Transportation

Disciplinary Measures

The superintendent, principal, and assistant principal shall have the authority to suspend pupils from riding the school bus for gross disobedience or misconduct while on the school bus, or take any such lesser disciplinary action as deemed appropriate. Such suspension shall continue for a period of up to ten school days unless the board suspends the student for a longer period for safety reasons. The following is a listing of suggested disciplinary guidelines to be followed; however, administrators will take whatever action is deemed appropriate in each individual case.

First Referral

The rules relating to bus behavior will be reviewed during a conference between appropriate administrator and student. Parents may be notified of the violation by a letter and/or phone call. A written record will be kept of the referral and succeeding referrals. Disciplinary action to be taken is at the discretion of the appropriate school administrator.

Second Referral

A student may be suspended from riding the bus for a period to be determined by the nature of the referral. Parents will be notified accordingly. Such suspension from riding the bus generally shall be up to a maximum of five days.

Third & Subsequent Referrals

A student may be suspended from riding the bus for a period of up to one month. Parents shall be notified accordingly.

Student Suspension

Any suspension for the violation of bus rules and regulations will be done in compliance with the School Board’s policies and the law (specifically in compliance with section 10-22.6(B) of the Illinois School Code). During the period of suspension, it is the legal responsibility of the parent / guardian to insure student attendance at school daily. Contact the Transportation Department at (708) 761-5870 for more information.

Recordings on Buses

Electronic visual and audio recordings may be used on school buses to monitor conduct and to promote and maintain a safe environment for students and employees when transportation is provided for any school-related activity. Notice of electronic recordings shall be displayed on the exterior of the vehicle’s entrance door and front interior bulkhead in compliance with state law and the rules of the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

Students are prohibited from tampering with electronic recording devices. Students who violate this policy shall be disciplined in accordance with the Board’s discipline policy and shall reimburse the school district for any necessary repairs or replacement. For more information, contact the Transportation Department at (708) 761-5870.

Notification of Fees

Parents of students not qualifying for free transportation will be advised of their status by mail as well as the fee that is required if they desire bus transportation for their student. Learn more about this status by contacting the Transportation Department at (708) 761-5870.

Rules

• Walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
• Walk at the edge of the road, use sidewalks where possible.
• Stop, look, and listen before proceeding across intersections.
• Refuse to talk with strangers. Do not accept rides.
• Use extreme caution in inclement weather.
• Students brought to school by car are to be discharged and picked up in designated areas as determined by building principal.
• Observe directions of crossing guards and assist young children to cross safely.

Rules

• Children are permitted to ride only the bus to which they are assigned and only board and depart at their assigned stop.
• Arrive at your bus stop 5 minutes prior to your assigned time.
• Stay off the road proper while waiting for the bus.
• Safe and proper boarding and departing procedures will be used at all times. Some examples of improper procedures are pushing, tripping, fighting, throwing objects, or delaying the bus. This list is not all-encompassing.
• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to board the bus.
• Keep hands and head inside the bus at all times.
• No spitting or littering is allowed.
• Assist in keeping the bus safe and sanitary at all times.
• Loud talk and laughter is unacceptable.
• Never tamper with the bus or any of its equipment.
• Keep books, packages, coats, and all other objects out of the aisles.
• Do not throw anything out of the bus window.
• Remain in your seat until you reach your destination, the bus stops, and the doors open.In case of road emergency, remain in the bus until instructions are given by the driver.
• No eating or drinking is allowed on the bus at any time.
• No glass containers shall be brought on the school bus.
• No laser pointers are allowed.
• No sharp objects such as knives, screw drivers, or scissors are allowed.
• No animals shall be transported on the school bus.
• Children are to obey the bus driver at all times. The bus driver has the authority to assign seats.
• Unacceptable language and gestures are not allowed.
• Rude, discourteous behavior will not be tolerated at any time.
• Observe safety precautions at all exiting points. Where it is necessary to cross a two-lane highway, proceed to a point about 10 feet in front of the bus. Then wait for a signal from the bus driver permitting you to cross safely. Walk completely around the crossing arm. Do not touch the crossing arm. Once safely across the street, do not ever attempt to re-cross the street for any reason.
• Cell phones are to be used in emergency situations only.

Board Approved Boundaries