Scholars who use transportation service provided by GRPS (including school buses and The RAPID) are considered to be in school and in an extended classroom. Scholars are therefore subject to all rules, rights and responsibilities of the Uniform Discipline Code, in addition to the specific rules for health and safety while on the bus.
Misbehavior on a bus is distracting to driving and interferes with the safety of all scholars. Scholar Expectations, as listed in Level III for Grades K-5, and Levels IV and V for Grades 6-12 are considered as seriously disruptive and will result in maximum disciplinary action.
Policy & Rules
The Grand Rapids Public Schools recognizes the drivers of school buses (including The Rapid) to be in authority with regard to scholar behavior in or about the vehicle which he/she/they operates. The responsibility of safely transporting scholars to and from school is very important. Bus drivers have to safely navigate through traffic, drive in inclement weather conditions, and keep their eyes on the scholars at all times. This is a challenging job!
The behavior of the scholar on and around the bus directly affects their safety and the safety of others. School rules and regulations apply at all times: when scholars are riding a school bus to and from school, riding to and from school-sponsored activities, as well as waiting at bus stops. Scholars who use transportation services provided by GRPS are considered to be in school and in an extended classroom. Scholars are therefore subject to all rules, rights and responsibilities of the Uniform Disciple Code for Scholar Conduct, in addition to the specific rules for health and safety while on the bus. Misbehavior on a bus is distracting to driving and interferes with the safety of all scholars. Scholar Expectations, as listed in Level III for Grades K–5 and Levels IV and V for Grades 6–12, are considered as seriously disruptive and will result in maximum disciplinary action.
Scholar Behavior Rules
- Follow all rules outlined in the District’s Uniform Discipline Code.
- Respect and respond to all directives from the bus driver.
- Enter and exit the bus in an orderly fashion.
- Remain seated while bus is in motion.
- Keep hands, head, and feet inside the bus.
- No horseplay, i.e. wrestling, pushing, loud/inappropriate volume, etc.
- No throwing of objects inside or outside the bus.
- No inappropriate language.
- No inappropriate touching or sexual activity.
- No weapons, alcohol, or drugs (real or synthetic) including tobacco.
- No physical or verbal altercations or assault.
- No damage or defacing of the bus.
A scholar’s right to school bus transportation is a privilege, dependent on good behavior. In cases where a scholar seriously or continuously misbehaves, Parent(s)/Guardian(s) will be notified by the School Principal, or designee, of the school. Transportation privileges will be revoked if in the opinion of the School Principal, or designee, such action is necessary for the general safety and well-being of every scholar.
Consequences for Violations
The bus driver is to refer all violations to the School Principal and the following disciplinary action is taken:
- 1st and 2nd Violation: School Principal (or designee), conferences with scholar and Parent/Guardian is notified
- 3rd Violation: Scholar suspended from the bus for three to five (3-5) school days and Parent/Guardian is notified
- 4th Violation: Scholar suspended from the bus for an extended period of time until an agreement can be reached between Parent/Guardian, School Principal, Dean Transportation Supervisor and scholar
- Serious offenses receive disciplinary measures, up to and including expulsion from school
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Responsibilities
- Read and discuss with your child(ren) the responsibilities, safety concerns, behavior rules and violation consequences covered by the District’s Uniform Discipline Code.
- Inform your child(ren) of the location of bus stop pick-up and drop-off times.
- See that your child(ren) arrives at the bus stop in a timely fashion and conducts themselves appropriately at bus stops and on school buses.
- Support School Officials in their efforts to operate a safe and efficient transportation system.
Important: Parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for providing transportation for their scholar to attend school during suspension from the bus. This is not a suspension from class. If the scholar does not attend school during a bus suspension, the absence is unexcused.
Driver Responsibilities
- Operate the bus safely at all times.
- Be on the bus to supervise daily boarding and de-boarding of scholars.
- During orientation or within the first week of school discuss safety, evacuation procedures and guidelines regarding scholar conduct on GRPS school buses with scholars.
- After the first verbal warning to the scholar, write a referral for any subsequent violations. Give a copy to Dean Transportation Supervisor or designee.
- If necessary assign seats and maintain a current seating chart; Give a copy to the School Principal and a copy to the transportation department to keep in the route book.
- Call Dispatcher for any needed assistance or emergencies and immediately report to Supervisor. For example: when a fight is imminent, when a fight breaks out, suspected sexual misconduct, safety of bus driver, etc.
School Principal Responsibilities
- Inform Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and scholars of school bus rules and consequences of violations.
- Meet with drivers at the beginning of each school year and as needed throughout the year to discuss loading procedures, safety concerns, discipline procedures, and so on.
- Be present or appoint a designated representative to be present during all arrival and departure times.
- Maintain in the school office current schedules and rider information of all buses assigned to your school.
- Investigate all complaints and referrals and communicate in writing (via email) responses to Dean Transportation Supervisor regarding all referrals.
- Confer with scholars, Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and bus driver when appropriate.