Bus Conduct and Levels of Misbehavior
The school bus is an extension of the classroom and school activities; therefore, students shall conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with the established standards for safety and classroom behavior. Students are under the supervision and control of the bus driver while on the bus. All reasonable direction given by the driver will be followed.
The following levels of conduct and misbehavior are to serve as a guide for consistent reporting and discipline. They are not exhaustive and should be applied according to each referral and action of a student.
Level I – Occur infrequently and only on occasion. These infractions will be addressed by the driver. Level I bus behaviors may include, but not limited to, pushing, cutting line, horseplay, failure to sit in the appropriate seat, fussing, talking loudly, yelling from windows, lying, use of inappropriate language, inappropriate movement in a seat or annoying other students.
Appropriate Level I consequences: verbal reprimand, short term assignment to front seat, phone call to parents, removing privileges such as talking with friends, seat selection, playing with toys or listening to music.
Level II – These behaviors include but not limited to, Level I behaviors that are persistent and repeated multiple times , throwing objects from the window while bus is moving, hanging head , arms, or objects out the window while bus is moving, obscene language or gestures, repeated moving around the bus while in motion, disrespect to driver or school staff.
Appropriate Level II consequences: Referral to Principal for discipline, which may include documentation from previous level I violations. Other actions may include suspension from school sponsored activates, corporal punishment, in School Suspension, out of school suspension, bus suspension.
Level III – These behaviors include but are not limited to, intentional tripping students on the bus, causing emotional outburst of other students, simple fighting, opening the emergency doors or other exits without permission, possession or use of tobacco products, tearing or cutting of seats, defacing or damaging bus seats or walls, destroying other students property, threats and harassment of other students.
Appropriate Level III consequences: Referral of Principal for discipline, actions may include suspension from school sponsored activates, corporal punishment, in School Suspension, out of school suspension, bus suspension, restitution for lost, damaged or stolen property.
Level IV – These behaviors are acts which result in violence to another person or property or which pose a threat to the safety of others or are so serious that they require immediate removal from the bus, the intervention of law enforcement officers, or actions of a Disciplinary Hearing Authority. These behaviors may include but not limited to unmodified Level I, Level II or Level III behaviors; vandalism in excess of $100, theft/possession/sale of stolen property in excess of $200, arson, extortion, bomb threats, false alarms or reports, fights (major, causing injury), consensual sexual contact.
Appropriate Level IV consequences: All Level IV behaviors must be reported to building principals as soon as reasonably possible. The minimum disciplinary action by the school administration will be suspension to the Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA). The DHA may impose additional suspension from the bus or from school, assign the student to an alternative program, recommend expulsion to the Board of Education or impose such terms and conditions as it deems reasonable.
Level V – These behaviors involve Zero-Tolerance Acts which may be defined in Dickson County Board of Education Policy 6.309. All violations of the Zero-Tolerance Policy will result in immediate suspension for school and school activities pending a hearing before the Disciplinary Hearing Authority.