The Shenandoah County School System endeavors to provide the best possible education for all
of its students. Our transportation department is a vital part of the educational program. Safety is
our most important consideration.
The Code of Virginia permits school boards to provide transportation for students but does not
require them to do so. Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right.
The school bus driver carries a substantial burden of responsibility and it is essential that all
students cooperate by observing certain rules and regulations. Your full support is necessary if
your child is to benefit from the safest possible transportation.
The school bus is considered to be an extension of the school and the classroom. All
policies, rules, and regulations that apply to students in school also apply while they are
being transported.
The school system is not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen items.
Parents or guardians or their designee(s) of elementary students must be at the bus stop in the
morning and afternoon.
The following regulations are vital to the safe transportation of your children to and from schools.
Parents should read this list in its entirety.
Students are expected to abide by all regulations in the Student Code of
Conduct while riding the bus.

1. STANDARDS OF STUDENT CONDUCT WHILE WAITING FOR THE BUS

•  Be on time. It is recommended that students be at their bus stop at least five minutes before the regular pickup time, but not earlier than ten minutes before this time.

•  Wait in a safe, designated place a minimum of 10 feet from the road.

• Do not run towards or alongside a moving bus.

•  Wait until the bus has stopped, then walk up to the front door. If it is necessary to cross the highway, do so at the front of the bus and at least ten feet in front of the bus. Do not cross the highway until the driver has signaled that it is safe to do so.

• Report immediately to the driver any illness or injury sustained on or around the bus.

2. STANDARDS OF STUDENT CONDUCT WHILE BOARDING THE BUS

•  Line up in a single file to board the bus.

•  Board quickly and in an orderly manner.

•  Proceed to a seat immediately.

• Be seated before the bus is in motion.

3. STANDARDS OF STUDENT CONDUCT WHILE ON THE BUS

•  Do not throw objects inside the bus, or outside the bus windows or doors.

•  Do not put any part of your body out of the bus window.

•  Do not transport objects that are too large to be held on a student's lap or to be held on the floor in front of the student's seat.

•  Do not bring water guns or any other container that is used to disperse liquids in a similar fashion to that of a water gun.

•  Glass containers or glass objects are not allowed on a bus.

•  Use of electronic devices is allowed unless it becomes disruptive.

•  Identify yourself upon the request of the driver or authorized school personnel.

•  All trash must be deposited in the trash can.

•  Do not open the emergency door except in the case of an emergency.

• No animals are allowed on a bus.

•  Keep aisle clear of feet, arms, and other objects.

•  Keep noise to a minimum.

•  Sit facing forward and do not change seats without the driver's permission. Remain seated while the bus is in motion.

• No physical displays of affection.

4. STANDARDS OF STUDENT CONDUCT WHILE UNLOADING

•  Remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.

• Unload in a single file and in an orderly manner.

•  Leave the bus areas, when safety permits, as soon as you are discharged from the bus. Cross the highway, if it is necessary to do so, at the front of the bus and at least ten feet in front of the bus. Do not cross the highway until the driver has signaled that it is safe to do so.

5. GUIDELINES

•  Vandalizing a school bus may result in restitution, loss of riding privileges, suspension from school, and/or legal prosecution.

•  Unauthorized persons are not allowed to board.

•  Students who plan to use transportation other than their regular bus, or load or unload at a stop other than their regular stop, must have written parental permission and prior written approval from the appropriate school official.

• Profanity, abusive language, and obscene gestures will not be tolerated.

•  Disrespectful actions toward the driver, other students, or the general public will not be tolerated.

•  Fighting, while waiting for, loading, riding, or unloading from the bus will not be tolerated.

• Students riding buses for field trips and extra-curricular activities are under the same regulations as during a regular day schedule.

6. VIOLATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES

When a student violates a rule, he/she will be reported to the administrator of his/her
school. The administrator will determine whether the violation is minor, serious, or severe
(Level 1-4) and take the appropriate action based on that determination. Consideration
may be given to age, disability status, and developmentally appropriate behavior.
The school principal/designee will have the authority to suspend the riding privileges of
students and/or take other reasonable disciplinary actions for students who exhibit
improper behavior on the bus. School Administrators will determine the disciplinary
action based on severity and frequency of referrals.
Below you will find a list of violations that are categorized as minor (Level 1), serious (Level 2) or
severe (Level 3). Please note that some infractions are included in more than one list. If so, the
administrator will determine which category to use in order to apply the consequence for the
infraction. In addition, should a violation not be listed in any category the administration shall
determine the category to use when applying the consequence. The listed behaviors are examples
of behaviors that may be disruptive or compromise safety on the bus and are not intended to be
exhaustive.
Suspension of bus riding privileges includes all buses to and from school.
In addition, any violation may be shifted from one category to another if the
situation warrants.

MINOR (Level 1)

Body parts outside the bus
Failure to follow directions
Changing clothes on the bus
Pushing and/or shoving
Excessive mischief (horseplay, etc.)
Intentionally riding the wrong bus
Getting off at the wrong stop
Showing affection
Verbal confrontation with a student
Writing on bus seat(s)
Inappropriate language
Throwing objects
Jumping over seats
Excessive noise
Lying down in the seat
Not remaining seated
Legs in aisle
Littering on bus
Disrespect

Consequences will range from a conference up to and including denial of bus riding
privilege and/or consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

SERIOUS (Level 2)

Abusive language, profanity, or obscene gestures
Assault
Shooting projectiles
Bullying
Spraying aerosol
Striking matches or lighter
Stealing
Fighting
Throwing objects on the bus
Inappropriate actions toward motorists
Throwing objects outside the bus
Insubordination Use of laser pointer or reflective device
Opening emergency door
Use of pepper spray
Vandalism
Verbal confrontation with a student
Possession and/or use of tobacco products
Verbally threatening student

Consequences will range from 3 days suspension of bus riding privilege up to and
including suspension of bus riding privilege for the remainder of the school year and/or
consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

SEVERE (Level 3)

Assault
Possession of a weapon
Possession and/or discharging of firecrackers or other explosive devices
Sexual misconduct
Possession and/or consumption of alcohol
Severe safety violations
Possession of drugs and/or drugDistribution of alcohol or drugs paraphernalia
Lighting flammable sprays, liquids, etc.

Consequences will range from 6 days suspension of bus riding privilege up to and
including suspension of bus riding privilege for the remainder of the school year and/or
consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.