School buses will not be released to run routes if there is an Active Tornado Warning in effect.  Buses will run in a "watch" condition.

North Carolina Board of Education Policy Manual Policy states: "Unless safety factors require otherwise, superintendents may not plan bus stops closer together than 0.2 miles.  Each student must be at the designated stop at the time of the bus's arrival."  (Davidson Co. Schools asks that students be at the designated stop 10 minutes before the scheduled arrival time of the bus.)

North Carolina Board of Education Policy Manual Policy states:  "A route may not deviate from a general path of direction for a distance of less than one-half mile and then return to the original path except for groups of 10 or more pupils, unescorted pupils in grades K-3 or special education pupils." Bus drivers are prohibited from blowing the horn to alert children that the bus has arrived.  Note:  the horn is a safety feature and a warning device.  It is not to be used as an indicator for the child to start toward the bus. Eating, drinking and smoking are strictly prohibited on the buses.

In no case will a child be allowed to ride a different bus from which he is assigned, or get off at a different stop UNLESS HE/SHE BRINGS A NOTE FROM A PARENT.  The note should include: student's first and last name, the date, bus number (if known), destination, (name of road, sitter's name, friend's name, etc.), and parent's signature. If a child tells us that he/she is supposed to ride a different bus and has no note from home and we cannot get in touch with a parent, he/she will be placed on his regular bus that afternoon.

Students must understand that good behavior while on the school bus is of great importance and when a person misbehaves, he/she is putting the lives of other individuals in danger.  Bus misconduct will be handled seriously.  No inappropriate behavior can be considered trivial if it distracts the driver and jeopardizes the safety of others.  Students and parents are informed that riding the school bus is a privilege that may be taken away for serious or continuous misbehavior.  Listed below are the guidelines for student bus behavior:

1. ... Load and unload the bus in an orderly manner.
2......Sit quietly in your seat at all times until the bus reaches the stop where you exit. Switching seats is not allowed without permission.
3......Never touch any of the mechanical controls.
4......Obey and respect the driver.  Students should never distract the driver.
5......Observe classroom behavior except for quiet conversation.  Face the front of the bus at all times, sitting properly in the seat; arms and legs should not extend into or block the aisle.  Aisles should be clear of book bags, etc.
6......Arms, hands, legs, etc. should be kept to yourself and inside the bus at all times.  Throwing objects of any kind is not allowed.
7......Students should be silent at all RR crossings.
8......The back door and emergency windows are for emergencies only.
9......Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
10....Help keep the bus clean, and refrain from damaging or abusing bus seats and equipment.
11....Balloons, flowers, glass containers, and similar unsafe objects are not allowedon the bus.

1.   First Offense - Conference with administration.  Warning given.  (This step may be waived for more serious offenses.)
2.   Second Offense - Bus suspension for up to 3 days
3.   Third Offense - Bus suspension for up to 5 days
4.   Further Offenses - Bus suspension for up to 10 days.  If misbehavior continues, riding privileges may be denied for the remainder of the year.