• Ridership Rules:

    Following the rules listed below will ensure students are able to ride to school in a healthy safe environment.
     
    Rules and Regulations for Bus Riders
    1. Do not run after, or chase a bus that is moving.
    2. Arrive at pick up point 5 minutes before pick up time, ready to board bus.
    3. Do not push or shove when boarding, or when unloading from the bus.
    4. Follow direction from the driver. Driver has the right to assign seats as deemed necessary.
    5. Go straight to assigned seat, and remain there. Do not stand or move about the bus while it is in motion.
    6. Talk in a normal tone of voice. Yelling, loud, or profane language is not permitted.
    7. Do not distract the driver while he is driving unless it is an emergency.
    8. Do not open or close windows without driver permission.
    9. Do not hang out the window. Keep your head and arms in the bus.
    10. Do not put anything outside the bus window.
    11. Keep arms, feet, books, etc., out of the aisle.
    12. Carry-on bags should not infringe on the space of others. Book bags with wheels should be carried.
    13. All toys, games, balls etc., should be inside a contained bag, and are not for use on bus.
    14. Any use of a tobacco product, electronic cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol is not permitted.
    15. Eating, drinking or chewing gum is not permitted.
    16. Firearms, weapons, scents, matches, or lighters are not permitted.
    17. Do not tamper with equipment on the bus.
    18. Do not litter, trash, deface, or damage the bus in anyway.
    19. Physical, or verbal abuse of another student will not be tolerated.
    20. Rude, discourteous, or annoying behavior is not permitted.
    21. Any behavior that is deemed to be a danger in relation to safety, will-being, or respect for others will be disciplined.
    22. If bus is equipped with seat belts, students are required to wear them.

    In case of emergency and when the driver must leave the bus:

    1. Stay seated
    2. Do not touch emergency equipment
    3. Depend on the driver’s training to take care of the situation.

    NOTE: In accordance with Indiana Law, it is a privilege to ride a school bus. Violation of the above rules and regulations may result in suspension of transportation privileges.

     
     

    Transportation Discipline Procedures  (Printable Version)

     

    Bus Riding Policies

     

    1. Children may be required to walk a reasonable distance to a bus stop. Please note, parents/guardians are responsible for the safety of your child while going to or from the bus stop and while waiting for the school bus. Stops will be chosen with concern for safety and numbers.
    2. Bus drivers will pick up/drop off only at scheduled assigned stops.
    3. Students will ride only on assigned buses unless prior authorization has been granted.

     

    Bus Expectations: Boarding, Riding and Unloading

     

    Boarding

    • Arrive to bus stop 5 minutes before bus arrival.
    • For your child’s safety, refrain from chasing a moving bus.        
    • Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop.
    • Hands to self when boarding the bus.
    • Backpack on back or carry on.
    • Enter one student at a time.
    • If seats are assigned, go to assigned seat.
    • Fasten seat belt if one is provided and remain in seat when bus is in motion.

                   

    Riding

    • Back to back, Seat to seat,
    • Feet to floor, and out of the aisle.
    • Backpack in your lap or in front of you in your space.
    • Hands to self and away from equipment on the bus.

     

    When riding the bus please remember:

    • Use a reasonable conversation voice.
    • Hands to self.
    • Toys, pencils/pens or other items, should stay in your backpack.
    • Treat each other with respect.

     

    Unloading

    • Be prepared for your stop: backpack/items ready to go.
    • Wait until bus stops completely and door opens.
    • Exit single file.
    • Walk away from bus.
    • Wait for the bus driver’s point in motion  to cross in front of the bus staying 10 feet away from the bus in the “danger zone”.

      For everyone’s safety when riding the bus, please remember:

    • Tell the bus driver of any danger or emergency.
    • Ask to open or close a window.
    • Language should be clean and free of profanity.
    • Head, arms, or any object must stay inside the bus.
    • Place any trash in bus trash can before unloading.
    • Avoid bringing food, drinks and/or gum on the bus. Eating, drinking, or chewing gum is not permitted for the safety of all students.
    • Be kind and courteous to other riders and the bus driver.
    • Refrain from using scents such as perfumes, hand sanitizers due to existing health conditions (allergies, asthma) of students and transportation staff.

    The following cargo is forbidden to be transported on a school bus: pets, alcoholic beverages, drugs, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, flammable items, ammunition, explosives, firearms, knives, or any other dangerous materials or objects.

                  

    The bus driver is trained to take care of emergency situations. Students need to: stay seated and remain calm.

     

    Misbehavior on the bus

     

    Per BCSC Transportation policy 8600 - B: school bus transportation is a privilege and not a right. The bus driver is the sole authority on the bus while students are being transported. In the event a disciplinary action needs to be taken due to misbehavior on the bus, please note the following. 

    The severity of the offense may overrule the following disciplinary action.

    1. Written Warning:

    The student’s parent/guardian will be provided a yellow copy of the School Bus Incident Report.

    Once the yellow copy of the School Bus Incident Report is signed by parent/guardian and returned to the bus driver, the student may board the bus and ride.

     

    1. First Offense:

    The bus driver/Transportation Department may reassign seating, speak to the student regarding their behavior and, if necessary will converse with the building administrator regarding possible suspension of riding privileges for one day.

                    In the event of a bus suspension:

    • Suspension will take place the following day.
    • Parent/guardian will be provided a yellow copy of the School Bus Incident Report.
    • Once the yellow copy of the School Bus Incident Report is signed by parent/guardian and returned to the bus driver, the student may board the bus and ride.

     

    1. Second Offense:

    The bus driver/Transportation Department will converse with the building administrator regarding possible suspension of riding privileges for up to ten days.

    In the event of a bus suspension:

    • Suspension will take place the following day.
    • Parent/guardian will be provided a yellow copy of the School Bus Incident Report.
    • After the completion of the suspension and the yellow copy of the School Bus Incident Report is signed by parent/guardian and returned to the bus driver, the student may board the bus and ride.
      • A bus contract notifying the student, parent/guardian and school officials that another bus discipline report may result in loss of bus privileges for the remainder of the school year may be completed.

     

    1. Third Offense:

    Upon notification to the principal by Transportation of the student’s third offense, the principal may take action to suspend the student from riding any BCSC school bus for the remainder of the school year.

    • Parent/guardian will be provided a white copy of the School Bus Incident Report noting violation of the contract.

     

    Parents/guardians should note that any damage by your child to the school bus, personal or public property is your responsibility per BCSC Transportation policy 8600 B 2.c.

     

    For more information on BCSC Transportation policy 8600, please refer to http://www.neola.com/bartholomew-in/
Last Modified on July 25, 2019