School Bus Policy

LFDCS provides - without cost - bus transportation to and from school for all families who qualify for public transportation.

In order to be eligible for bus transportation, families must live at least 1.5 miles from the school. We expect every student and family to respect this privilege. Students who live outside the school district (outside of Lawrence) do not qualify for school bus transportation because they are considered "choice program students." Students at the Upper School that are provided busing have the responsibility to get on the bus. While the school provides busing supervision, the school is not responsible for students choosing not to ride the bus.

All students should familiarize themselves with the system-wide policies given to them at the beginning of the year. Persistent disregard of these rules may result in a loss of the pupil's pass and privileges. All students are expected to remember and practice the emergency exit procedures as demonstrated during the year. Bus behavior for field trips is the same as for regular transportation:

Whether riding the regular school bus, field trip bus or bus to classes throughout the school day, students are expected to follow established rules and regulations. In the interest of safety and pleasantness of journey, the following rules must be strictly adhered to:

A. Students are expected to enter and leave the bus in an orderly single line; no running, pushing, or shoving allowed.
B. Students will fill the seats from the front to the rear, the first aboard going to the front (unless otherwise directed).
C. Students will sit two or three in a seat as directed, facing the front of the bus.
D. Students will keep hands away from the windows and feet out of the aisles.
E. Students will not distract the driver with loud noise or boisterous behavior.
F. Students will remain seated until the bus comes to a full halt (unless otherwise directed to stand in the aisle).
G. Windows may be opened only by an adult. In the event any windows are open, students will not throw objects out of them or put their head, arms, or feet out the windows.
H. Students must never litter or throw objects within the bus.
I. Buses will be unloaded from front to rear, allowing those students sitting in front to leave the bus first.
J. Students will not enter the bus unless the driver is present (unless otherwise directed to do so).
K. Students are expected to obey and cooperate with the bus driver and bus monitor.
L. Students are expected to exhibit proper behavior at all bus stops-staying out of the road, respecting private and personal property.
M. Any child exhibiting inappropriate behavior on any bus may forfeit their seat at this school.

All regulations regarding student behavior while riding a school bus apply at all times to all destinations-including transportation to physical education class, to field trips and during visits to secondary schools.

Consequences:
1. Verbal Warning - Documentation submitted to the Head of School and the Student Services Coordinator/Parent Liaison contacts the parent.
2. 2 days off bus - Parents will meet with Head of School.
3. 1 week off bus - Parents will meet with Head of School and Principal.
4. Student forfeits seat on bus.

Any student that is removed from the bus due to behavior is excluded from applying for transportation for two consecutive school years after the removal, not including the current school year in which they were removed .