Bus Expectations

1. Be at the proper bus stop on time, 5 to 10 minutes before the expected arrival of the bus, but no more than 10 minutes.
2. Refrain from defacing or destroying property at the stop and in the neighborhood on the way to the stop.
3. Stand and wait for the bus in the designated area, not on private property.
4. Wait for your bus for no more than thirty (30) minutes beyond the expected arrival time.

1. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the red flashing lights come on and board the bus in an orderly manner.
2. If you must cross the roadway to board the bus, wait for the signal from the bus driver to cross safely.
3. Be seated promptly to the satisfaction of your bus driver.

1. Stay in your seat.
2. For your personal safety, hands, arms, head and personal belonging are not to be extended beyond the bus window.
3. You will use an “inside voice" (only to be heard within 12 inches).
4. Fighting is prohibited.
5. Eating, drinking, and gum chewing are prohibited on the bus.
6. Use acceptable language at all times.
7. Refrain from throwing objects around the bus or out of the bus window.
8. Refrain from defacing or destroying bus equipment.
9. Live animals cannot be transported to and from school on the bus.
10. Items including hockey sticks, ball bats, soccer balls, football, etc. are not to be transported on the bus unless permission is granted in writing by your teacher and principal. You will have to show the permission slip to the bus driver.

1. Remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop, INCLUDING UPON ARRIVAL TO THE SCHOOL BUILDING EACH MORNING.
2. Exit the bus from front to back.
3. If you must cross the roadway after exiting the bus, wait for a signal from the driver to do so.
4. Walk directly from the bus to your classroom or directly to your home.

Failure to follow school rules and regulations while on a school bus is reported to the administration through Bus Conduct Reports provided by the bus driver and/or bus monitor. The building principal/administrative staff will review and investigate each reported incident. Consequences for bus misbehavior will be based on the severity of each incident. Consequences may include verbal warning, Parent/Guardian conference, or suspension of bus riding privileges. Frequent reoccurrences of misbehavior will result in more restrictive consequences.

The following general guidelines are utilized by building administration for Level I bus offenses, which include, but are not limited to, behaviors such as being out of seat, standing, using inappropriate language, yelling and disrespectful speech or actions.

First Offense – Warning and Parent/Guardian Contact
Second Offense – PHSD Building-Specific Consequences (assigned by building administration)*
Third Offense – PHSD Building-Specific Consequences (assigned by building administration)*
Fourth Offense – 1-3 Day Bus Suspension

*Specific consequences are dependent upon the severity of misconduct. These consequences include Lunch/Recess Detention, assigned seating on the bus, parent/guardian conferences and referral to Administrative Bus School.

Continued misconduct may result in the permanent loss of bus riding privileges for the remainder of the school year. The following general guidelines are utilized by building administration for Level II bus offenses, which include, but are not limited to, behaviors such as physical aggression/fighting, bullying, throwing objects and defiance of adult authority. Please note that vandalism of bus property is also a Level II offense; however, in addition to bus suspension consequences, the parent/guardian may also be responsible for monetary restitution as billed by the bus company. Level II misconducts WILL result in suspension of bus riding privileges. The duration of the suspension will be determined by the severity of the offense. Level II misconduct may also result in a referral to Administrative Bus School.

Continued misconduct may result in the permanent loss of bus riding privileges for the remainder of the school year.

When students are issued bus suspensions, it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to transport or make transportation arrangements for his/her child to and from school on the dates of the suspension. STUDENTS MUST BE PICKED UP FROM PENN HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BY 4:00 PM.