It is one thing to show your child the way, and a harder thing to then stand out of it. 

~Robert Brault

Please remember students are to walk themselves to the classroom in the morning or a staff member will assist them if they need help.  Parents need to check in at the main office and receive a visitor’s pass if they need to walk down to the classroom in the morning.  Thank you for your help in keeping our hallways clear and safe.

In order to deal with overcrowding on a couple of our bus routes, we have shifted children around on the buses and changed the routes a bit.  You have been notified by phone and email if your child’s bus/stop/time has changed.  The list is also available on the Eagle Ridge website.  The new buses/routes/times start on MONDAY.  Please make sure you are aware of any changes for your family.

I am aware of the concern about the amount of time students spend on the bus after school.  We have decreased it significantly from last year.  Students are now put on the bus at 3:10 to be on ahead of the upper school students.  In the past they have been on the bus as much as 20 minutes earlier.  While sitting on the bus for 15-20 minutes is not ideal, it is the reality of the transportation system and is definitely something the lower school students can do.  Please know that we have heard your thoughts and concerns and work hard to make changes as they can be made within our system.

Staying on the topic of buses, teachers have spoken with their classes about behavior on the school bus.  They have shared with the students the bus rules and I am asking that you do the same with your children.  If the students see we are all on the same page regarding bus behavior, I believe the behaviors will improve.  Below you will find the rules pulled from the Lower School Handbook.  Please talk with your children about these rules.  Thank you!

a)       Student Behavior Expectations at Bus Stops.

i)        Each student will:

(1)    Abide by all school rules.

(2)    Get on and off at their assigned stop.

(3)    Refrain from using profane or vulgar language or gestures.

(4)    Refrain from teasing or harassing others.

(5)    Never run to or from the bus. Stand still as the bus arrives and departs.

(6)    Never cross behind the bus.

(7)    Load and unload the bus in a single file.

(8)    Report any suspicious individuals or behavior to a school administrator and the bus driver.

(9)    Arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.  The bus driver cannot wait for late students.

(10)Stay away from all streets, roads, and highways while waiting for the bus.

(11)Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before approaching the bus.

(12)After getting off of the bus, immediately move away from the bus.

(13)Get on and off the bus safely, use the handrail, walk, and allow those in the front to exit first.

(14)Avoid any actions which could cause injury to yourself or others.

(15)Tell the driver if something is dropped near the bus before you pick it up.

(16)If it is necessary to cross in front of the bus, always cross where the driver can see the crossing, and wait for the driver to signal that it is safe to cross

b)      Student Behavior Expectations on the bus.

i)        Students will:

(1)    Abide by all school rules.

(2)    Ride on only their assigned bus.

(3)    Follow the bus driver’s instructions.

(4)    Always speak to the bus driver in a respectful manner.

(5)    Remain seated and facing forward while the bus is in motion.

(6)    Talk quietly.

(7)    Hold bags and items in their lap.

(8)    Keep all items, legs, and feet out of the aisle.

(9)    Keep hands, arms, legs, and head inside the bus at all times.

ii)       Students will not:

(1)    Use profane or vulgar language or gestures.

(2)    Spit.

(3)    Deny another student a place to sit.

(4)    Fight, shout, or play inside or around the bus.

(5)    Throw, shoot or spray objects inside the bus or out the windows.

(6)    Tamper with emergency or safety equipment on the bus.

(7)    Transport any dangerous or objectionable objects.

(8)    Possess any nuisance devices.

(9)    Push, shove, or scuffle

(10)Eat or drink on the bus without approval from the bus driver

(11)Litter, mark, cut, or scratch any part of the bus.

2)      Disciplinary Procedure

a)       The driver shall attempt to correct behavior of the passenger(s).  If the passenger refuses to comply with a reasonable request:

i)        1^st offense/warning:  The driver will report the incident to the school administration by submitting a Discipline Referral Report.  The administrator shall investigate the incident and notify the student, parent(s), and driver of the warning.

ii)       2^nd offense:  The driver will report the incident to the school administration by submitting a Discipline Referral Report.  The administrator shall investigate the incident and notify the student, parent(s), and driver of the action taken.  A conference involving the administrator, driver, student, and parent(s) or any combination may be necessary.  The administrator may suspend the student’s bus riding privileges for 3-5 days.  If such suspension occurs, the parent(s) or guardian(s) will be notified prior to the effective time of the suspension.  The parent(s) or guardian(s) are then responsible for alternate transportation arrangements during the time of the suspension.

iii)     3^rd Offense:   The driver will report the incident to the school administration by submitting a Discipline Referral Report.  The administrator shall investigate the incident and notify the student, parent(s), and driver of the action taken.  A conference involving the administrator, driver, student, and parent(s) or any combination may be necessary.  The administrator may suspend the student’s bus riding privileges for up to 10 days or until a satisfactory resolution is achieved.  If such suspension occurs, the parent(s) or guardian(s) will be notified prior to the effective time of the suspension.  The parent(s) or guardian(s) are then responsible for alternate transportation arrangements during the time of the suspension.

iv)     In the case of serious misconduct that endangers the safety of the other passengers or driver, the student may be removed from the bus by a school official or with law enforcement assistance.  The parent(s) or guardian(s) will be notified as soon as possible and the student will be disciplined as outlined in the Student handbook.

Bus riding privileges may be revoked for the remainder of the school year without refund of any applicable fees.

Upcoming Events: 

•  September 11^th at 8:05 is the first coffee with the administrators (Jason Ulbrich and Melanie Baier).

• September 19^th is Lower School Picture Day.  Students are required to wear their Formal School Uniforms for pictures.  Please consult the website for more information about the Formal School Uniform if you have questions.

• September 20^th is the Facility Town Hall at 6:30 pm. 

Have a great week!

Mrs. Baier