Transportation Guidelines, Violations & Consequences
Students who wish to enjoy this privilege of riding a bus to and from school must follow certain rules and regulations in order to help ensure safe and orderly bus transportation. The bus is an extension of the school. The chief administrative officers/designees working with bus drivers, parents, and other school transportation department personnel have the responsibility and authority to handle discipline incidents, which occur on the bus and at bus stops. The goal is to help students demonstrate proper behavior on the bus. The following section describes violations that interfere with safe transportation and outlines disciplinary action that chief administrative officers and/or their designees may take in helping to correct the situation and ensure safety of students and staff. If in the sole judgment of the chief administrative officer based on the age of the student and/or the offense, an alternative consequence is satisfactory to resolve the violation at any step, the chief administrative officer has the authority to develop the alternative under a written agreement with the parent and student. General disruptive conduct such as standing and moving about; not in assigned seat; improper language/gestures; repeatedly bothering others; eating/drinking on the bus without permission; lighting matches and/or lighters; throwing objects inside or outside of bus; putting head, hands, and feet outside of window; opening emergency door; use of obscene language, profanity, threats, racial remarks, inflammatory statements; or refusal to comply with reasonable request from transportation staff will result in the following consequences:
First violation: Chief administrative officer/designee counsels student and contacts parent to seek assistance in correcting the behavior. Other disciplinary consequences may also be used.
Second violation: Chief administrative officer/designee and bus driver should meet with the parent and student to discuss the problem as soon as possible. A one-day suspension (minimum of 24-hours notice given) from the bus is assigned.
Third violation: Chief administrative officer/designee and bus driver should meet with the parent and student to discuss the situation. If the chief administrative officer/designee determines the student is responsible for the stated offense, the chief administrative officer removes the student from the bus for up to five (5) days. The student is placed on probation upon his/her return to the bus.
Fourth violation: Chief administrative officer/designee and bus driver should meet with the parent and student to discuss the situation. If the chief administrative officer/designee determines the student is responsible for the stated offense, the chief administrative officer removes the student from the bus for up to twenty days. The student is placed on probation when he/she returns to the bus.
Fifth violation: Chief administrative officer/designee and bus driver should meet with the parent and to discuss the situation. If the chief administrative officer/designee determines the student is responsible for the stated offense, the chief administrative officer removes the student from the bus for the remainder of the semester or an amount of time which equals the equivalency of a semester if the offense is near the end of a semester.
Note: In the case of more serious offenses such as, but not limited to, possession, sale, use of drugs/alcohol; possession of obscene materials; possession of a weapon; fighting; gang related intimidation; sexual molestation; and any action which clearly threatens the safe operation of a school bus and its occupants and/or which is a violation of the law, the offending student may be assessed a penalty which exceeds that stated in the guidelines including, but not limited to, removal from the bus for the entire school year and/or suspension or expulsion from school.
In-school Disciplinary Action
Should a parent disagree with disciplinary actions other than out-of-school suspension or expulsions, the parent may appeal using the following procedure:
1. Appeals should be made personally via appointment in writing to chief administrative officer.
2. If the parent is dissatisfied with the results of the appeal, the parent should make a written request for a hearing to the President of the Board of Trustees within three (3) school days upon receipt of the chief administrative officer’s disciplinary action.
Out-of-school Suspension
Should a parent disagree with the suspension the parent may appeal the decision of the
chief administrative officer using the following procedure:
1. Appeal request must be made in writing to the designee of the President of the Board of Trustees within three (3) days of the notification of suspension or the right to review is waived.
2. If the chief administrative officer determines that the student’s presence at school does not create a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption, the student may be allowed to continue in school on a regular basis until a final determination is made.
3. If the student was excluded from instruction during the appeals process and the appeal was favorable to the student, opportunity will be given for the completion of make-up assignments.
1. If the offense is serious and/or the student has a series of several violations, the chief administrative officer may recommend that the student be expelled from school.
2. The chief administrative officer/designee may suspend the student from school and will inform the parent at the time of suspension or within three (3) school days of the intent to file written charges for expulsion and offer to meet with the parent and student to discuss the reason(s) for the suspension. Homework assignments will be provided to the student during the suspension. Parents are encouraged to pick up the homework or must make arrangements to secure the assignments. If the chief administrative officer determines that the student’s presence at school does not create a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption, the student may be allowed to continue in school on a regular basis until a determination is made by the charter school board.
3. Charges for expulsion will be presented to the charter school board in executive session for a formal hearing. The charter school board president, or other board member designated by the board president, will preside over the hearing.
