Houston Independent School District provides transportation services to eligible students to attend their assigned campuses. Transportation is a privilege, and students are required to obey appropriate safety and conduct rules to remain eligible for transportation services. HISD Transportation Services may utilize cameras to record student activity.  Students are expected to know and follow bus rules in the following areas:

Before Boarding the Bus

• Morning: Arrive at your designated stop at least ten minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time. 
• Afternoon: Go directly to bus loading area immediately upon dismissal. HISD will not send a bus to pick you up if you miss your bus because you were late.
• Be careful in the loading area. Wait in an orderly line and avoid horseplay. Stay out of the street or bus drive while waiting for the bus to arrive.
• Approach the bus entrance only after the bus has come to a complete stop. Pushing or shoving while boarding the bus will not be tolerated.
• Once on the bus you may not exit unless it is an emergency determined by an administrator.

After Boarding the Bus

• Obey the bus operator’s directions.
• Go to the closest available seat or to your assigned seat and stay seated until you arrive at your destination.
• Speak in a classroom voice. Rough-housing or horseplay on the bus will not be allowed.
• Keep the bus litter free. No food or drinks may be consumed on the bus.
• Buses are the property of HISD. If you cause any damage to or vandalize an HISD bus, you and your parent or guardian will be financially responsible, and you may permanently lose your transportation privileges.
• Never throw an object in or out of the bus.
• Keep all parts of your body inside the bus at all times.
• Observe the rules of good conduct.  The use of profane language, rude gestures, or malicious behavior toward the bus operator, a fellow passenger, or another motorist will not be tolerated.
• For the safety of all passengers, aisles must be kept clear of all objects such as books, backpacks, musical instruments, packages, and coats.
• Items which are prohibited on school grounds may not be taken on an HISD school bus, such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or weapons.

All provisions of the HISD Code of Student Conduct and The Rice School expectations apply to students when being transported by HISD transportation services. Violations of the HISD Code of Student Conduct and The Rice School expectations while on an HISD school bus will be referred to the appropriate campus administrator for disciplinary action.

I understand that in order to remain eligible for HISD transportation to and from The Rice School, I must learn and follow the provisions, rules, and expectations stated in this Bus Riders Agreement.