All students will receive bus safety training in the classrooms, and evacuation drills will be practiced on the bus. Students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following concepts:

1. Transportation by school bus is a privilege, not a right
2. District policies for student conduct and school bus safety
3. Appropriate conduct while on the school bus
4. The danger zones surrounding a school bus
5. Procedures for safely boarding and leaving a bus
6. Procedures for safe vehicle lane crossing
7. School bus evacuation and emergency procedures

Each and every student is entitled to a safe and orderly ride to and from school every day. Minnesota state law states that transportation by school bus is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate or unsafe behavior could result in the loss of this privilege. Student transportation drivers are encouraged to work directly and closely with the transportation staff, principals, counselors, and teachers to reinforce positive student behavior, as well as to deal with and correct inappropriate behavior.

You can help your child have a great start to every school day by talking to him/her about appropriate behavior at the bus stop. It’s important for parents to know that school supervision of (and responsibility for) students begins when students board the school bus - not while they’re waiting at the bus stop. As always, parents and neighbors can play a role in promoting appropriate behavior when students are off school property and, therefore, not under school district supervision. If you are having trouble with any behavior issues at the bus stop, you are encouraged to accompany your child to the bus stop and/or notify the police. We also ask that you notify your son/daughter’s school so that administrators are aware of any behavior problems.

The following is a summary of the Westonka School District’s progressive and assertive discipline plan. After restating the bus rules carefully to students who have difficulties with proper riding procedures, the student transportation driver will attempt to correct the situation with the following measures:

• 1st offense - Principal confers with student and notifies parents with a copy of these regulations by mail. Detention will be issued for grades 8-12
• 2nd offense - Principal confers with student and contacts parent by telephone. Detention may be issued.
• 3rd offense - Student loses bus riding privileges for one week; parents are notified.
• 4th offense - Student loses bus riding privileges for two weeks; parents are notified.
• 5th offense - Student loses bus riding privileges for a period no longer than the remainder of the school year; parents are notified.

Based on the severity of the student’s conduct, more serious consequences may be imposed at any time.