Now
that we are beginning to feel settled into the school routine, I want to
address behavioral expectations for the bus. This is the first time, for
many students, that mom or dad are not driving the “bus”! The bus
driver’s first and main responsibility is to be an attentive, safe
driver. The students’ job is to emulate the same great behavior they have
in the car with you when they are on the bus.
Bus
behavioral expectations are in the school’s handbook and are outlined
below. Riding the bus is a new experience for most kindergarteners and an
exciting experience for most students- especially the end of the day
ride! Ridership is a privilege for all.
Typical
for this time of year is the repetition of bus behavioral expectations from
school leaders, classroom teachers, and HOME. Homeroom teachers will deliver
the same message in their communications as is delivered here. It’s
important that everyone agrees that bus safety is very important.
For
the majority of riders (94%+), we are experiencing excellent conduct. For
this we are very proud of our
students. We want to send a very clear message to all that as far as
physical contact (biting, hitting) is concerned the student will lose ridership
for a week. While inconvenient for parents, it sends a clear message to
all that safety and compliance are the expectation.
Thank
you in advance for covering the bus expectations with your child and for
partnering with the school so that together we can create a community of safe
learning for all.
From
the Family Handbook
Cologne
Academy’s transportation provider is Positive Connections. Questions can be
made directly to Positive Connections, 952 361-0899.
RULES:
The
school bus safety rules are posted on every bus:
·
The
bus driver is the responsible authority on the bus.
·
Students
will board and leave the buses only at specifically designated stops.
·
Students
will remain at a safe distance from the bus when buses are arriving or
departing from their stops.
·
Pick-up
times are established, and students will be waiting 5 minutes before pick up time
at designated stops.
·
Students
will go directly to their seats. Students will stay seated when the
bus is moving.
·
Backpacks,
musical instruments, and other large items must be handled by students in such
a way as to not come into contact with other students or obstruct the aisles.
·
For
safety and cleanliness, gum, food, and drink are prohibited.
·
Only
authorized students may ride the buses. Non-regular riders must secure
written permission to ride a specific bus.
·
Drivers may assign seats to students when
necessary. Students will remain seated at all times. Drivers and
administrators may make specific seat assignments.
·
When
crossing a road, whether boarding or leaving a bus, students will walk in front
of the bus after the driver signals that it is safe to cross.
·
Students
will not engage in noisy or boisterous conduct which might distract the driver.
·
Students
will not use profane or indecent language.
Consequences:
Consequences for school
bus/bus stop misconduct will apply to all routes. Decisions regarding a
student’s ability to ride the bus in connection with co-curricular (for
example, field trips) will be in the sole discretion of the school. Parents or
guardians will be notified of any suspension of bus privileges. The school’s
disciplinary code will be consulted for all decisions regarding consequences.
Depending on the nature of the offense, consequences such as suspension or
expulsion from school also may result from school bus/bus stop misconduct.
Rules at the Bus Stop:
·
The
school bus driver will generally not wait for late students.
·
Respect
the property of others while waiting at your bus stop.
·
Keep
your arms, legs, and belongings to yourself.
·
Use
appropriate language.
·
Stay
away from the street, road, or highway when waiting for the bus.
·
Wait
until the bus stops before approaching the bus.
·
After
getting off the bus, move away from the bus.
·
If
you must cross the street, always cross in front of the bus where the driver
can see you. Wait for the driver to signal to you before crossing the street.
·
No
fighting, harassment, intimidation, or horseplay.
·
No
use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
Vandalism/Bus Damage
Students damaging school
buses will be responsible for the damages. Failure to pay such damages (or make
arrangements to pay) within two weeks may result in the loss of bus privileges
until damages are paid.
Criminal Conduct
In cases involving criminal
conduct (for example, assault, weapons, possession, or vandalism), the
appropriate school personnel and local law enforcement officials will be
informed.
Lynn
G. Peterson
Executive
Director
Cologne
Academy
1221
South Village Parkway
Cologne,
MN 55322
952
466-2276
