Howard Elementary School

Bus Safety Rules

Dear Parents,

As you know, we take safety and security very seriously, so we would like to review the district Student Code of Conduct as it applies to transportation. Keep in mind that while specific items are listed under the code of conduct as it applies to our expectations on the bus, students are expected to follow all school rules at all times to and from school since the bus is an extension of the classroom.

The following is an excerpt from the Dearborn Public School Student Code of conduct which can be found in its entirety at https://studentservices.dearbornschools.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/178/2013/07/blog-documents.pdf

J. BUS TRANSPORTATION The school bus is an extension of the classroom and any infraction of the Student Code of Conduct on the bus will be handled by the building administrator. The rules apply to district owned vehicles as well as any such contracted transportation. For health and safety reasons, video camera surveillance will be utilized on school buses. Any student behavior that affects the health or safety of other students on and around the bus will be treated as a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will be subject to disciplinary action. While on board any school bus, all provisions of the Student Code of Conduct will apply to all passengers. The following is a supplementary list of violations of the bus rules:

1. Failing to stay off the road while waiting for the bus
2. Attempting to enter or exit the bus before it reaches a complete stop
3. Failing to remain seated while the bus is in motion
4. Eating or littering on the bus
5. Having head, arms, or any other items outside bus
6. Tampering with bus equipment
7. Disobeying driver instruction (insubordination)
8. Obstructing aisle with books, coats, and other objects
9. Throwing objects in and out of the bus.
(End of excerpt)

Our discussions with students regarding our PBIS expectations are specific to classroom behavior and also extend to what we refer to as “everywhere expectations”. Our expectations fall under three broad categories: Respect, Responsibility, and Safety, and these expectations also apply on the bus. This includes, but is not limited to:
1. Walk on and off the bus- No running
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
3. Be Respectful-Treat others with respect at all times.
4. Be Responsible-clean up after yourself.
5. Be Safe- Remain seated on the bus, and follow all safety expectations for riding the bus.
6. Follow directions from the bus driver.
Students who consistently disobey these expectations, will lose bus riding privileges as part of the disciplinary process.

Parents are not allowed to enter the bus for any reason since this is an extension of our school/classroom. All parents are required to sign in before entering our school; all parents are required to sign in to the office and must have express permission to enter a district vehicle (i.e. field trip) from the principal or appropriate school administrator.

Thank you for your support and cooperation. If we work together, we can all help keep our students safe!

Sincerely,

Daniel Blessing, Ed.S
Principal, Howard Elementary School