Rules and Regulations

When Crossing The Street

Merced City School District bus drivers assist all Kindergarten through 8th grade students in crossing the street as they depart the bus. If you need to cross the street, make sure your driver is aware so he/she can safely prepare the bus for the crossing procedure.

The bus driver should be the first one off the bus. He/She needs to activate the "Red Lights" that flash on the oustside of the bus to warn cars to stop for children crossing the street.

Once the driver is off the bus, walk down the bus steps and wait on the sidewalks next to the bus. Wait for your driver to direct you to cross the street. Never go into the street without the bus driver telling you to do so.

Always walk between the bus and the bus driver when you cross the street. Never cross the street behind the bus.

Once you have crossed the street, stay there. Do not play in the street. Go directly home.

Walking To And From Bus Stops

Go directly to and from the bus stop.
Plan the safest route with the fewest streets to cross.
Use crosswalks, if available, when crossing streets.
Look both directions before crossing a street and always obey traffic signals.
Watch for vehicles that might be making turns.
Do not dart out between parked cars or shrubbery.
Never except rides from strangers.
If possible, face traffic when walking on roads without sidewalks.
Be extra careful during darkness or in bad weather.
Leave home early enough so that you do not have to run to your bus stop.

Conduct At Bus Stops/Loading Zones

Stand in a straight line, facing the traffic so you can see the bus approaching. Stand back atleast 6 feet where the bus will stop, and where possible stand back 10 feet.
Do not approach the bus until the driver opens the door.
When loading the bus at school, follow the directions of the driver and/or the teacher on bus duty.
Never go under the bus to retrieve somthing you have dropped.
Destroying property, playing in the street or any horseplay at the bus stop is dangerous and prohibited.
Do not bring pets to a bus stop.
School buses can only stop at designated bus stops.
Never run after your bus once it has left the stop.

Parents: If you are dropping off a student at a bus stop, park your car on the same side the bus is parked. Do not park your car in the loading/unloading zone.

Bus Rules

Arrive at bus stop five minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
Use only assigned bus stop.
Remain properly seated (facing forward) at all times.
No standing or changing seats while the bus is in motion and without proper permission.
Refrain from transporting hazardous or destructive objects on the bus such as, weapons, firearms or any glass object.
Arrange for other transportation to school if you must bring live animals, reptiles, insects, ect.
Respect the rights and property of others on the bus.
Avoid rough play while at the bus stop or on the bus.
Always enter and exit through the front door, except in emergencies or evacuation drills.
Remain quiet at railroad crossings.
Keep all parts of the body inside the bus.
Keep the windows closed unless otherwise instructed.
Do not use profanity, make obscene gestures or create excessive noise.
Do not damage or deface any part of the bus, tamper with emergency exits or other equipment.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke on the bus.
Be courteous and respectful to others.
Give the bus driver a written request if you need to be left at a bus stop that is different from your assigned bus stop. (Request must be signed by parent/guardian).
If you board the wrong school bus, notify the driver immediately so arrangements can be made to get you to your correct bus stop.

Discipline Process

Students who violate any of the rules and regulations will receive a bus conduct report and will be subject to the normal progression and penalties.

In cases of severe misconduct, students may receive penalties more severe than suggested in the normal process.

All other school district rules and regulations, together with other penalties, shall apply to conduct on the buses and shall be administered by the Director of Transportation or his/her designee.

The Transportation Department is responsible for notifying the parents of all violations. The normal progression of penalties for violations of the rules and regulations on the bus are as follows:

First Violation:
Verbal and Written Warning by the Bus Driver

Second Violation:
1-day suspension from all MCSD school buses

Third Violation:
3-day suspension from all MCSD school buses

Fourth Violation:
5-day suspension from all MCSD school buses

Fifth Violation:
Parent conference prior to reinstatement of riding privileges

Sixth Violation:
Lose all bus riding privileges for remainder of school year

APPEALS:

If a parent requests an appeal on the bus suspension, the following people should be present:

Director of Transportation or his/her designee
School Principal or his/her designee
Bus driver who cited the student
Parent/guardian of suspended student
Student (if requested)

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