Curtis Baptist School Bus Rules and Conduct
Curtis Baptist School Bus Rules and Conduct
Directions for Parents and Students
In an effort to promote a positive climate on our school buses we, at Curtis Baptist School, participate in a program called Ride with Pride. Our goal is to provide students with a safe ride to and from school activities. Please read and review the form with your child and sign.
General Information
Bus drivers, students, parents, teachers, and school administrators share the responsibility for bus safety, following the bus rules, and behaving in a responsible manner. Because of state and federal laws concerning the Commercial Drivers License, the bus driver is the government authority on any mode of transportation on which they are operating with passengers involved.
Riding the school bus is a privilege. If you behave appropriately, you will be allowed to ride the bus.
Students who do not adhere to the rules will receive a student conduct report and appropriate consequences will be administered.
Conduct on the Bus
1. Follow the instructions of the bus driver. The driver is in absolute control at all times.
2. Do not stand or move around while the bus is moving.
3. Talk quietly so that the bus driver may hear all traffic sounds, to including any emergency vehicles.
4. *Be silent at railroad crossings.
5. Do not distract the driver.
6. Keep hands and head inside the bus.
7. Do not stick anything out of the window.
8. Keep the aisles and exits clear.
I agree to show RESPECT.
1. I will obey my bus driver and follow the rules.
2. I will keep the bus free from litter.
3. I will speak in subdued tones at all times.
4. I will make no loud, sudden noises at any time.
5. I will keep my hands and feet to myself.
6. I will respect other passengers and use kind words at all times.
Leaving the Bus
1. Do not leave your seat until the bus comes to a full stop.
2. Take your turn; don’t crowd in front of others.
3. Use the handrail.
4. The open door is the signal to get up from the bus seat if you are at your stop and also is a signal to use whisper voices until the unloading (or loading) process is completed.
Georgia Law:
Each student code of conduct shall include comprehensive and specific provisions
prescribing and governing student conduct and safety rules on all public school buses. The specific provisions shall include but not be limited to:
(A) Students shall be prohibited from acts of physical violence as defined by Code Section 20-2-751.6, bullying as defined by subsection (a) of Code Section 20-2-751.4, physical assault or battery of other persons on the school bus, verbal assault of other persons on the school bus, disrespectful conduct toward the school bus driver or other persons on the school bus, and other unruly behavior;
(B) Students shall be prohibited from using any electronic devices during the operation of a school bus, including but not limited to cell phones; pagers; audible radios, tape or compact disc players without headphones; or any other electronic device in a manner that might interfere with the school bus communications equipment or the school bus driver's operation of the school bus; and
(C) Students shall be prohibited from using mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective devices in a manner that might interfere with the school bus driver's operation of the school bus.
South Carolina Law:
SECTION 59-63-110. Citation of article.
This article may be cited as the “Safe School Climate Act”.
SECTION 59-63-120. Definitions.
As used in this article:
(1) “Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means a gesture, an electronic
communication, or a written, verbal, physical, or sexual act that is reasonably perceived to have the effect of:
(a) harming a student physically or emotionally or damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of personal harm or property damage; or
(b) insulting or demeaning a student or group of students causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school.
(2) “School” means in a classroom, on school premises, on a school bus, or other
school-related vehicle, at an official school bus stop, at a school-sponsored activity or event whether or not it is held on school premises, or at another program or function where the school is responsible for the child.
Students possessing an article or items that distract or disturb the bus driver, such as (but are not limited to) water guns, balloons, radios, tape players, mechanical toys or games, CD, MP3 or other musical devices, cell phones, etc., or cause bodily harm, such as (but not limited to) rubber bands, spitballs, “hornets,” the bus driver is authorized to confiscate the item and turn it into the Transportation Supervisor.
Students must be quiet when the bus stops at any railroad crossings in order to allow the bus driver to complete their required safety-sensitive requirements. Pens, pencils, and other sharp objects must be stored inside book bags or carrying cases to prevent injuries.
Students may not transport any item on a school bus that cannot be safely secured in the student’s lap. This includes band instruments, lunch boxes, science projects, sports equipment, and fundraising items. All items brought on the bus must be secured in the student’s lap for the duration of the trip. No item may be placed in the aisles, under the seat, in another seat, or on the engine compartment cover. A book bag with handles that extend must have the handle fully retracted. Students may not sit on any item nor place any item behind them in the seat.
Students interfering with the operation of the bus by pulling the emergency exits, windows, or roof hatches, or who open doors or attempt to open doors are subject to the Student Behavior Code and S.C. State law.
Signatures indicate that you have discussed, understand, and agree to the above statements. Thank you!