Area radio stations will also communicate this information.

    ~  Established bus schedules will be adhered to as closely as possible.  Students should return home when a bus is more than fifteen (15) minutes late, especially in inclement weather.  Parents can expect students to arrive home at a regular time.  Parents should inquire as to why students are unduly late and report any bus delays, breakdowns, or accidents to the Transportation Maintenance Center (263-4575).

    ~  Students must be provided a seat; however, the driver may assign specific seats as needed.  Once on the bus, students are expected to follow the driver’s directions and established bus rules.  Horseplay and distracting behavior cannot be permitted.

    ~  Students need to get on and off buses quickly without pushing or shoving.  When necessary to cross a street or road, students should look carefully to make sure no vehicles are coming either direction before crossing.  Running across or playing on the road is not permitted.  Students should cross streets only at intersections or at marked crosswalks.  Students who must walk on a road or where there are no sidewalks should walk single file, staying on the left-hand side of the road facing traffic.

STUDENTS ARE ADVISED TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO FOR NOTIFICATION OF A CHANGE IN SCHOOL PLANS WHEN THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER.