BUS/VAN RULES

Use of bus transportation is conditional upon proper conduct and the observance of bus/van rules. Drivers are in full charge of their buses/van and are authorized to enforce bus/van rules. Safe transportation of riders is of primary importance. Teachers, and coaches, have full authority to discipline unruly riders on field and athletic trips. Riders should be courteous and cooperative at all times and should follow the rules listed below. Bus drivers can assign seats.

Critical issues:

1) Parents being prompt when delivering student to or picking students up from there designated bus stop. No student will be dropped off at a bus stop unless a parent or guardian is waiting at the stop for the child. Students that are left on the bus because of parents' failure to be prompt and waiting at designed stop will be returned to Cochise School and parents must pick their children up at the school. However, the child may not be afforded the privilege of riding the bus in the future.

2) Please be advised that bus drivers will stop only at pre-determined designated stops. A parent missing the bus at his/her child's stop may not flag or wave down the driver to stop elsewhere as safety is foremost and must be in the minds of bus drivers at all times. A compromise of safety can have dangerous and sometimes serious results. Parents must drive their children to school when missing the bus.

3) Early dismissal means students are released at an earlier time than usual. Parents are advised to read notes or letters from school, stating times, days and dates of an early dismissal because bus stop times will change. Parents not present at their child's bus stop when the bus arrives on early dismissal days will also pick up their children at Cochise School.

When on bus/van:

1) Riders shall obey the driver, who has full authority to maintain order.

2) Riders shall not extend arms, legs, or heads out of bus.

3) Riders shall go to their seats without crowding or pushing and remain seated when the bus is in motion.

4) Riders shall not tamper with the emergency door or any part of the bus.

5) Riders will not mark or deface the bus. Damage done to seats or other equipment must be paid for by the student.

6) Riders may open windows only with the permission of the driver.

7) Riders shall not fight or scuffle in the bus or create any disturbance.

8) Riders must not throw any object within the bus or out of the bus.

9) Riders must not shout at other students, at pedestrians, or other vehicles.

10) Prior to getting off the bus, riders will remain seated until the bus stops. All riders will sit on seats at all times.

11) Riders may not put objects such as lunch boxes or equipment in the aisle.

12) Riders getting off the bus (if they must cross the road) will go to the front of the bus and cross only after the driver signals that there is no oncoming traffic.

13) Riders shall not use radios or tape players on the bus. Riders may use headset for field trips.

If the rider's behavior is unacceptable as outlined in these rules, the drivers will refer to contract signed by parent/student and action will be taken with possible loss of bus riding privileges.