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BUS CONDUCT RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR STUDENTS

Student Conduct and Expectations: CASD Transportation

  • Assigned Transportation: Only ride on the assigned vehicle unless a written request from a parent or guardian is submitted to and approved by the Transportation Department at least three (3) hours prior to the end of the school day.
  • Authorized Stops: Board and depart the vehicle exclusively at their assigned pick-up and drop-off locations.
  • Seating Requirements: Remain seated until the vehicle has reached its destination and come to a complete stop. 
  • Assigned Seating: Sit in assigned seats whenever the driver determines it is necessary.
  • Positioning: Face forward at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
  • Driver Concentration: Refrain from unnecessary conversation with the driver to prevent distraction.
  • Noise Level: Speak only in a low, conversational tone with seatmates; shouting or calling to individuals in other sections of the bus is prohibited.
  • Appropriate Language: Use civil and respectful language at all times; obscene or vulgar language is strictly prohibited.
  • Substance Prohibition: Refrain from smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products on the vehicle. Violators will be subject to fines and disciplinary action.
  • Vehicle Cleanliness: Maintain a clean environment and keep the vehicle free from litter at all times.
  • Respect for Staff: Follow all instructions given by the driver or aide promptly and respectfully.
  • Physical Conduct: Refrain from fighting, pushing, shoving, hitting, or engaging in physical altercations.
  • Food and Drink Policy: Refrain from eating or drinking while on school vehicles.
  • Seat Belts: Wear seat belts at all times when the vehicle is equipped with them.
  • Bus Stop Conduct: Respect private property and behave responsibly while waiting at stops.
  • Property Damage: Refrain from defacing or damaging the vehicle. Any student who willfully damages a vehicle will be held financially responsible for repairs and subject to administrative/legal action.
  • Prohibited Items: Do not board the bus with anything that may cause a health or safety hazard to anyone on the bus.
  • Electronic Devices: Use electronic devices only with the driver's permission. Headphones or earbuds must be worn when listening to audio. (school specific)
  • Surveillance Notice: Understand that video and audio recording devices are active on school vehicles for safety and security.
  • Personal Belongings: Keep all personal items safely stowed inside a backpack or bag while on board.
  • Disciplinary Consequences: Infractions involving school vehicle regulations and the Code of Student Discipline and Responsibilities may lead to removal of bus transportation privileges upon Administration’s discretion based on frequency and severity.

Projects

The district requests that parents/guardians transport their child to and from school when the child’s project is to be transported and the project is too large to fit into the child’s backpack/workbag or when the project contains liquids or moving objects.  School buses do not have storage areas, and therefore we cannot guarantee that a project will not be damaged during the bus ride.  Your cooperation is appreciated.

Bus Stop Delays

There will be times during the school year when one of our buses will break down or some other event may cause one of our buses to be unable to maintain its schedule.  We ask your indulgence when these situations arise.  If time permits, we will try to notify all students in advance. 

It is also important that all of the students be at their respective bus stops at least five (5) minutes before their scheduled pick-up time.  This procedure will allow our drivers to maintain their scheduled pick-up time for each bus stop.  In addition, if our buses are running late in the morning, and there has been no previous notification by radio or other means, please instruct your children to wait at least fifteen (15) minutes after their scheduled pick-up time before they return to their homes. 

Notice to Parents/Guardians – School Bus Accident Insurance Program

The purpose of this notice is to inform you of insurance regulations and procedures in the event that your child or children are involved in a school bus accident.  In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania insurance regulations are established under no fault provisions.  Therefore, in the event of an accident you will be required to contact your individual automobile insurance agent or carrier and submit a claim.  This will include accidents in which the school bus and another vehicle are involved, or just the school bus itself is involved.  There are no options to file a claim directly with the Catasauqua Area School District.  Your insurance agent or carrier is required to file against the correct individuals on the basis of the claim that you submit.  If you have questions concerning the no-fault provisions of the law as it pertains to school bus accidents, please contact your insurance carrier.