Student/Parent Bus Rider Contract We have read the following South Haven Public Schools Transportation policy and the school handbook. We agree to abide by the rules of these policies. We understand that riding a school bus in the state of Michigan is a privilege that can be denied. We agree that safety on the bus is important and will help to maintain it at all times. Signatures Required Parent/Guardian: Student: Date: Date: 1
Student Handbook Infractions The following rule infractions will result in consequences relating to the student handbook along with bus discipline. These are a few of the infractions. Please refer to your student handbook to review rules and consequences. 1. Receiving a second misconduct report for grades 6 th 12 th and a third misconduct report for grades Kindergarten through 5 th. 2. Fighting the act of quarreling which involves bodily contact in any way. 3. Arson the use of/or lighting of matches or other incendiary devices in or on school property (bus). 4. Theft the stealing of school or personal property. 5. Smoking smoking on school bus or using tobacco products. 6. Drugs, alcoholic beverages, etc., please refer to your student handbook. 7. Extortion the act of extortion or borrowing or attempting to borrow any money or things of value from a student unless both parties enter into any agreement freely and without the presence of either an implied or expressed threat. 8. Physical contact with the driver, verbal or physical threats, and extreme profanity directed at the driver 9. Possession or using weapons or explosives the act of using or threatening to use any weapons or instruments capable of inflicting bodily harm. 10. Vandalism the act of willful destruction of property belonging to another or to the school. The parent or guardian will pay for any damage done to school property. 11. Threats to school employees, verbal or physical. 12. Other original acts as defined under the laws of the State of Michigan. 2
Administrative Policy for Student Transportation The following describes the transportation eligible areas for students residing within the South Haven Public School District. Students attending L.C. Mohr High School shall be eligible for transportation if they reside more than 1.5 miles from the school or if they reside east of Blue Star Memorial Highway Students attending Lincoln Elementary School shall be eligible for transportation if they reside more than 1.5 miles from the school, if they reside east of Blue Star Memorial Highway, or if they reside North of Phoenix Street East of Broadway. Lincoln and Maple Grove students are only eligible for transportation if they reside within the designated school boundaries for the school they attend. All students living within the school boundaries attending Baseline Middle, North Shore Elementary, and Maple Grove Elementary Schools shall receive transportation. All students residing in residential areas shall be expected to meet at group bus stop locations, which may be placed several blocks from their home. One bus stop shall be placed at all trailer parks and subdivisions. All students Pre-K through 3 rd grade shall have a parent, a sibling 12 years or older, or an adequate person designated by the parent and approved by the transportation office, at the bus stop to meet them or be visible at the bus stop. Should a parent or parent designee not be present, students will be returned to the Transportation Department. If at any time the driver should determine the designated bus stop is visibly unsafe or a potential threat to the student, the student will be kept on the bus and returned to the Transportation Department. 3
Transportation Department Electronic Device Policy While we are cognizant that use of electronic devices is necessary and useful in many educational settings, to ensure a safe and respectful ride for all school bus students, the following rules will be enforced. No phone calls shall be made at any time while on the school bus. No video or pictures shall be taken or recorded while on the school bus. No flash or light shall be used. Any sound must be turned off or have earphones adjusted to a level so as not to be heard by any other passengers. No sharing of/passing around of devices Allowed items are ipads, laptop computers, handheld games, ipods, and any small device with no sound or noise. South Haven Public Schools are not responsible for any lost or damaged items brought on the school bus by any student. 4
Baggage Policy The law states as follows: PA 187.257.1811, Section 11 (10) (10) All baggage, articles, equipment, or medical supplies not held by individual passengers shall be secured in a manner which assures unrestricted access to all exits by all occupants, does not restrict the driver s ability to operate the bus, and protects all occupants against injury resulting from falling or displacement of any baggage, article, or equipment. Oxygen cylinders secured to a wheelchair shall be considered to be in compliance with this subsection, provided they do not impede access to any exit. In order to be in compliance with this law, student s baggage will be restricted to items they can hold on their laps. Instruments must be able to fit between their legs and must not extend beyond the top of the bus seat. Small instruments, such as flutes, clarinets, etc. should be carried in their backpack. No sports equipment or larger instruments will be allowed. 5
