Lake County Schools Bus Conduct Rules

1. Lake County Schools Bus Conduct Rules 2007-2008

2. Lake County Schools is looking forward to a great school year. To help achieve that goal, it is important to review the bus procedures, rules, and consequences. It is every student’s responsibility to conduct his or her self in a safe and orderly manner. Riding the bus is a privilege and adhering to these rules will make the ride safe for yourself and others.

3. The bus is an extension of the school campus. Therefore, students will adhere to all conduct rules, including those addressing medication, while riding a Lake County school bus.

4. Bus Assignment Rules • Only a student who is regularly enrolled as a transported student and whose name appears on the bus driver’s enrollment card for that bus, shall be permitted to ride such a bus while it is being operated on a regular school bus route except upon the written request of the parent(s) or legal guardian of a student and with the written approval of the principal/designee.

5. Bus Assignment Rules • Such approval may be granted only when the student’s welfare is involved due to an emergency condition in the home. • When an emergency condition exceeds 5 days, the Superintendent’s designee’s approval shall be required. Approval shall not be allowed for: a) student visitation, unless duly authorized; b) a student to obtain transportation to his/her regular place of employment.

6. Students being transported on a school bus must:

7. Rule #1 - Get on/off regularly appointed bus stop unless written parent/guardian permission is provided to the school administrator early in the day to allow time for verification. Rule #2 - Occupy the seat assigned by the driver and refrain from moving around while the bus is in motion. Seat belts must be worn at all times if the bus is designed with seat belts.

8. Rule #3 - Observe at all times classroom conduct (except for ordinary conversation). Absolute silence on the bus shall prevail while the bus is stopped for railroad crossings or for discharging students. Rule #4 - Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before attempting to get on or off the bus. Students shall form a line in order to ensure safety in getting on or off the bus.

9. Rule # 5 -Be at the bus stop at least five minutes before bus arrival but not more than fifteen minutes before arrival. Observe proper rules of conduct while waiting for the bus. Students shall stay at least five feet off the road and off private property. Rule #6 - Enter or leave the bus only at the front door after the bus has come to a complete stop except in cases of emergency or on instructions from the driver.

10. Rule #7 - If necessary, cross the highway in a proper manner and as instructed after leaving the bus. When leaving the bus, stand at the side of the bus in sight and hearing of the driver and look to the right and to the left before proceeding to cross the highway. Cross the highway at least ten feet in front of the bus. Rule #8 - Obey the driver and report promptly to the principal when instructed to do so by the driver. Any Level III physical altercation that results in bus driver intervention may result in an out of school suspension.

11. Rule #9 - Keep head, elbows, and hands inside the bus windows and no objects may be thrown inside or outside the bus at any time. Rule #10 – Do not use profane or objectionable language, or engage in any other objectionable conduct. There shall be no pushing, fighting or any other type of misconduct at any time. Correct Conduct!

12. Rule #11 - Bring no sharp/dangerous instruments or any type of weapons on the bus. Rule #12 - Talk to the driver, when the bus is in motion, only if it is absolutely necessary and be absolutely quiet when the driver turns the dome lights on, blows whistle, or raises hand. One of these signals will be used at railroad crossings.

13. Rule #14 - Bring no band or JROTC instruments that interfere with the seating and safety of others. Only instruments that can be held on students’ laps will be permitted. Rule #13 - Bring no animals, glass containers, or skateboards on the bus and no eating, drinking, or smoking on the bus.

14. Rule #16 - Use the handrail when entering and leaving the bus. Be careful that loose straps or drawstrings on articles of clothing or backpacks do not get caught on the handrail. Rule #15 - Wear no bathing suits on the bus or hang them outside the windows. Wet bathing suits shall be placed in waterproof bags before being brought on the bus. Rule #17 - Follow emergency evacuation procedures. [SBP: 8.34]

15. Note: Lake County busses are equipped with video/audio cameras for security purposes. Students are being taped during their ride. These tapes may be used to determine violations of the Code of Student Conduct. Only authorized school personnel can view a bus video/audio recording, when the need arises, due to the protection of other students’ privacy. When a student is suspended or expelled from the bus, they are not permitted to use any Lake County school bus for extracurricular activities or field trips during the suspension or expulsion timeframe. At the principal’s discretion, a student with a Level I or II infraction may be allowed to ride the bus for extracurricular activities only or field trips that are academic in nature. Parents are responsible for their children at the bus stop. However, school officials may address misconduct by students at a bus stop. Bus drivers may issue bus referrals based on behavior they observe at bus stops and administrators may investigate and discipline accordingly. §1006.07(h), §1006.09(1)(b), and §1006.10(3), Florida Statutes.

17. Have a safe and productive school year! This presentation was brought to you by the Lake County Safe Schools Department.