August 16, 2023, Community Update: Information on Student Expectations, Rights and Responsibilities and Transportation Procedures and Handbook
Our Commitment: Safe and Supportive Learning Environments
Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. The resource below outlines student expectations, rights and responsibilities for the 2023-2024 school year. BCPS families are asked to review resources with children prior to the start of school. Students will also review the documents in class with school staff.
The 2023-2024 Student Handbook includes an overview of the rights and responsibilities of BCPS students and a summary of the laws and regulations that affect students. Topics include consistent, timely attendance, respect for people and property, technology usage, student publications, student activities, student records, the right to appeal - including grievance procedures – and more. For the complete explanation of students’ responsibilities and rights, see Board of Education Policy 5600 and Superintendent’s Rule 5600.
Students and parents/guardians are required to electronically sign a statement indicating that the Student Handbook has been received and that the expectations for student behavior are understood. The Student Handbook is an important document to review annually because it incorporates changes from previous versions. To learn more about the changes in this year’s handbook, view this presentation from the BCPS Office of School Climate and Culture.
Transportation Procedures and Expectations
Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is committed to providing safe and supportive environments for all students and staff. The Office of Transportation’s top priority each day is to transport all student bus riders safely to and from school. To accomplish this goal, we need the cooperation of the entire community. Positive student behavior while entering, riding, and leaving the bus contributes to safe transportation by making it possible for drivers to dedicate their full attention to the roads and other drivers. Student bus riders are expected to act responsibly and respectfully at all times.
The primary purpose of rules and procedures on buses is the safety of all passengers—students and staff. Please take a few minutes to review the information below with students concerning bus behavior expectations and bus discipline prior to the beginning of the school year. Students will also review the documents with school staff.
Bus Expectations - Transportation Handbook
Students
Students receiving transportation services have the responsibility to follow all bus rules. These rules include:
- At the bus stop, wait in an orderly manner, out of the way of all traffic, until the bus stops, and bus driver opens the door.
- Stand at least five (5) feet back from the stopping position of the bus.
- Wait until the bus stops completely before moving forward to board it.
- The aisle of the bus must be kept clear, so that the rear emergency exit is always accessible. Large objects such as musical instruments, athletic equipment, and school projects are prohibited, unless the student can carry the object themselves, hold the object on his/her lap, or place the object on the floor between his/her legs.
- Once on board the bus, follow the Bus Rules as posted:
- Follow directions the first time they are given.
- Stay seated, facing forward at all times.
- Keep all body parts inside the bus.
- Keep hands, feet, legs, arms, personal property, and your voice to yourself.
- No eating, smoking, drinking, or vulgar language at any time on the bus.
- Wait until the bus stops moving before getting out of the seat and moving forward to get off the bus.
- Always board your assigned bus and get on and off at your regularly assigned bus stop.
- Once off the bus, proceed immediately away from the bus.
Bus Discipline Procedures and Consequences
The code below organizes unacceptable behavior into four levels. The examples are not exhaustive but illustrative. Additionally, all consequences are dependent upon the severity and frequency of the behavior. The Office of Transportation reserves the right to consider extenuating circumstances in determining disciplinary action.
|
Level 1 |
| Infraction |
Consequences |
Infractions that interfere with the orderly transportation of students. Some examples are:
- Screaming
- Failure to stay seated
- Littering on the bus
- Tampering with the possessions of other
passengers
|
The bus driver reports infractions on the bus. The school administrator administers consequences. This action may include any or all of the following:
- Verbal warning and referral issued
- Contact with parent
- Assigned seat at the discretion of driver
|
|
Level 2 |
| Infraction |
Consequences |
More severe infractions that interfere with the safe transportation of students. Some examples are:
- Repeated occurrences of Level 1 behaviors
- Bullying other passengers, including verbal abuse
- Profanity towards staff
- Damage to the bus interior/exterior
|
The bus driver reports infractions on the bus. The school administrator administers consequences. This action may include any or all of the following:
- Referral issued
- Contact with parent
- Assigned seat at the discretion of driver
- Loss of bus privileges for up to 5 days and cost of repairs
|
|
Level 3 |
| Infraction |
Consequences |
Actions that endanger the safety of the driver or students and which impairs the driver's ability to drive safely. Some examples include:
- Repeated occurrences of Level 1 or 2 behaviors
- Refusal to remain in seats
- Sexual misconduct
- Throwing objects
- Refusal to follow staff directions for safety
|
The bus driver reports infractions on the bus. The school administrator administers consequences. At more serious levels, the Director of Transportation may be involved. This action may include the following:
- Referral issued
- Contact with parent
- Loss of bus privileges for 6 to 9 days
- Repeated incidents of Level 2 behavior may result in removal from transportation for the remainder of the school year
|
|
Level 4 |
| Infraction |
Consequences |
Infractions that endanger the safety of the driver or
students and may require local police to intervene. Some examples include:
- Fighting, including pushing and/or wrestling
- Sexual misconduct
- Possession of dangerous objects or weapons
- Possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs or controlled substances
- Opening emergency exits and/or exiting the bus without authorization
|
The bus driver reports infraction on the bus. The school administrator administers consequences. At more serious levels, the Director of Transportation may be involved. This action may include the following:
- Referral issued
- Contact with parent
- Loss of bus privileges for 10 days
- Repeated incidents may result in removal from transportation for the remainder of the school year
- Illegal activity will be referred to Baltimore County Police Department
- Suspension from school and/or extended suspension
|
|
Consequences for repeat infractions related to transportation include, but are not limited to: |
| 1st Offense |
2nd Offense |
3rd Offense |
4th Offense |
Parent notification required
Appropriate Action required
Student Conference
Seat change on bus
Bus or School Suspension
commensurate with offense
Code of Student Conduct
implemented as appropriate |
Bus Suspension
(up to 5 days) |
Bus Suspension
(6 to 9 days) |
Bus Suspension
(remainder of the school year) |
Appropriate Action Required
Additional Bus or School Suspension commensurate with offense
Implement Code of Student Conduct as Appropriate
For students with disabilities, bus suspension is counted as a suspension from school if transportation is included as a related service on the IEP/504 Plan |
Behavior on the School Bus
Riding the school bus is a privilege. This privilege may be temporarily denied or permanently revoked if misconduct jeopardizes the safe operation of the school bus or the safety of students riding the bus. School suspension is a possible sanction.
Behavior or activity jeopardizing the safe operation of the school bus or interfering with the welfare of other vehicle occupants is prohibited. The school bus operator will report promptly and in writing to appropriate administrative staff any conduct appearing to require disciplinary action. After administrative staff evaluation, appropriate disciplinary action will follow. A copy of the disposition will be returned to the school bus operator.
Video/Digital Cameras and Audio Recording Devices
School buses are equipped with video/digital cameras and audio recording devices. These tools monitor the passenger area of the bus. As such, riders are subject to video and audio surveillance. The objective is to provide an important additional tool to assist the driver and administration in managing student conduct on school buses, an important safety consideration that benefits all.
New Bus Locator App Coming Soon
Coming Soon! - The Office of Transportation announces the county-wide implementation of our new parent app, BusWhere! BusWhere is a location tracking software that allows subscribers to see bus locations in real time on a mobile phone or computer. Subscribers may opt to receive notifications as the bus is approaching a designated bus stop or if there is a significant issue causing a delay.
Additional information will be shared the week of September 25, 2023.