Policies & Procedures :: Bus Discipline & Student Transportation
The
Georgetown ISD Transportation Department is committed to ensuring the safety
and well being of each student. Riding in a district transportation vehicle
is a privilege offered to students who reside within the district. All students
being transported are under the authority of the bus driver and must obey
his or her requests. Procedures and safety rules help ensure the safety and
protection of each student. Failure to meet these standards or follow these
safety rules and procedures may result in student conflicts or injuries and
also cause delays or distractions to the driver. Any student failing to follow
the rules and procedures will receive a Bus Conduct Report turned in by the
bus driver to the campus principal. The principal will determine the appropriate
disciplinary measure which can include temporary or permanent removal of transportation
privileges. Those students who fail to abide by these rules and procedures
can lose their riding privileges and will be disciplined. Parents of students
who damage GISD property (including bus seats) are responsible for retribution
to GISD. Any questions dealing with bus routes or problems on the bus are
referred to the GISD Transportation Department at 819-0390.
A. Procedures and Safety Rules
While waiting to load:
1. Arrive at the stop earlier than the scheduled loading time. Remain out
of the street and don't create a problem for the owner of the property where
the stop is located.
2. When the bus approaches, stay away from the curb and the front wheel of
the bus. Get in a line when the bus approaches. Wait until the bus has come
to a complete stop, and wait for the driver's signal to cross/board.
3. Board carefully and use the handrail. Be courteous and do not push or shove.
Move quickly to your assigned seat.
B. While riding:
1. Remain completely seated, facing forward, with all body parts inside the
bus. Never extend arms, hands, heads, or objects through bus windows. Standing
or moving from seat to seat while the bus is in motion is not allowed.
2. Respect the rights of other students. Do not violate their space, nor physically
or emotionally harm them.
3. Do not participate in an event which causes the driver to be distracted
from driving. Refrain from unnecessary conversation with the bus driver.
4. Store your carry-on book bags in your lap, against the wall at your seat,
or in the seat designated by the driver. Never allow bags to block an exit
window or any part of the aisle. In an emergency, no time is available to
clear the path to safety.
5. Obey the bus driver's requests.
6. Never throw anything while on the bus.
7. Talk in normal tones without using loud or vulgar language. Classroom conduct
is expected.
8. No food and/or drink is allowed.
9. Keep the bus clean.
10. Do not bring glass containers or animals on the bus.
C. While unloading:
1. As the bus approaches your stop, gather your belongings, but remain seated
until the bus has come to a complete stop.
2. Move to the door quickly so other traffic will not be delayed. Use the
handrail while descending the stairs.
3. Step down to the ground carefully and walk directly away from the bus at
least two steps before turning to the left or right. Never walk alongside
the bus or anywhere within 3 feet of the rear tires.
4. If you must cross the road, move at least 15 feet in front of the bus and
wait for the driver's signal to cautiously move into the roadway, directly
in front of the driver's side of the bus. You will check left-right-left yourself
and wait for the driver's second signal to cross the remainder of the road.
D. Bus Violations
Students who refuse to obey the directions of the bus driver promptly or refuse
to obey regulations shall forfeit their right to ride the bus. Failure to
comply with bus rules and regulations may result in the following consequences:
1st offense Bus Report is mailed home to parents.
2nd offense The Transportation Dept. calls the parents.
3rd offense The student is removed from the bus for three days.
4th offense The student is removed from bus for five days.
5th offense The student is removed from bus for ten days.
6th offense The student is suspended from bus for a minimum of six weeks.
7th offense The student is suspended from the bus for the remainder of the
year.
E. Changes in Routes/Stops
Students who plan to go to another destination other than their regular destination
must give the campus office a written request from their parents. This permission
request will be given to the driver who will retain the request.
Parents or others may not remove a student from the bus without permission
from the campus principal who will notify transportation. Identification will
be requested prior to the student's being removed from the bus.
F. Extracurricular/Activity Trips
School trips will be arranged through the office. A sponsor/chaperon will
be on each bus. Students may not be released to friends or any person except
the sponsor or the student's parent unless prior arrangements have been made
with he campus principal/personnel prior to the trip. While the driver is
responsible for the overall safety of each student, the sponsor/chaperon is
responsible for the management of the students while at the event or en route.
G. Video Cameras
Video camera recording of the ride has proven to be a valuable tool in maintaining
safe student conduct. Generally, the camera is installed without the knowledge
of the driver. In the event that an incident occurs, videotapes will be retained,
and segments may be provided to the campus administrator. However, due to
legal issues, the data on the videotape is considered confidential information
and as a matter of privacy, is not released outside the campus/department
without the appropriate legal document.
