We now have five school buses at Northern Lights School and the bus drivers are having difficulty with the unexpected behaviours on the bus. We are asking for your help if your child rides the bus.

Please speak to your child to ensure they understand the expected safety behaviours and let them know that you are aware Mrs. Brinson has spoken to them about the following:

• Sit in your assigned seat (that is on their bus tag) at all times.
• Sit facing forward with your bum on the seat and your feet on the floor. (Do not kneel on the seat or turn around to look at people behind you while on the bus.)
• Never stand up while the bus is moving. Never stand on your seat.
• Eat when you get home (not on the bus) and do not throw garbage on the floor.
• Have safe hands, safe feet, safe words at all times from the time you get on the school bus until the time you are back at home.
• Keep your hands to yourself and do not touch the belongings of others.
• Sit quietly or visit quietly with the person beside. There should never be yelling, screaming, or loud talking as the driver has to be able to concentrate.
• Listen to the bus driver at all times.
• Understand that if you can't show this expected behaviour, you could be suspended from the bus and parents would have to drop you off and pick you up until you can show expected behavior.

Below we have included the Safety & Conduct information from the CBE website for additional information. It can also be found at https://www.cbe.ab.ca/schools/busing-and-transportation/Pages/safety-conduct.aspx.

Thank you for your support in this important matter.

School Bus Rules

The school bus is considered an extension of the school. Administrative Regulations 6001 and 6095 inform the School Bus Rules and student behaviour expectations.

Students riding on a school bus are responsible for their conduct and are expected to follow the School Bus Rules. Violation of the School Bus Rules may lead to loss of riding privileges, suspension from school or other disciplinary measures.

• The driver is in full charge of the bus. Respect the driver and obey directions.
• Students will sit in their assigned seat both to and from school.
• The driver may assign specific seats to students at any time.
• Students will not extend arms or head out of windows. While the bus is in motion, students will remain seated facing forward, and will not move about within the bus.
• Students will not throw anything on the floor or out of the windows of the bus.
• While on the bus, students will conduct themselves in a quiet and courteous manner, showing consideration for the comfort and safety of others.
• Scuffling, fighting, and the use of obscene language, gestures or behaviour on the bus, are prohibited.
• Students will not distract the bus driver with excessive noise.
• Students causing willful damage to a bus will be held accountable.
• When leaving the bus, students will observe the instructions of the bus driver, and will not cross the road without having a clear view in all directions.
• No student or parent is permitted on the bus without the authorization of the bus driver or the authorization of the school principal or their designate.

Consequences

Infractions of safety or behaviour rules will result in the following:

• The driver will first seek the cooperation of the student.
• If the student does not comply, the driver or supervisor will report the concern to their supervisor and they will submit a Student Bus Report to CBE Transportation for follow up with the school. ***We encourage drivers to fill out these reports as a communication tool in order to ensure students are safe and supported.***
• If your child reports a behavior on the bus that is disturbing to them, please ensure that the bus driver and the school are made aware of the issue.
• If your child is responsible for a behavioral or safety concern, the bus driver and/or school will let you know. In either case, service providers, school, and transportation staff will work with you as needed towards a solution.
• The principal or designate will keep a record of all such reports and will take corrective action, which may include suspension of the student’s transportation privileges.
• Students will not be discharged from the bus mid-trip to or from school as a form of corrective action for infractions of the school bus safety rules.