New Busing Policy posted 4/30/2010
Student Safety – Parental Permission Restrictions
Students will be allowed to ride their designated bus only. Parental permission slips to the bus driver will no longer be allowed. Parents of both the visiting child and the host child will send dated notes to the principal or designee that the child can visit, have the distance from the bus stop to the home and the bus stop identified in the note.
Students riding home on buses with friends will be able to do so only with a principal permission slip.
Rationale:
Victory Charter School utilizes group bus stops. Because of this, there may be longer distances to walk. A parent can send a note giving a child permission to ride home with a friend without knowing the distance from the bus stop to the house. Many families have two working parents which may mean that they don’t know that anyone is coming home with their child. This is a liability for Victory Charter School.
Bus Rules and Consequences
Riding the School Bus – SAFELY
The following is a complete list of bus safety rules. Please read and share with your child in a way that is understandable to the child.
1. BEFORE YOU GET ON THE BUS:
a. Be on time at your bus stop. The bus is not permitted to wait.
b. Stand on the sidewalk at the bus stop. If there is no sidewalk, stand on or near the curb. Stay off the street!
c. On dark or cloudy days, wear bright clothing.
2. GETTING ON THE BUS:
a. Stay in line and get on the bus as quickly as you can.
b. Help other students; do not crowd or push anyone.
c. Use the hand rail when going up the bus steps.
d. Find a seat and stay in your seat. If needed, share your seat with another student.
3. WHILE RIDING ON THE BUS:
a. BE QUIET! Talking loudly is never permitted.
b. DO WHAT THE BUS DRIVER TELLS YOU. The bus driver has complete authority while you are riding the bus.
c. STAY IN YOUR SEAT. When on the bus, students must stay seated for safety reasons. Turning around or standing is never permitted. Windows may be opened, BUT YOU MUST NEVER LEAN OUT THE WINDOW OR PUT ARMS OUT THE WINDOW.
d. KEEP THE BUS CLEAN. By keeping feet off the seat-back and putting all garbage in cans you will help make the bus safe. THE STUDENT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY VANDALISM THAT IS INCURED.
e. KEEP YOUR BOOKS AND OTHER PERSONAL BELONGINGS ON YOUR LAP. Throwing of any material in or out of the bus is never permitted and will result in IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION FROM THE BUS.
f. KNOW THE USE OF THE EMERGENCY EXIT. Keep aisles clean and clear at all times in case of an emergency. The back emergency door is to be used ONLY IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
4. GETTING OFF THE BUS:
a. REMAIN SEATED until the bus has COMPLETELY STOPPED.
b. CROSS THE ROAD IN FRONT OF THE BUS, following the instructions of the driver. Do not walk out into the road between parked cars.
c. WALK FACING TRAFFIC. When leaving the bus stop, always walk on the curb facing oncoming cars. Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. Do not cross the street unless necessary.
SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS!
We often tell children they need to take care of three general parts of their body while riding the school bus.
1. Mouth – Do not talk at a noise level that is distracting to the bus driver or use bad language on the bus.
2. Hands and Feet – Keep hands and feet to yourself. Does not push, hit, kick or throw things. Hands and/or feet must never be put out the window.
3. Bottom – Stay in your seat. Turning around or kneeling in your seat, or standing is not allowed.
If your child can assume responsibility the three areas listed above and can show respect for self, other students, and the bus driver, citation will not be necessary. In the event your child violates a bus rule, the following consequences will be imposed.
· 1st offense: Warning; telephone call to parents and a copy of the driver’s report.
· 2nd offense: Suspension of bus riding privileges for ten (10) school days. Parents will receive a telephone call from the school and a copy of the bus citation.
· 3rd offense: Suspension of bus riding privileges for the remainder of the calendar school year.
RIDING THE BUS IS A PRIVILEGE! FOLLOW THE RULES! THE BUS DRIVER’S REPORT CAN CAUSE SUSPENSION OF ANY STUDENT FROM RIDING THE BUS!
Severe Clause: Victory Charter School and/or Brown Bus Co., reserves the right to suspend bus riding privileges at any time in the case of severe misbehavior.
© 2006 Victory Charter School