The Department of Transportation takes Bus Safety Serious. Following bus safety rules isn’t just about obedience—it’s about protecting lives. Every rule exists to ensure that each student arrives at school and home safely, because nothing is more important than their well-being.

Patrick Martin  

   Director of Transportation

Bus Conduct Guidelines

BUS CONDUCT GUIDELINES


(For All Students Who Ride Griffin-Spalding County School Buses)

The school bus is an extension of the classroom, and all students who ride school buses are expected to follow established transportation rules and regulations. These rules are in place to ensure the safety of every student. To enhance security, Griffin-Spalding County School (GSCS) buses are equipped with video cameras as an added safety measure.

Maintaining proper conduct on the school bus requires a joint effort from students, parents, bus drivers, and school officials. Misbehavior that distracts the driver endangers all passengers. Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right, and it may be revoked if rules are not followed. Students must adhere to all school rules and GSCS Board of Education (BOE) policies, as well as the following expectations:

Student Bus Conduct Expectations:

For a detailed list, refer to the GSCS Student Handbook.

Key expectations include:

  • Respect yourself and the rights of others.

  • Follow the driver’s instructions promptly.

  • Remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion.

  • Keep all body parts and objects inside the bus.

  • Use of cell phones is at the driver’s discretion.

  • No smoking, vaping, or use of tobacco products.

  • Eating and drinking are prohibited, except for small snacks allowed at the driver’s discretion.

Consequences for Misbehavior:

If a student exhibits disruptive behavior, the bus driver will contact the parents in an effort to resolve the issue. Repeated misconduct will result in escalating consequences as follows:

  • First Reported Incident:

    • School official, parent, and driver conference.

    • A minimum three-day bus suspension if the parent does not attend the conference.

  • Second Reported Incident:

    • 3-day bus suspension.

  • Third Reported Incident:

    • 5-day bus suspension.

  • Fourth Reported Incident:

    • 10-day bus suspension.

  • Fifth Reported Incident:

    • Suspension from the bus for the remainder of the school year.

Severe Misbehavior:

Certain behaviors may result in immediate suspension from the bus. Severe misbehavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Disrespect toward the driver, monitor, or administrator.

  • Fighting.

  • Vandalism.

  • Possession of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, vapes, or weapons.

  • Any behavior that endangers the safety of others.

Automatic Suspension:

Students will be suspended from the bus for the remainder of the year for severe infractions, including possession of weapons or drugs or extreme disrespect toward the driver.

If a student is suspended from the bus, their absence from school will not be excused, and parents are responsible for providing alternate transportation.

The principal may suspend a student from the bus at any time based on the severity of an incident. Suspensions may be up to 10 days, and the student may also face school suspension for serious offenses.

Boarding and Deboarding Procedures:

To ensure safety, students must follow these procedures when boarding and exiting the bus:

  • Be on time: Arrive at the designated bus stop 7-10 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.

  • Maintain a safe distance: Stay at least 12-15 feet away from the boarding point and wait for the bus door to open before approaching.

  • Crossing the street: Look both ways before crossing or wait for the driver’s signal that it is safe to do so.

  • Assigned Bus Only: Students must ride their assigned bus.

If a student needs to board or deboard at a stop other than their designated one, they must obtain an official bus pass from the school office. A parent’s note is required to issue the pass.

Eligibility to Ride:

Students who live more than 1 ½ miles from their assigned school are eligible to ride the bus.

Parent and Student Responsibilities:

All parents and students will receive a copy of these bus conduct guidelines. Parents should review the rules with their children.

Parents, please note:

  • Do not board the bus or prevent the driver from continuing their route. Any concerns should be addressed with the school administrator, who will handle the issue or schedule a conference with the parent and driver.

  • Lead by example: Parents are expected to treat drivers with respect. Profanity and disrespectful behavior toward drivers will not be tolerated.

If parents fail to follow these expectations, their child may lose bus privileges, and parents may face criminal charges for serious infractions.

By working together, we can maintain a safe, respectful, and orderly environment for all students who ride Griffin-Spalding County School buses.