SWEETWATER UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Transportation Services
Bus Rules & Regulations
Bus Discipline Procedures
Violation of the rules and regulations may result in the loss of bus riding privileges. A student who rides the bus in Sweetwater Union High School District is disciplined in accordance with the statutes of the State of California. The student will be subject to disciplinary actions for violation of any of the rules of student conduct in the Sweetwater Union High School District, as outlined in Administrative Regulation No. 3003.1.
Bus Pass Violations
High school and junior\middle school students without a pass or a single-ride ticket will be allowed to ride the bus in the morning, the drivers will issue a citation for noncompliance with Administrative Regulation No. 3003.1. If a student receives three citations for no having a bus pass/single-ride ticket, then a letter is sent home informing the parents that their child will be denied transportation AM - PM if they continue to board the bus without a bus pass or ticket. All students must have a pass or ticket to ride the bus in the afternoon.
STUDENT BUS RULES
All pupils of the Sweetwater Union High School District shall behave in a proper manner while on the bus showing courteous consideration for the rights of other students. All passengers shall obey the following rules:
1. Arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
2. Fill seats as directed by the driver and remain in your seat while on the bus.
3. Always be courteous to the bus driver and fellow students.
4. Report any vandalism or damage on the bus to the bus driver.
5. Report lost or found articles to the bus driver.
6. When getting off the bus, cross the street in the crosswalk or under the supervision of the driver. Never cross the street behind the bus.
7. Do not speak loudly while on the bus. Speak quietly or not at all.
8. Do not talk to the driver except when necessary.
9. Do not use profanity or abusive language.
10. Do not smoke on the bus.
11. Do not eat or drink while on the bus.
12. Do not put your head, arms or any part of your body outside the bus at any time.
13. Do not litter or damage the bus. Parents must pay for damage caused by vandalism.
14. Do not throw anything within the bus or out of the bus.
15. Do not bring animals or other pets on the bus. Properly licensed and muzzled guide dogs are accepted.
16. Do not bring skateboards, radios, tape players or any other types of stereo equipment on the bus.
17. Do not walk/cross behind the rear of the school bus.
18. Do not open or use the emergency exits except in an emergency.
Pupils who violate any of the above rules of conduct will be given a bus citation. Written citations will be sent directly to the principal via district mail and a copy will be filed in transportation. The principal will notify the parent/guardian and the pupil of warnings and/or suspensions. Each citation will be investigated to determine facts and a parent-pupil conference will be held if necessary.
However, the School Principal or his/her designee shall have the latitude to increase or decrease the normal corrective measure within reason, considering the student's age, frequency and severity of offense, and other patterns of behavior. In cases where the School Principal or his/her designee determines that the student behavior presents a danger to persons or causes damage to property, the student may be immediately suspended from ridership.
The consequences for receiving a school bus citation (board policy #5131.9) are as follows:
· First and second citation - meet with the student and issue a warning.
· Third citation - suspended from AM - PM bus ride for 3 days.
· Fourth citation - suspended from AM - PM bus ride for 1 week.
· Fifth citation - suspended from AM - PM bus ride for 2 weeks.
· Sixth citation - suspended from AM - PM bus ride for 1 month.
· Seventh citation - suspended from AM - PM bus ride for rest of school year.
Consequences for receiving a school bus citation vary for Special Education Students.
Your child’s bus pass will be distributed by the school site during the first week of school.
Your child will not be denied transportation the first week of school for not having their bus pass.
After the first week of school, all bus passes will be given to the students by their bus driver.
If you elect to purchase an annual pass you have the option to make payments. The payment schedule requires the last payment due in September. Your child will be given a TEMPORARY BUS PASS until we receive your last scheduled payment.
If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact the Transportation Office at 691-5527.
“The Sweetwater Union High School District does not discriminate with regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry/ethnicity, marital or parental status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or any other unlawful consideration. SUHSD Board Policy #2224”