Sahuarita Unified School District

Creating Safe, Respectful, and Supportive Bus Rides for All Students

At Sahuarita Unified School District, we believe that a safe and welcoming school environment begins the moment a student leaves home in the morning and continues until they return safely at the end of the day. Transportation Services plays a vital role in that mission. Our goal is to ensure that every student experiences a safe, respectful, and comfortable ride to and from school each day.

Achieving this goal requires shared responsibility among students, staff, and families. With this in mind, we have updated the Transportation Compact for Success, outlining expectations, supports, and responses to guide student behavior on the bus and at bus stops. These norms are designed to promote student growth, safety, and a sense of community.

Bus and Bus Stop Expectations

To ensure a safe and respectful transportation experience for all:

1. Be Safe at the Stop: Students must be physically waiting at the bus stop at least five minutes early and demonstrate safe, respectful behavior while waiting. They should not wait inside a car or residence to help keep the bus on schedule and ensure everyone’s safety.
2. Remain Seated: Students will remain seated while the bus is in motion, facing forward, and keeping the aisle clear at all times.
3. Respect Personal Space: Students will keep hands, feet, and belongings to themselves and avoid behavior that disrupts others.
4. Use Respectful Language and Voice: Conversations should remain at a respectful volume using kind and appropriate language.
5. Follow the Driver’s Guidance: Bus drivers are responsible for student safety and well-being. Students are expected to follow reasonable directions promptly and respectfully.
6. Keep the Bus Clean and Safe: Eating and drinking (other than water in a spill-proof bottle) are not allowed to maintain cleanliness and prevent hazards.
7. Carry Your Student ID: Students in grades 6-12 must have their district-issued ID card with them when boarding the bus.
8. Leave Prohibited Items at Home: The following items are not allowed on the bus: balloons, skateboards, glass items (except for eyeglasses), weapons of any kind, or items that may cause disruption or harm.

Other reasonable rules and expectations may be implemented by the Transportation Department as deemed necessary to ensure the safety of students and drivers.

Recognizing Positive Behavior

We believe in encouraging and acknowledging students who consistently demonstrate responsible and respectful behavior. Positive recognition may include:

• Verbal praise and encouragement from the driver
• Positive calls or messages home
• Notes or shout-outs from school staff
• On-time and smooth transportation experiences for all riders

Addressing Concerns with a Restorative Approach

We recognize that learning appropriate behavior is a developmental process. When students make mistakes, we respond with care and consistency, helping them reflect on their actions, repair harm, and rejoin the community with new understanding. Disciplinary steps will be applied fairly, while considering individual circumstances and student needs, including any mitigating factors.

Progressive Supportive Actions for Behavioral Concerns:

1. First Incident – Restorative Conversation & Corrective Feedback
   The driver or school staff will speak with the student about the concern, explore what happened, and identify better choices for the future.
2. Second Incident – Restorative Conversation and Corrective Feedback with Communication to School Principal Regarding Needed Instructional Supports
   The driver or school staff will speak with the student about the concern, explore what happened, and identify better choices for the future. School administration will be notified in order to support the student with interventions designed to improve behavior on the bus, and a staff member may call to partner with the family in supporting the student.
3. Third Incident – Letter Home & Referral to School
   Previous steps plus a letter home to parent, and referral to school for administrative action. Parent/staff conference recommended in order to develop a plan for bus safety. 
4. Fourth Incident – Short Term Bus Suspension (1–5 days)
   A more in-depth support plan will be developed with the student, family, and school staff to promote long-term success.
5. Fifth Incident – Suspension of Bus Privileges for up to 10 Days
   If previous steps are not effective in restoring a safe environment, the student may lose bus riding privileges for up to 10 days.
6. Sixth Incident- Suspension from Bus Privileges for up to 30 Days
   If previous steps taken in coordination with instructional interventions prove ineffective, the student may lose bus riding privileges for up to 30 days.
    

Note: The District reserves the right to apply more immediate or severe consequences when the safety of students or staff is at risk.

Working Together for Student Success

By agreeing to the Compact for Success, we affirm our shared commitment to student safety and growth. We acknowledge that transportation is a privilege, not a guarantee, and that all students have the opportunity to learn and be supported in meeting these expectations.

Transportation Compact Acknowledgment – Required for General SUSD Bus Services

This agreement must be signed through the student registration process to activate transportation services through the SUSD Transportation Department.

If you have any questions or concerns about transportation expectations or supports, please don’t hesitate to contact the Transportation Department. Together, we can ensure that every ride is safe, respectful, and successful.