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Transportation

BUS TRANSPORTATION & RIDER CODE OF CONDUCT BCBOE Policy 6.308

Bus transportation is a privilege granted to the students in the Waterville Community Elementary zone. Should a student act unsafely, impair the safety of others, or distract the driver’s attention from his or her driving responsibilities, bus privileges may be revoked. If the student receives an incident report from the bus driver, the school administrator will decide on the appropriate consequence based on the Bradley County Schools policies.

If you have questions or concerns regarding bus transportation that we are not able to address we would refer you to Mr. Terry MeElhaney, Supervisor for Transportation, at 423-665-4060. Bradley County Schools Transportation

In Bradley County Schools, we are dedicated to providing safe and dependable bus transportation for your child. Safety is our highest priority. School bus drivers are required to maintain training standards and procedures for bus safety operations. Students, whether they ride the bus daily or only on occasional field trips, must abide by rules of conduct designed to ensure safety. Bus transportation provided by the Bradley County Board of Education is a privilege, not a right. Time on the bus is considered an extension of the school day. Therefore, just as we expect appropriate behavior in the classroom, we expect appropriate behavior on the bus. Please discuss this information with your child. Your cooperation will enable Bradley County Schools to provide the safest environment possible for our students.

Notice: Video and audio recording devices are used on Bradley County buses.

The following rules should be observed while on the bus.

  1. Obey the bus driver; follow the driver’s first request.

  2. The bus driver may assign seats.
  3. No food, drink, or gum on the bus; no littering.
  4. Loud, rude, abusive, or profane language is not permitted.
  5. Possession and/or use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs are prohibited in any form.
  6. Keep hands and head inside the bus.
  7. Remain seated.
  8. Never throw items inside or out of the bus.
  9. Keep the bus aisle clear of feet and property.
  10. For everyone’s safety, do not distract the driver through misbehavior.
  11. Do not destroy property. Parents will be financially responsible for any act of vandalism. Students will remain suspended from riding the bus until damages are paid.
  12. Do not tamper with or use emergency exits of the bus unless authorized to do so.
  13. Do not raise/lower windows without permission.

Bus drivers will make a written report of violations to the principal or his/her designee. The principal (or designee) will investigate and determine appropriate consequences. Only the principal (or designee) may reduce or suspend a student’s bus-riding privilege.

Student Responsibilities

  1. Always cross the street in front of the bus. Never go behind the bus.
  2. If crossing a road or street is necessary when boarding or departing the bus, wait for the bus driver’s signal before crossing.
  3. Stay 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing.
  4. Never crawl under the bus to pick up papers or other items.
  5. Arrive at the bus stop at least 5-10 minutes early.
  6. Stay out of the road at bus stops.
  7. Never get in a car with a stranger.
  8. Report any inappropriate behavior on the bus or near a stop to the driver and principal.
  9. Stay silent when the bus stops at a railroad crossing.
  10. Be courteous to the driver.
  11. Share seats with other students.

Parent Responsibilities

  1. Review bus rules and conduct expectations with your child.
  2. Instruct the child to be at least 5 minutes early to the bus stop.
  3. Monitor the conduct and safety of your child before the bus arrives each morning.
  4. Monitor the conduct and safety of your child after the bus departs each afternoon.
  5. Encourage appropriate dress for inclement weather.
  6. Provide a note if you wish your child to ride a different bus or get off at a different stop.
  7. Be courteous to the drive

School Closings

In the event of inclement weather or other emergencies, we will notify local and regional television and radio stations with information regarding modified school schedules or closings. Every effort will be made to make these announcements in a timely manner. Please report any concerns involving a school bus to:

Bradley County Schools Transportation Dept.

800 South Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37323. 423.665.4060

SEVERE WEATHER PROCEDURES

The principal’s office will be in constant contact with the Civil Defense by way of emergency weather radio so that early warning can be received concerning possible severe weather. Students will be sent home only if we are sure there is sufficient time to get them there before severe weather strikes. Parents are urged not to come to school for children if the severe weather is already in the immediate area since students would be safer at school than traveling under these conditions.

Disaster drills will be held regularly at the school so that the children will be familiar with safety areas and procedures. If it becomes necessary to send students home the Director of Schools, not the school, will make that decision. Parents are advised to listen to local radio stations in these situations. Our One Call Now Phone System will make a call to your home phone and emergency contact number. Please make plans with your children for early dismissal due to inclement weather.

When the schools are dismissed because of inclement weather, our bus schedule will run as follows, in this order:

  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Elementary Schools