Student Bus Registration - West

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 8 (KOOTENAY LAKE)
Procedure and Code of Conduct for Bus Students

The School District 8 - Kootenay Lake Board of Education expects all pupils utilizing School District No 8 school bus transportation services to follow the Bus Passenger Code of Conduct.  The Bus Passenger Code of Conduct is established to ensure a safe ride, free from harassment, violence, or intimidation for all passengers riding the buses.

Pupils and parents are reminded that misbehavior on the bus may distract the bus driver which could affect the safe operation of the school bus.  The driver’s main focus must be on the traffic and the road ahead and they cannot be expected to maintain constant attention to passengers behind them on the bus.  As a result, we believe pupils must bear a major responsibility for control of their behavior on the buses.  We are pleased that most students are aware of their responsibilities as a school bus passenger, however, for those few who are not, the Bus Passenger Code of Conduct, progressive disciple measures will result.

Any form of behavior that is detrimental to the safe operation of the school bus, that would result in damage, excessive cleaning of the school bus, or makes it unpleasant for others riding the bus must be dealt with.

Examples of behavior that result in discipline include:

• Smoking, including the use of Electronic Smoking Devices.
• Fighting.
• Eating or drinking on the bus when not permitted.
• Use of alcohol or other prohibited drugs.
• Moving around while bus is in motion.
• Not remaining in assigned seat.
• Spitting, foul language.
• Weapons, lighting matches.
• Throwing objects or garbage.
• Vandalism.
• Shouting and unnecessary noise.
• Harassment of the driver or other passengers.
• Any breach of the regular School Code of Conduct

Please be aware that video cameras with microphones are installed on some SD8 school busses. 

Progressive Discipline

The range of responses to misbehavior will be specific to each incident, built on the premise of restitution and may vary depending on individual student needs.  This means that the point at which and intervention begins will vary with the severity of the incident and may take into consideration a student’s prior history of misbehavior.  Not all steps are necessary in all situations. For example, the driver may simply attempt to resolve the problem through driver/student discussion or may choose to refer the matter to the Transportation office or the School Principal.

For more serious behavioral issues, or for students who have repeated disciplinary actions, the student may receive:

• Suspension from school bus riding privileges for 1 to 3 days
• Suspension from school bus riding privileges lasting 1-5 days
• Indefinite school bus riding suspension until a meeting is held with the student, their parent(s), school administration and a transportation representative.
• All suspensions from riding privileges includes riding to or from extra-curricular activities