4. The parent and student will be provided the opportunity to attend the hearing. The parent and student may elect to waive their rights to appear at the meeting. This action will be deemed a waiver of rights to contest the expulsion.
5. At the expulsion hearing, the chief administrative officer or designee will present the evidence to support the charges against the student. The student or parent will have the opportunity to answer the charges against the student and to present evidence to support the student’s position.
6. The following is a recommended structure for the expulsion hearing:
a. Statement by the Board President
b. Opening statement by chief administrative officer
c. Opening statement from student or student representative
d. Presentation of information by chief administrative officer
e. Questions from student or student representatives
f. Presentation of information by student or student representatives
g. Questions from chief administrative officer
h. Rebuttal from chief administrative officer
i. Rebuttal from student or student representative
j. Closing statement from chief administrative officer
k. Closing statement from student or student representative
l. Closing comment from Board President
m. Deliberation
7. Parents must be notified within three (3) school days of the findings by the board.
RECORDSSchool Records
Students have the right to accurate and complete school records, maintained in accordance with applicable federal and state law. Accurate and complete individual records shall be maintianed for each student enrolled in Graystone Academy Charter School.
1. Parents have the right to inspect any and all records relating to their dependent;
2. Students with written parental permission may inspect their own records;
3. All inspections shall be conducted in the presence of a school representative;
4. Information may be released to others only under carefully prescribed conditions;
5. Nominal fees may be charged for duplication of records;
6. A procedure is established for challenge of the contents of a student's record by parents;
7. Content and information may include the following:
- Name of the student in attendance or no longer in attendance
- Address
- Date and place of birth
- Telephone listing
- Other similar information
8. Educational records may be forwarded without parental consent or request to a school in which the student intends to enroll or as applied for admission.
9. Educational records may be forwarded without parental consent or request to the school district of residence of the student as enrollment confirmation in Graystone Academy Charter School.
Parent ResponsibilitiesParticipation
1. Send your child to school as required by the Pennsylvania School Code.
2. Attend all parent-teacher conferences.
3. Attend school functions and activities with your child.
4. Fulfill parent volunteer commitment to the school of 2 hours per month.
5. Participate in all school surveys.
Environment
1. Insist that your child is clean and dressed in compliance with school rules of sanitation and safety and in the dress code fashion that will not disrupt classroom procedures.
2. Ensure that your child is free of communicable disease and in good health, insofar as is possible.
3. Support school officials in maintaining a safe and orderly school environment, free of disruptions which interfere with learning and teaching.
4. Ensure that you and your child understand school rules and/or the law concerning students’ use, possession, distribution, or sale of tobacco, marijuana, or controlled substances as defined under the Drug Control Act, drug paraphernalia as defined by the School Code of Pennsylvania, imitation controlled substances, nonprescription or prescription drugs, or alcohol on school property, on the way to or from school, or while attending school-sponsored activities.
5. Ensure that you and your child understand that supplying, handling, using, transmitting, or possessing any type of weapon on school property, on the way to or from school, or at any school-sponsored event is prohibited.
Education
1. Help support education for children, as provided by applicable federal, state, and local statutes, without regard to race, religion, sex, creed, ability to pay, national origin, disabling condition, or intellectual ability.
2. Make certain your child’s attendance at school is regular and punctual and all absences are properly excused and in compliance with school policies and procedures.
3. Instill in your child the desire to learn.
4. Become acquainted with your child’s school, staff, curriculum, and activities.
5. Ensure that your child has the necessary materials and supplies needed for classes and activities.
6. Ensure that your child has a quiet and proper place to study at home.
Respect
1. Guide your child, from the earliest years of his or her life, to develop socially acceptable standards of behavior, to exercise self-control, and to be accountable for his or her actions.
2. Teach your child, by word and example, respect for law, for the authority of the school, and for the rights and property of others.
3. Know and understand the rules your child is expected to observe at school, be aware of the consequences for violations of these rules, and accept legal responsibility for your child’s actions.
4. Encourage your child to respect honest work and to develop an interest in exploring broader fields of knowledge.5. Accept the right of the Board of Trustees to require respectable behavior of all students and non-students at all activities involving the school.
6. Help your child understand and respect the purposes of schooling, learning, and teaching.
Expression
1. Encourage your child to conduct himself or herself in an acceptable manner.
2. Encourage your child not to make obscene gestures or libelous, racist or sexist statements, or to use intimidating tactics toward others.
3. Encourage your child not to interfere with the educational progress of others or the educational program through his or her use of inappropriate verbal or nonverbal expressions.
4. Encourage your child to dress appropriately so that his or her appearance will not disrupt the educational process or activities.
