Students who have the opportunity to ride PACT Charter School buses may do so as long as they display behavior that is reasonable and safe. Choosing to display unacceptable behavior will result in loss of bus service. The bus driver is responsible for the safety and discipline of students on the bus. The bus driver is empowered to determine the consequences of misbehavior. Administration is available to assist the driver and aid in resolving disputes. A suspension applies to all buses unless otherwise designated by school officials. The responsibility for student supervision by the district shall begin when the student boards the bus in the morning and is retained until the student leaves the bus at the end of the day, including field trips, or until released to the parent/guardian in a manner consistent with guidelines on release of students.

Transporting school-related/non-related items: The Laws and Rules for the Operation of School Buses in the State of Minnesota state: “...no material, including guns, loaded or unloaded; gasoline cans, empty or full; animals or any other object of dangerous or objectionable nature are to be transported in the school bus when students are being transported.” Additional prohibited items include skis; skateboards; helium balloons; sharp objects that are not contained in a backpack; and balls, marbles, or anything that rolls and is not contained in a backpack. Band instruments that will be allowed on the bus are those that are small enough to be held in the student’s lap. Instruments may not be in the aisle or take the place of a student. Hockey sticks, baseball or softball bats, sleds, or any other recreational equipment will not be allowed on regular buses unless properly stored. Ice skates that are boxed or have skate guards will be allowed. Damage to personal items is not covered by PACT’s insurance policy.

Bus Behavior Guidelines and Consequences (K-12):

Class I Offenses

1. Spitting

2. Excessive noise

3. Excessive horseplay/mischief

4. Leaving seat/standing while the bus is in motion

5. Falsely identifying self or refusal to identify self

6. Eating/drinking of snacks/beverages will be at the bus driver’s discretion and may result in a “no food” policy depending on how well students comply with no littering on the bus

7. Littering on the bus

8. Other offenses as reported by the driver or administration

Class II Offenses

1. Hanging out of windows

2. Throwing/shooting of any object

3. Physical aggression, verbal abuse, harassment (e.g., bullying, etc.) against any person or assault

4. Use of tobacco or any controlled substance

5. Vandalism to bus (restitution will be made)

6. Holding on to/or attempting to hold on to any portion of the exterior of the bus while in motion

7. Possession of weapons, explosives, flammables or look-alikes

Note: Due to the serious danger caused by laser pens on buses, they are also considered under this policy.

1. Lighting of matches, fireworks, or any flammable object or substance

2. Unauthorized entering or leaving of the bus through the emergency door/tampering with bus equipment

3. Ignoring the verbal requests of the driver (insubordination)

4. Using profanity or obscene gestures, or possession of unacceptable material

5. Other offenses as reported by driver or administration

Consequences Affecting Bus Use Privileges

Class I:

1st offense Verbal warning to student

2nd offense Written warning to parent and may include up to a five-day suspension of bus privileges

3rd offense Up to 10 days bus suspension and parent meeting required before suspension is rescinded

4th offense Loss of bus service for the remainder of the school year at the discretion of an Principal or administrative designee

Class II:

1st offense Written warning to parent and may include up to a five-day bus suspension

2nd offense Up to 10 days bus suspension and parent meeting required before suspension is rescinded

3rd offense Loss of bus service for the remainder of the school year

Note: Administration may also refer repeated or serious action to the police. The bus ride is considered an extension of the school day and therefore school rules apply.