Student Transportation Policy The South Haven School System has provided excellent bus service for its students for many years and with your assistance, we plan to continue our good record. We want you to have a safe and pleasant experience as a bus rider this school year. In the interest of your safety, we are presenting the following rules and regulations. Please share this information with your parents or guardian. 1. You bus will reach your stop at approximately the same time each day. The bus runs on a tight schedule and you are expected to be at the stop 5 minutes before the bus arrives and be ready to board. 2. Stand back off the roadway as you wait for the bus. Always stay back from the bus until it has stopped and the door is opened and the driver has signaled to you to safely cross. 3. Your bus driver is in charge of the bus and must have your cooperation at all times. 4. In the morning, students will only be permitted to exit the bus on school grounds. After school, students will be taken to their home stop unless a written request signed by a parent/guardian and approved by the Transportation Department in advance, is presented to the bus driver. Permits cannot be issued to students to ride a bus other than their regularly assigned bus except in emergencies. 5. Only regularly assigned students will be allowed to ride the bus unless they receive pre-arranged permission from the Transportation Department. The discipline policy outlined below is in alignment with South Haven Public Schools. Riding the bus is an extension of the school day. Failure to follow safe bus riding rules and behavior will result in the following: A. In cases of serious or persistent disobedience, students shall be automatically suspended from riding the bus for a minimum of three days. B. In initial cases of misconduct other than serious infractions, an incident report will be sent to the parents of elementary (K-5) students to alert them of discipline action. If further misconduct progresses to a third conduct report, the student will be denied the privilege of riding the bus for a minimum of one day. A fourth conduct report will result in a three-day suspension. A fifth report will result in a five-day suspension. A sixth report will result in a seven-day suspension with a parent conference required for a student to return. A seventh report will result in suspension for the remainder of the school year. C. In initial cases of misconduct other than serious infractions, in an incident report will be issued to the secondary (6-12 th ) students to alert them of discipline action. If a second report is issued to students, it will result in a minimum two-day suspension. A third report will result in a five-day suspension. A fourth report will result in a four-week suspension with a parent conference required for a student to return. A fifth report will result in suspension for the remainder of the school year. D. In cases of extreme rule violation, a student may not be allowed to ride the bus for the remainder of the school year. Your assistance in helping to keep everyone safe and comfortable while transported on South Haven Public Schools buses is greatly appreciated. Strict adherence to the rules and to the following of disciplinary procedures will be standard policy. Please remember that bus riding is a privilege and is dependent upon your adherence to the rules. 6
Rules for School Bus Riders 1. Obey the bus driver. He/She is in charge on all bus runs 2. Be at the bus stop five (5) minutes prior to pick up time. Remember other people are waiting and the driver cannot wait on you. 3. Bus riders must stay in their seat and sit erect with their feet on the floor and their books, musical instruments, etc. on their lap. Keep feet out of the aisles. 4. Bus riders should not move to board a bus until it is completely stopped and the door is open or the driver has signaled them to safely cross the road. 5. Bus riders should leave their seats only after the bus has come to a complete stop. Riders who shuttle must also ride their assigned bus home, boarding as soon as dismissed from the shuttle bus. Do not leave the bus without the driver s consent, except at home or school. No unauthorized stops will be made. 6. Bus riders who must cross a street at their bus stop should wait for the driver to signal them. The district signal is a head nod from the driver. 7. Bus riders are not allowed to stick or throw things out windows, including hands, head, etc. 8. Loud talking, throwing objects, verbal intimidation or spitting will not be allowed. 9. Any damage to the bus shall be paid for by the rider causing the damage. 10. All riders should help to keep the bus clean and sanitary on the inside. No eating, smoking, or drinking is allowed on the bus. 11. Always be courteous to all students and adults on the bus. 12. Swearing or other obscene language or gestures are not allowed. 13. The driver is authorized to assign seats to any or all students. Expect to be required to sit three (3) in a seat when asked. 7