Student Transportation & Safety Policy

I. Purpose

The aim of this policy is to ensure the safety of students during transportation and to educate them on the importance of safety and proper conduct on school buses.

II. Conduct on School Buses and Consequences for Misbehavior

Riding the school bus is a privilege. The School Transport Committee monitors student behavior on all school buses. Misconduct will result in consequences as per the school's discipline procedures, and severe cases may involve law enforcement.

1. School Bus and Bus Stop Rules

Rules at the Bus Stop:

Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early.
Respect others' property.
Use appropriate language.
Stay away from the street until the bus arrives.
Move away from the bus after disembarking.
Cross the street in front of the bus only with the driver’s signal.
No fighting, harassment, or use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

Rules on the Bus:

Follow the driver’s instructions.
Sit facing forward.
Talk quietly and appropriately.
Keep all body parts inside the bus.
No fighting, harassment, or throwing objects.
No eating, drinking, or use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
Do not bring weapons or dangerous objects.
Do not damage the bus.

2. Items Not Allowed on the Bus: Ammunition, archery equipment, guns, gas cans, lighters, cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol.

3. Consequences: Consequences for misconduct vary by offense and grade level, ranging from warnings to suspension of bus privileges. Severe misconduct may result in longer suspensions or involvement of law enforcement.

4. Other Discipline: More serious consequences may be applied based on the severity of the misconduct, including suspension or expulsion from school.

5. Vandalism/Bus Damage: Students responsible for bus damage must pay for repairs. Failure to pay may result in loss of bus privileges.

6. Notice: Bus rules and consequences will be reviewed annually and posted on each bus.

7. Criminal Conduct: Criminal activities will be reported to appropriate school personnel and local law enforcement.

III. Parent and Guardian Involvement

A. Parent and Guardian Notification: Bus rules will be provided to each family, and parents are asked to review them with their children.

B. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities for Transportation Safety:

Familiarize and review safety rules with their children.
Ensure students understand and follow the rules.
Support safe practices and monitor bus stops.
Dress children appropriately for the weather and have a plan if the bus is late.

IV. School Bus Driver Duties and Responsibilities: Drivers must adhere to safe driving practices. Violations may lead to dismissal.

V. School Bus Vehicle Maintenance Standards: Vehicles are maintained through a systematic program and state inspections. Pre-trip and post-trip inspections are conducted regularly.

VI. Student Transportation Safety Committee: The committee, chaired by the school Administrative Officer, includes members such as parents and bus drivers. It oversees the implementation of transportation safety policies.

Student Transportation Safety Committee

1 Mr. Santosh Patil - Incharge Officer
2 Mr. Sunil Patil - Sub-Incharge Officer
3 Mr. Bhushan - Member
4 Mr. Gulab - Member
5 Mr. Suhas - Member
6 Mr. Ganesh More - Member
7 Mr. Hamid - Member
8 Mrs. Jagruti - Member