Conduct on School Buses

It is important to remember that the bus drivers are in complete charge of the students on their buses, and their instructions must be followed at all times. Students waiting for his/her bus after school must stay in the appointed area until the bus arrives. In addition, under Conduct on School buses, here is the sentence that needs inserted after bus arrives. While inside a state or district bus, all occupants are subject to video/audio monitoring. The rules of conduct for bus passengers are part of the SJHS Code of Conduct. Remember, it is a privilege to ride an HCS bus. 

1. All violations which occur on the buses will be dealt with by an administrator in accordance with the district’s behavior code: “As an option in disciplinary procedures, students may lose their privilege to ride the bus, which could be for as little as one day, or could extend for the remainder of the school year. The seriousness of the offense and the degree of harm or injury are factors in the disciplinary process.”
2. All fights, acts of bullying or violence on buses will be referred to an administrator.
3. Only students presently enrolled in Horry County Schools are allowed to ride the school bus. SJHS student visitors are not permitted to ride the bus.
4. Tobacco products/drugs/alcohol are not allowed on the bus or at the bus stop.
5. The bus driver should be certain that his passengers understand and observe the following rules of safety. 

MEETING THE BUS:
1. Students must be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.
2. If a student has to walk along the highway in approaching the bus stop, he/she should always walk on the shoulder.
3. Students should wait on their side of the roadway and await the signal to cross from the driver. When crossing the highway, he/she should walk - not run.
4. Students should not run alongside the bus when the bus is moving but should wait until it stops and then walk to the door. 5. HCS rules and policy apply for all school bus stops before entering the bus and after exiting the bus. 

ON THE BUS: Students are subject to being videotaped on a bus at any time.
1. Students should go to their seats, without crowding or pushing, and remain seated while the bus is in motion.
2. Bus windows are only to be opened with permission of the driver. Never extend arms, legs, or heads out of the bus window. Never throw objects from bus windows.
3. Students should not talk to the driver while the bus is in motion except in an emergency.
4. Students must never tamper with the emergency door or any other part of the bus equipment, including fire extinguisher and first aid equipment.
5. Students must not damage the bus; the seat coverings must not be damaged in any manner. Any damage to the bus or seats should be reported by the student to the driver as soon as possible.
6. Students should only open bus windows with the permission of the driver.
7. Students must not fight or scuffle in the bus or create any disturbance. Students should model classroom-type conduct on the bus.
8. Students must not wave or shout to pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles.
9. Aisles and stairwells must be kept clear. Books, lunch boxes, or other student cargo should be placed under the seat or in the rider’s lap. Large items such as band instruments and school projects will not be allowed on the bus unless the items can be placed under the seat or held in the owner’s lap.
10. Food and beverages cannot be consumed on the bus.
11. The school bus is for transportation to and from school. It is not to be used for transportation to and from work, athletic events, or just to get around. If a student must ride a different bus than the one to which he/she is assigned or get on or of the bus at a different stop, SJHS Administration must have a legitimate note with a phone number from the student’s parent or guardian. This note must be presented to the SJHS front office secretary before 10:00 a.m. in order for the secretary to verify the note with parents. Requests are only approved if the parent can be contacted by phone and the seat is available on the requested bus. This signed and verified note must be presented to the bus driver when the student boards the bus to go home. 

EXITING THE BUS ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS:
1. Students must remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop. They must never attempt to leave until the bus has come to a full stop and the door is opened to indicate that they may leave.
2. Students should exit in an orderly manner. Students in the front seats leave first.
3. Students must not loiter or play around the stopped or parked bus.
4. Students should not enter a restricted area set aside for bus parking or loading unless the bus is at a complete stop 

EXITING THE BUS OFF THE SCHOOL GROUNDS:
1. Students are permitted to leave only at regular designated stops. Any changes require written parental request and approval by the school principal or designee.
2. After exiting the bus, students who must cross the highway should walk at a right angle at least ten feet in front of the bus and wait for the bus driver to direct him/her to cross. Walk, don’t run. 

“As an option in disciplinary procedures, students may lose their privilege to ride the bus, which could be for as little as one day, or could extend for the remainder of the school year. The seriousness of the offense and the degree of harm or injury are factors in the disciplinary process.”