Bus Information

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