LAKE CHELAN SCHOOL DISTRICT

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR SCHOOL BUS RIDERS

Dear Students and Parents,

It is the intention of Lake Chelan School District to provide safe and enjoyable transportation for all passengers. A student’s misbehavior on the school bus will be dealt with following age/grade appropriate school bus discipline procedures. The school bus should be viewed as an extension of the classroom. All policies and procedures that apply on school grounds should be assumed the same on the bus.

The Lake Chelan School District has adopted the following rules and regulations for passengers on school buses. These rules are based on state laws, guidelines, and school district policies. Passengers being transported by Lake Chelan School District are under the authority of the school district, its administrators, and the bus driver. Parents are encouraged to discuss the rules and guidelines listed below with their children.

1. WAC 392-145-015(4) When a teacher, coach, or other certified staff member is assigned to accompany students on a bus, such person shall be responsible for the behavior of the students in his or her charge. However, the bus driver shall have the final authority and responsibility.

2. Students are expected to be waiting at the bus stop when the bus arrives. It is suggested that students be at their bus stops 5 minutes prior to the scheduled stop. Buses will not wait for students on a regular basis.

3. Students who walk to or from a bus stop are expected to walk on the left side, facing traffic, unless a safer route is available.

4. When necessary to cross the road, students shall only cross in front of the bus, cross the road only when hand signaled by the driver, walk straight across the road when crossing, and remain in full view of the driver at all times.

5. Students should never run to catch a bus, stand or play in the roadway at a bus stop, or run or play in the area around a school bus.

6. Prior to the commencement of and during any trip the driver will ensure, along with the passengers, that the following areas will contain no articles that could impede normal movement:

a. The service door entrance step well

b. The entire main isle from front to rear

c. Aisles or passageways to any emergency doors

d. The entire shelf area between the rearmost passenger seats and the rear emergency window

7. Passengers will not intentionally damage a school bus in any manner.

8. Passengers are expected to help keep the interior clean by disposing of all waste paper and material in the trashcan.

9. The driver’s compartment of the bus is off limits to all bus passengers.

10. Students are expected to ask permission prior to opening the bus windows. Passengers are not to extend any part of their body, or throw any objects out of the windows.

11. The dress code on a school bus is the same as at school.

12. Students will not throw any object while on the bus.

13. Students will keep their hands and feet to themselves and sit properly in their seats: facing forward, upright, and feet on the floor.

14. Students will not fight, threaten, or intimidate other students on the bus.

15. Students will be allowed to exit the bus only at their designated bus stop unless a ‘Bus Pass’ has been obtained from the school office specifying differently. This applies to all grade levels. (Student’s must present a note from their parents/guardians to the office staff to acquire a bus pass).

16. Students will not eat or drink on the school bus. Exceptions may be made on special/extra curricular trips. Gum chewing is not allowed at any time. Glass food or beverage containers are not allowed on the bus at any time.

17. Smoking, Chewing tobacco, use of any tobacco products are prohibited on the school bus (and any school property) at all times.

18. Students are to remain seated at all times while the bus is moving. Students are asked to not stand up to exit the bus at their bus stop until the bus has come to a complete stop.

19. Students are to be courteous to the driver, other students and passengers on the bus.

20. Students may have conversations with other students in their immediate vicinity, classroom conduct and noise levels will be expected. Students are not to be loud, yell or scream. Language commonly recognized as vulgar, obscene, or profane will not be allowed.

21. For behavior management purposes, any student or group of students may be assigned a seat(s) by the driver. Students may also be prohibited from sitting together, or sitting in specific areas of the bus. To help facilitate student comfort and behavior management students Preschool thru 5^th grade are required to sit towards the front of the bus.

22. Students must not bring on the bus, or have in their possession, items which may cause injury to themselves or others by causing distraction to drivers, or are prohibited by state law or school policy. Items specifically prohibited on the bus include but are not limited to: weapons of any kind, sharp or pointed objects, glass containers, skateboards, large radio/tape or CD players (only small radios/walkmans with earphones will be allowed), fireworks, matches or lighters, aerosol containers, and animals (with exception of seeing eye/hearing dogs). Any item the driver deems a distraction the driver may, at least temporarily, confiscate the distraction.

23. Musical instruments, gym bags, backpacks, and other necessary school items which are too large to be held by the student, but will otherwise occupy a seating position may, depending on the item, be transported on the bus, space allowing. If all seating capacity is needed, then transportation of these items becomes the responsibility of the parent. Any item that does not pertain to school and/or cannot be transported safely may be refused.

24. Students are not allowed to open emergency exit doors or windows unless directed to do so by the driver or in the event of an emergency requiring their use.