Dear Parent/Guardian:

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, I wanted to share what your child's bus experience will look like. Should you choose to put your child on a bus the first day of school or at a later date, please spend some time discussing procedures with your child. If at any time you do decide on busing, please let us know one week prior so we can place your child on the proper route.

Bus drivers in our district annually have the ability to switch routes. This year, the drivers agreed to continue with the route they were assigned to when schools closed in mid-March. Our hope is that the comfort of the same driver, even though they have a mask on, will be reassuring to your child as they board the bus.

Students should be waiting for the bus as it approaches the bus stop with their masks on. We will ask students to sit in a seat by themselves. Children from the same household or students who attend the same daycare facility may sit together. The seat that is chosen will be their seat for the upcoming weeks. This will give the district the ability to trace, if needed. Students are typically more comfortable knowing that they have a seat on the bus and exactly where it is.

We ask that your child sit close to the window and that they do not share items with others. Please keep backpacks closed and do not eat or drink on the bus. We have students who have food allergies, so this has always been a standard rule in keeping everyone safe. With A and B students, we have reduced students on the bus by about 50 percent. This also will provide a much shorter ride time than in the past.

Buses will begin a half-hour later then last school year. We will drop off students at the elementary building at 8:00 a.m. and then the middle/high school next. Drivers will disinfect the seats and high-touch areas.

Prior to exiting the bus in the morning, students will have their temperature checked. Should your child have a temperature above 100 degrees, he/she will be sent to the school nurse. If your child shows signs of a fever, please do not put them on the bus.

At the end of the day, dismissal will be done by classroom in staggered parts of the building. These procedures will allow for the required social distancing and masks must be worn. Street students will not be dropped off at home without an adult visible. Buses are scheduled to leave at 3:15 p.m. dismissal.

All standard bus procedures will be followed as in the past. Our bus drivers and attendants look forward to sharing the year with your child. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the office. Matt and I are eager to help you or share your questions/concerns with your driver. Communication, patience and understand are critical as we move forward into a year of uncertainty.

We wish you all the best on a safe, happy and successful school year!

Sincerely,

Tullio Morbidini

Transportation Supervisor