Lake County Lake County Schools Bus Schools Bus

Conduct RulesConduct Rules

2007-20082007-2008

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.

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.

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

Bus Assignment RulesBus Assignment Rules

Bus Assignment RulesBus Assignment Rules

• Such approval may be granted only when Such approval may be granted only when the student’s welfare is involved due to an the student’s welfare is involved due to an emergency condition in the home. emergency condition in the home.

• When an emergency condition exceeds 5 When an emergency condition exceeds 5 days, the Superintendent’s designee’s days, the Superintendent’s designee’s approval shall be required. Approval shall approval shall be required. Approval shall not be allowed for: not be allowed for: a) student visitation, unless duly a) student visitation, unless duly

authorized; authorized; b) a student to obtain transportation to b) a student to obtain transportation to his/her regular place of his/her regular place of employment.employment.

Students being transportedon a school bus must:

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.

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.

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.

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 #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.

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 #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.

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.Correct

Conduct!

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.

Rule #13 - Bring no animals, glass containers, or skateboards on the

bus and no eating, drinking, or smoking on the bus.

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 #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]

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Lake County School Board has a “Zero Tolerance Policy”

for violations on school busses.

1st Referral 1st Referral Warning or at principal’s discretion, a 1-10 Days Warning or at principal’s discretion, a 1-10 Days Bus Suspension Bus Suspension

2nd Referral 2nd Referral 3-10 Days - Bus Suspension 3-10 Days - Bus Suspension

3rd Referral 3rd Referral 5-10 Days - Bus Suspension 5-10 Days - Bus Suspension

4th Referral 4th Referral Bus Expulsion (90 day minimum) or at principal’s Bus Expulsion (90 day minimum) or at principal’s discretion, a 10 Day Bus Suspension with a discretion, a 10 Day Bus Suspension with a parent/guardian/principal conference and a parent/guardian/principal conference and a written, signed, behavior agreement, may defer written, signed, behavior agreement, may defer expulsion. expulsion.

Any Level IV Offense occurring on the bus shall result in a recommendation for expulsion. Due Process for Bus Suspensions included in Section IV and Section V. Procedures for students with disabilities are described in the subsection ESE: SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS.

Have a safe and productive school

year!

This presentation was brought to you by the Lake County Safe Schools Department.