School bus rules of conduct

  • Published
  • By E.J. Griffis
  • 14th Flying Training Wing School Liaison Officer
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  For twenty three million students nationwide, the school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus; and here at Columbus Air Force Base, we have fewer than 150 students on any given day riding our school buses. Recent events occurring at the bus stops and on the bus, necessitates a reminder of the policies governing ridership on the bus and proper behavior at the bus stops.

The Student Handbook from each of our school districts contains specific guidance and a code of conduct students are to follow. Bus transportation is a privilege extended only to students who display good conduct while preparing to ride, riding or leaving the bus.

Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reason for a student to be denied transportation. Improper conduct of family members which occurs off the school bus will be addressed by installation officials.

Additionally, parents should exercise proper judgment when they observe or it is reported to them by their students, whenever improper behavior has occurred on the bus or at the bus stops. Parents should: contact the parents of the child (ren) involved, school authorities and/or the Columbus School Liaison Officer. Parents should not address grievances directly to the other children involved, unless there is an immediate, life-threatening situation.

An overview of the proper Rules of Conduct is provided below. Take a moment to review it and convey the contents to your children.

Any questions, please contact the School Liaison Officer, at 434-2792 or via email at: slo@columbus.af.mil

 Be orderly, quiet and considerate of people and their property in the vicinity of bus stops.

 Be ready when the bus arrives.

 Bus drivers have the authority to assign seats, give directions, and implement rules for the safe and orderly conduct of students and will report any violations.

 Acceptable public behavior will be expected of all bus riders.

 Pass in front rather than behind the bus when crossing the street to or from a bus.

 Do not enter or leave the bus when it is in motion.

 Heads or arms must not be extended from bus windows.

 Avoid eating/drinking on the bus and help keep the bus neat.

 Shouting, fighting, offensive language, or smoking will result in loss of bus privileges.

 Remain seated until the bus stops at your destination.

 Students are required to have parental permission in writing of any changes in regular transportation arrangements.

 Video technology is installed on all buses to assist with the security and safety of all.

 Students who violate the regulations can have their bus privileges revoked.

 Unauthorized persons are not permitted on the buses -- this includes parents.

 Parents should develop a plan in the event your student misses the bus or the bus fails to show, especially in the case where parent(s) depart the home before the bus arrives.

 Parents who choose to wait with their children (in their vehicles) MUST park opposite of the school bus stop, in order to allow for a direct, unimpeded route to the stop.