Teacher/Staff Responsibilities
Participation
1. Assume the rights and responsibilities of shared decision-making.
2. Participate in the establishment of school rules and regulations regarding student behavior. Explain these rules to students, and require observance of them.
3. Assist the administration of the school in developing school philosophy, objectives and procedures for the efficient and orderly operation of the school.
4. Participate in school activities.
Environment
1. Reflect personal enthusiasm for teaching and learning and genuine concern for the individual student.
2. Express positive reinforcement for acceptable behavior.
3. Project the image of your profession, your school, and education for everyone in a positive manner.
4. Be professional, and be a role model for students.
5. Refer to a counselor or an administrator any student whose behavior requires special attention.
6. Report all incidents of suspected child abuse or neglect, as required by Pennsylvania Law.
7. Ensure that students follow the appropriate dress code for the school and for common decency, and that the code is consistently and fairly enforced
Education
1. Guide learning activities so students learn to think and reason.
2. Provide opportunities for students to develop socially acceptable skills, attitudes and behaviors.
3. Provide meaningful school and home work for students with the expectation that all students can be successful.
4. Inform parents regarding student achievement and behavior, and consult with parents whenever necessary.
Respect1. Guide students to assume responsibility for their actions and to respect the rights of others.
2. Be fair, firm, and consistent in enforcing school rules on school property and at all school-sponsored activities.
3. Demonstrate by word and personal example, self-discipline and respect for law.
4. Respect the dignity of everyone.
Expression
1. Ensure that no one’s expressions interfere with the educational program.
2. Encourage students to express themselves appropriately and respectfully.
3. Do not use language that is obscene, slanderous, racist or sexist.
4. Encourage students, parents, other teachers and other staff to use language that is not obscene, slanderous, racist or sexist.
5. Represent your profession positively through your appearance and conduct at school and at school-sponsored events.
6. Refrain from initiation of or participation in sexual harassment activities.
Administrator Responsibilities
Participation
1. Provide leadership by creating a school culture where shared decision making can flourish.
2. Become acquainted with students and parents by visiting classrooms and attending school activities.
3. Receive teacher or staff referrals of students with behavior problems, confer with these students, communicate with parents, and set up cooperative procedures for correcting student behavior.
Environment
1. Create the best teaching-learning conditions possible for student learning.
2. Create a safe, caring school environment for everyone.
3. Take the lead in establishing reasonable rules and regulations for the orderly operation of the school.
4. Make rules and regulations known and understood by students, parents, teachers and staff.
5. Report all incidents of suspected child abuse or child neglect, as required by Pennsylvania Law.
Education
1. Organize school schedules and teaching assignments, and require effective classroom management and instruction.
2. Maintain open lines of communication between school and home and between staff and administration.
3. Offer a complement of student activities, which provide interesting activities for all students.
4. Encourage the recognition of students' accomplishments.
Respect1. Be fair, courteous, firm, and consistent in all decisions affecting students, parents, and staff.
2. Demonstrate by word and personal example respect for law, self-discipline, and genuine concern for all persons.
Expression
1. Do not use language that is obscene, racist, sexist or libelous.
2. Encourage and ensure that students, parents, teachers and other staff use appropriate expressions that are not obscene, racist, sexist, slanderous, disruptive, libelous, or intimidating.
3. Exemplify leadership qualities, and represent your profession positively through your appearance and conduct at school and at school-sponsored events.
4. Ensure that students, parents, teachers, and staff members follow the appropriate dress code for the school and for common decency, and that the code is consistently and fairly enforced.
5. Be aware of and follow guidelines prohibiting sexual harassment.
Board of Trustees and Management Responsibilities
Participation
1. Become acquainted with the school, staff and students by visiting buildings regularly and attending school activities.
2. Communicate and collaborate frequently in support of staff, parents, and students.
3. Promote and support shared decision making and conflict resolution.
Environment
1. Inform the community what is expected of students and what the consequences are when rules are violated.
2. Give full support to school staff and others charged with the responsibility for managing the school.
3. Maintain physical plant and promote positive school climate.
4. Demonstrate and maintain fiscal responsibility.
Education
1. Maintain a well-trained staff at all levels.
2. Develop programs and activities that provide high standards for academic achievement for all students, including those with special needs.
3. Provide vision for the school, which includes curricular programs and activities designed to provide students with opportunities to learn and develop.
Respect
1. Be fair, courteous and consistent in making decisions regarding those students whose behavior problems have been appealed to the Board of Trustees in accordance with state law.
Expression
1. Provide guidelines and regulations to schools regarding appropriate expressions by students, parents, teachers, and other staff members consistent with federal, state and local laws.
2. Ensure and protect freedom of expression for all publics and constituencies.