NORTHERN LOCAL SCHOOL BUS RIDER GUIDELINES

Rules and guidelines regarding student conduct on a school bus are based on state law, Ohio Department of Education guidelines and Northern Local District policies. These guidelines and rules are in place to help create, foster and maintain safe, efficient and proper school bus environments for all students and staff. The school bus driver is the district representative in charge of the bus. The instructions of the driver need to be followed and respected by the students. Their instructions guide students as they board and leave the bus and help manage student conduct during the ride. Expectations for student conduct include the following:

 

• Students need to arrive at their bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive;
   

• Students need to wait quietly in a location clear of traffic and a safe distance from the bus stop. This is often referred to the designated place of safety and remain at place of safety until the driver signals the student to load the bus;
   

• Students should wear bright colored clothes, so the driver can see them at all times;
   

• No horse playing at the bus stop;
   

• When boarding the school bus, students are to go directly to their assigned seat;
   

• Students need to remain seated during the bus ride, keeping the aisle and exits clear;
   

• Sit in seat correctly, back against back, bottom on seat, feet towards the floor and hands in your lap;
   

• No electronic devices allowed on the bus;
   

• Students need to observe classroom conduct while riding the bus;
   

• No loud talking;
   

• Students must not use profane language or inappropriate subject matter;
   

• Students must refrain from eating/drinking on the bus except as required for medical reasons;
   

• Students must not use tobacco on the bus;
   

• Students must not throw or pass objects on, from or into the bus;
   

• The only objects allowed on the bus are items that they can hold on their laps
   

• Students should have nothing out of their book bags. Keep bags closed at all times;
   

• Students must not put head or arms out of the bus windows;
   

• Students must leave or board the bus at locations to which they have been assigned unless they have written parental and administrative authorization to do otherwise; and,
   

• Students must follow the Northern Local  code of conduct while on the bus and at bus stop (this includes proper dress). All expectations of proper behavior and restrictions against misconduct apply while on the bus and at bus stops.