Bus Expectations

While we are committed to providing reliable transportation, we must address an increase in unsafe and distracting behavior occurring on our school buses, particularly within our elementary routes and activity buses. The safety of every student is our paramount concern. 

When a bus driver's attention is diverted due to student misconduct, the safety of all children on that bus is immediately compromised. Our drivers are professionals tasked with safely operating a large vehicle while monitoring multiple students, and they require full cooperation from every rider.

Riding the Bus: A Privilege, Not a Right

We must be clear that, according to Pennsylvania regulations, school bus transportation is a privilege extended to students, not an inherent right. This privilege is conditioned upon a student's adherence to all established rules of conduct and safety. To read more about the transportation of pupils, please refer to these FAQ’s. 

The Non-Negotiable Rules for Student Safety

We need your direct partnership in reviewing these critical behaviors with your student. The following actions are unsafe, distract the driver, and will not be tolerated:

Unacceptable Behavior	Safety Rationale
Physical Misconduct/Horseplay: Hitting, pushing, punching, shoving, tripping, or engaging in any roughhousing behavior. Extending hands, feet, body parts, or property out of the bus window.	Endangers students, risks serious injury, and can easily escalate into a fight, requiring the driver to pull over and intervene.
Leaving Assigned Seat/Standing/Walking: Moving, standing, walking in the aisle, or leaning on the seat while the bus is in motion	Creates a severe injury risk in the event of a sudden stop or swerve, and blocks aisles or the driver's view.
Throwing Objects: Throwing anything on the bus, at other students, or out of the window.	Distracts the driver, can injure other students, and endangers pedestrians or vehicles outside the bus.
Loud or Inappropriate Noise/Language: Yelling, shouting, using foul or abusive language, or playing loud electronics without headphones.	Distracts the driver and interferes with their ability to hear critical sounds (traffic, alarms, directions from dispatch).
Eating, Drinking, and Smoking: No food, drinks (including candy), or smoking/vaping (e.g., e-cigarettes) are permitted.	Eating on the bus is not permitted due to the risk of spills, which can cause students to leave their seats and create serious safety hazards, especially for those with food allergies. Additionally, possessing or smoking on school property is a violation of district policy.
Vandalism/Tampering: Damaging seats, windows, or bus equipment. Tampering with emergency exits or opening/closing windows without the driver's express permission is prohibited.	Compromises the operational integrity of the bus and emergency procedures, potentially creating an immediate risk during a traffic incident.

Immediate and Firm Consequences

Given the recent surge in behavior, we must exercise our authority to ensure the safety of all riders. Please understand that removal or suspension from the bus is a real and immediate likelihood for infractions.

The following are consequences that can result from violations of the above infractions (this is not all-encompassing):

• Formal Administrative Warning 

• Parent Contact

• Detention (Afterschool, Lunch, or Recess) 

• Bus Suspension (Can range from 1 day suspension to longer term or permanent loss of bus transportation privileges)

Parents/Guardians are responsible for student transport to and from school during any period of bus suspension. Absence from school due to a bus suspension will not be excused.

Your support in discussing these rules and the seriousness of bus safety with your student is vital. Let’s work together to make every bus ride a safe one.