Bus and Other School Vehicles

The District makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more miles from school. This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and any subsequent changes are posted at the school. Information may be obtained at the school office at (512) 856-2422.

Students are expected to assist District staff in ensuring the bus safely. When riding school buses, students are subject to behavioral standards establish in the handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. Students may:

• Follow the driver's directions at all times.
• Enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner at the designated bus stop nearest home.
• Keep feet, books, band instruments cases, and other objects out of the aisle.
• Not deface the bus or its equipment.
• Not put head, hands, arms , or legs out of the window, hold any object out the window,or throw objects within or outside of the bus.
• Students may be ready to board bus at designated bus stop. Drivers cannot wait for students.
• Bus drivers may assign seats. Students will remain in seats while bus is in motion and be responsible for any damage to the seats.
• Students are under the authority of the Coupland Independent School District while on the bus. Conduct should be similar to classroom conduct. Students will be allowed off a bus only at school or a regular stop, unless authorized in writing by parents or guardian.
• Students shall not carry any weapons, explosives (such as fireworks, knives, water guns) or any unsheathed, pointed articles on the bus.
• Scuffling, fighting, use of inappropriate gestures, and use of profane language will not be tolerated.
• Students may not make any loud or unusual noise or attempt to distract the driver in any way.
• Students must keep aisles clear. Any articles too large to be held in lap or placed under the seat cannot be carried on the bus.
• Emergency Door is not to be used to enter or exit except in an emergency. In case of an emergency, students should follow the instructions of the bus driver.
• The bus driver is required to report any misconduct to the principal for disciplinary action.
• Upon leaving the bus, wait for the driver's signal before crossing in front of the bus.

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Misconduct will be punished in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct; bus-riding privileges may be suspended.

The following procedure shall follow when discipline concern arises on the bus:

• A conference involving the superintendent, the student passenger, the driver, and the parents(s) may be required.
• The superintendent may suspend the student's bus riding privileges. If such a suspension occurs, the parents will be notified prior to the time the suspension takes effect.

In case of serious misconduct that endangers the safety of other passengers or the driver, the driver shall have the authority to return to school or call for law enforcement's assistance; the principal and parent(s) shall be notified of the situation as soon as possible. The student shall not be provided bus service again until a conference involving all persons listed above has been held.

When students ride in the District van or passenger car, seat belts must be used at all times.