By Staff
NILES – Before boarding the school bus next week, Niles Community Schools and First Student have developed an outline of standards of student conduct they believe will assure each child a safe bus ride every day. The outline provides guidelines on acceptable and unacceptable behavior and possible disciplinary actions.
Each organization hopes parents will review this information with their children to help in understanding what is expected of them while riding a school bus. The Niles Community Schools, First Student and the drivers, monitors and staff at the Niles Bus Garage take the safety of children on the bus very seriously. A key part of that is to establish a safe and pleasant environment on the bus to and from school.
To keep the bus environment as safe as possible students may not bring the following items onto the bus:
Glass
Animals
Balloons
Flowers
School Project larger than can be carried on the child's lap
Basketballs
Any object that might be thrown (ie: baseballs or bats)
Any object which might jeopardize the safety of students or others
The use of cell phones and other electronic devices maybe prohibited if their use interferes with the safe operation of the bus. It is suggested they be kept stowed in backpacks, pockets or purses
Once on the bus the vehicle will not move until all students are seated. Students must remain seated any time the bus is moving and until the bus has come to a complete stop and the driver indicates that students may leave the bus. Due to traffic conditions the bus may arrive a few minutes before school is opened and ready to receive students.
For their safety students may be asked to remain on the bus until the prescribed school opening time. While on the bus students should speak quietly with each other so they do not interfere with the driver's ability to maintain complete awareness of surrounding traffic. Boisterous activities, bickering, fighting and horseplay may distract the driver and interfere with safe operation of the bus. Students must show respect to the drivers, monitors and other students at all times.
While waiting for the bus students should stay a safe distance from the roadway. When the bus arrives, stay back away from the wheels until the bus has stopped and the driver signals it is safe to board.
When exiting the bus, students are asked to walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus. Walk on the sidewalk or the side of the road, taking 10 giant steps in front of the bus. Look at the driver for a signal to cross. Stop at the edge of the bus and look to the left, right and left again. Look at the driver to give the signal again to cross and keep watching the traffic as you walk across the roadway. Always walk, do not run. Do not bend to pick up any items that go under the bus. Ask the bus driver for help to get item.
Although the bus driver makes every effort to pick up and drop off students at the published times each day it is not always possible due to unforeseen situations. Inclement weather, a child that may be ill or traffic conditions can impact the bus schedule.
Students are expected to behave in a respectful manner toward the driver and other students while waiting for and riding the bus. Drivers will try to prevent and resolve behavior problems as they arise by working directly with students. In cases of repeated misbehavior or serious misconduct the driver may issue a misconduct report to be taken to the parent/guardian. The misconduct report will contain a brief description of the inappropriate behavior. For questions or concerns about the misconduct report parents can feel free to contact the contract manager or operations manager at the Niles Bus Garage by calling 684-1420.
In cases of repeated or serious misconduct School administrators may be asked to assist with behavior issues and discipline.
The Niles Community Schools have adopted a district code of conduct, which applies to all students at school, involved in school activities and on the buses.
The following is taken from the district code of conduct:
Non-negotiable behavior:
The following behaviors are considered unacceptable by Niles Community Schools and will result in suspension and an administrative hearing. The administrative hearing panel will be composed of three district administrators. The student and his or her parents will be informed of the time, place, and purpose of the hearing. At the hearing, all parties will present information pertinent to the case. School officials and the student may invite other individuals to participate in the hearing. After the panel has heard all the parties, they will excuse the student and parents to determine the appropriate disciplinary action. If expulsion is recommended, the recommendation will be forwarded to the board of education. The panel will also recommend conditions for re-admittance to the Niles Community Schools. The behaviors listed below apply to actions on school property and school sponsored activities:
Any purposeful action toward another student that results in serious and observable injury requiring medical attention.
Parents can feel free to call the transportation office at 684-1420 with any questions, concerns or suggestions.