Parent/Guardian Student Responsibilities

Passenger Conduct and Discipline

Riding a school bus is a privilege, not a right. It is a privilege which each rider can keep by maintaining appropriate behavior while waiting at the bus stop, loading, unloading and riding a school bus. Proper conduct by the students contributes greatly to the safety of the student transportation program. Students must adhere to the attached PUPIL RULES FOR RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS. Consequences for misbehavior are outlined in the BUS DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE below. The following provides information about our expectations for LPOSD students while riding the school bus.

Expectations for Student Conduct

The bus driver is in full charge of all persons riding on the bus and has the same status and authority as a teacher insofar as discipline is concerned.
- Students shall obey the directions of the bus driver promptly and courteously the first time they are given.
After boarding the bus students shall go directly to an available or assigned seat, and remain seated.
- Stay in your seat with your feet on the floor, facing front. In this position, riders are afforded the protection of the “compartment” in which they are sitting. Without seat belts, the “compartment’ is a rider’s primary protection in a sudden stop.
Keep hands, feet, books and objects to yourself and out of the aisle.
- Students must keep all parts of their body (hands, arms, feet, head, etc.) inside the bus at all times.
- Students shall refrain from passing or throwing objects while on the bus.
Do not litter, write on, or damage the bus.
Students shall talk quietly and avoid loud or distracting noises on the bus.
- Absolute silence is required when the driver stops the bus at a railroad crossing.
Do not use rude or obscene gestures or language. (Idaho Code 18-6409).
Students shall not tamper with emergency doors or equipment.
Do not chew gum, eat or drink on the bus.
Any items carried on the bus must be small enough to be held on the lap of the student.
- Skateboards, skis, poles, sleds or other large recreational equipment are not permitted on any school bus.
- Hazardous materials, breakable containers, nuisance items, cigarette lighters, matches, or animals (other than assistive animal) are not permitted on any school bus.
Do not use flash cameras and laser lights on buses. They distract the driver.
Please do not use aromatic items such as colognes and perfumes.
Cell phone use is prohibited except with driver’s permission.
Students shall board and/or leave the bus at their established stop, except when they have a request signed by their parent/ guardian or school district representative to load or unload at another established stop.
- A Sandpoint Middle School bus pass is required for SMS students to ride a High School bus.
Students shall arrive at their designated bus stop not less than five (5) minutes, or more than ten (10) minutes, before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Students shall wait in an orderly manner and shall respect private and public property while waiting at the bus stop.
If it is necessary for students to cross the road before boarding or after leaving the bus, the student must wait fifteen (15) feet in front of the bus for the pre-arranged signal from the driver, and then cross carefully.
State law prohibits use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs or any other controlled substance on school property, including school buses.

Pupil Rules For Riding The School Bus

Pupils shall arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled pick up time.
Pupils shall wait in a safe place, clear of traffic and away from where the bus stops.
Pupils shall wait in an orderly line, display good citizenship and avoid horseplay.
If necessary for the student to cross the road: Wait for a signal from the driver before crossing, Cross 15 feet in front of the bus.
Pupils shall go directly to the assigned (or available if not assigned) seat.
Pupils shall remain seated, both feet on the floor, facing forward, keeping the aisle clear.
Pupils shall promptly and respectfully obey the driver at all times.
Pupils are permitted to carry only those items that can be held in their lap.
Pupils shall refrain from passing or throwing objects while on the bus.
State Law prohibits profanity.
State Law prohibits use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs or any other controlled substance on the bus.
No eating or drinking on the bus (includes chewing gum).
No hazardous materials, nuisance items or animals are allowed on the bus.
No SKATEBOARDS, skis or poles, sleds or other large recreational equipment on bus.
No laser lights are allowed on the bus.
SMS pass is required for SMS students to ride the high school run.
A signed note from parent is required to ride any bus other than assigned.
Pupils shall ride their assigned bus unless prior approval is obtained from dispatch.
Pupils shall not extend head or arms from windows, or throw objects out the window.
Pupils must walk 15 feet away from the bus after unloading.
Pupils must wait until bus departs before going to mail box.
Pupils are not allowed to “hitch” rides on the rear bumper.
The four rear windows (2 on each side) shall remain closed at all times.
Fighting or intimidation of others is strictly prohibited.
Pupils shall not approach a moving bus.
Students should not to use aromatic items such as colognes and perfumes while on the bus.
Cell phone usage is prohibited except with driver’s permission.
NO flash cameras.

In addition to the above rules, the following are posted in every bus:

Follow directions the first time they are given.
Keep hands, feet, books and objects to yourself.
Stay in your seat with your feet on the floor, facing front.
Do not use rude or obscene gestures or language.
No loud noises. (Idaho Code 18-6409)
Do not litter, write on, or damage the bus in any way.
Do not chew gum, eat or drink on the bus.

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