Animal Characters, Assigned Seating, Electronic Devices, Transporting Large Items, Dangerous Substances
Animal Characters: Students who attend the elementary schools have animal characters to help them identify their buses. The animal character signs are displayed on the right-side second window on each bus. This information will also be available on the eLink parent portal.
Assigned Seating: The school district reserves the right to assign student seating on school buses for safety, efficiency and disciplinary reasons. In addition, assigned seating is required on all elementary and middle school buses. Drivers should have assigned seats in place by early October after giving consideration to grade level, compatibility, behaviors, siblings, friends etc.
Electronic Devices: Many students use electronic devices as part of their daily lives. iPods, handheld games, portable radios etc., are fun to use and often can make the ride to and from school more enjoyable. Unfortunately, misuse of these items can be detrimental to the safety and well-being of other students and bus drivers. The transportation department will follow the guidelines below which are taken from the Code of Conduct.
- Cell phones and other electronic communication devices shall not be used to bully, discriminate, threaten, harass or denigrate other students or school personnel.
- Devices may not be used while boarding/discharging or crossing, and during emergency situations or school bus safety drills unless authorized by the driver.
- Video/audio recordings and pictures are not allowed to be taken by students riding District buses.
- Laser pointers and other objects that can obstruct or impair the vision of the driver are not allowed to be used on school buses at any time.
- Headphones must be used when listening to music, playing games or viewing content on devices. For student safety reasons headphones must be removed when entering/exiting the bus or crossing at bus stops.
- Any devices that is being used inappropriately may be confiscated by bus drivers and returned to the students when they depart the bus. If a student continues to use their device inappropriately, a discipline referral may be submitted, and the device may be confiscated and returned only to a parent/guardian.
- The school District will not be held responsible for the loss or theft of any personal electronic device
Failure to follow these and any bus rules may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
Transporting Large Items on Buses: For the safety of all students being transported on district school buses, please adhere to the following guidelines when determining if an item can be transported on a school bus:
- Hockey and lacrosse sticks are allowed to be transported on the bus, and must be placed behind the driver’s seat.
- Other athletic equipment, musical instruments, school projects or other objects larger than 36 inches (length) by 12 inches (width) by 8 inches (depth) will not be transported.
- Skis, ski poles, sleds, skateboards, bicycles and fishing poles cannot be transported.
- All items that are transported on a school bus must be placed on student laps or on the floor within the seat area.
- Objects cannot obstruct the aisle, emergency exit or an adjacent seat where another student may need to sit.
- Objects that can obstruct or impair the vision of the driver are prohibited.
Dangerous Substances: The Department of Transportation regulations prohibit aerosol cans, glass containers and flammable substances inside the passenger compartment of school buses. Therefore, students shall not carry these items on school buses at any time. Perfumes and colognes shall also not be discharged on school buses because they can cause an adverse allergic reaction with some individuals.