Monthly Dispatch Cheshire Public Schools Transportation

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1 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: School Bus Danger Zone 1 Frequently Asked Questions..1-2 The Bus Depot is Expanding..3 Monthly Dispatch Cheshire Public Schools Transportation Safely Delivering our Future to and From School Daily September 2014 Humor..4 Transportation Opt- Out Form 5 The School Bus Danger Zone An important reminder: Each student must be aware of the area surrounding the school bus called the Danger Zone. The Danger Zone is the area extending ten feet in all directions from the school bus in which serious student injuries and deaths can occur. When the student boards and leaves the school bus they must follow the routes shown on the Danger Zone illustration. This places them within view of the school bus driver at all times. Please visit the following link on the CPS website for additional bus safety information: REMEMBER...Pupil safety is our first priority..make sure it is yours! Frequently Asked Bus Transportation Questions Is the driver allowed to leave small children at a bus stop if no adult is there to meet the child? Yes, unless the child is a kindergarten or special needs student. The parent is responsible for being sure someone meets the child every day. If a student seems afraid or unwilling to be left at the stop, the driver will keep the student on the vehicle and continue on the route until a parent can be contacted. Parents should make sure their children are familiar with the surroundings at their bus stop and know the safest route to walk home if no one is there to meet them. What is the definition of walking distance? Walking distance means the linear measure from a point at the curb or edge of a public road at the student's residence to a point at the nearest school building entrance; to a point at the nearest, safe entrance to the school grounds located within one hundred feet of the school building entrance; or to the bus pick up/drop off area; or to the bus stop if applicable. 1

2 The student s walking distance to school, as defined in Section 2 of this Policy, shall not exceed the following standards Students who are in kindergarten shall not be required to walk farther than one-half (½) mile to school or to the bus stop. Students who are in grades 1 through 6 shall not be required to walk farther than one (1) mile to school or to the bus stop. Students who are in grades 7 through 12 shall not be required to walk farther than one and one-half (1½) miles to school or to the bus stop. What is the definition of walking area? Walking Area means the area encompassed by the student s walking route. The walking area may be paved or unpaved and is usually parallel to a public road and is usually distinguished by curbing, drainage ditch, grass area, fencing, or other feature independent of any white line safety markings along the road pavement. Walking area includes sidewalks. How do I request a change to my child s assigned school bus stop? Please fill out an Available Seat Petition form to request transportation to and/or from a location other than the student s assigned bus stop. Please fill out an Accommodation Petition form to establish or alter an existing bus stop or bus route. Both forms are available on the Cheshire Public Schools website: What do I do when my student needs to ride a different bus/get off at a different stop? You should provide your student with a written signed permission slip to be given to the school. The school will advise the Transportation Department and will provide your student with a bus pass to be submitted to the student's bus driver. How can I determine which streets service which elementary school? How can I determine which kindergarten location my child will attend? An alphabetical street listing indicating the associated elementary school district and kindergarten district is available on our website: Elementary and Kindergarten School Districts by Street My child is assigned to a bus stop, but I plan to drive her to/from school every day. Should I tell anyone? Yes. Please notify the Transportation Department in writing by filling out a Transportation Opt Out form (see Page 4 of this newsletter.) the form to lmiller@cheshirect.org or fax (203) or mail Cheshire Public Schools Transportation, 157 Sandbank Road, Cheshire, CT Please Note: Your decision is not binding. If at a later date you decide that your child needs bus transportation, please contact Luther Miller to request service (two school days notice is requested.) How do I register a new student? Newly registered students who can be accommodated at existing bus stops will have access to transportation on the first school day following the completion of the registration process. Newly registered students who require the establishment of a new bus stop will have access to transportation two school days following the completion of the registration process. How do I handle an address change? Please notify your child s school one week prior to the effective date of the address change. The school will advise the Transportation Department of your request and you will be contacted by Transportation with details of your child s new busing arrangements. Please feel free to contact the Transportation Department with any additional questions you may have. 2

3 THE BUS DEPOT IS EXPANDING! The trailer that was previously housed at Chapman for classroom space and offices for the CPS IT Department has recently been relocated to the bus depot on Sandbank Road. The trailer will be linked to the existing trailer and will double the size of the transportation offices, with the majority of the space allocated to Dattco for their driver meeting room and break room. Additional bathrooms will be added to the space as well. 3

4 Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place. Mark Twain School Best Sellers Walking To School The First Day Back - by Misty Bus The Day The Car Pool Forgot Me - by I. Rhoda Bike Can't See The Chalkboard - by Sidney Backrow Practical Jokes I Played On The First Day Of School - by Major Crackupp What I Dislike About Returning To School - by Mona Lott Making It Through The First Week Of School - by Gladys Saturday Is Life Over When Summer Ends? - by Midas Welbee What I Love About Returning To School - by I.M. Kidding Will Jimmy Finally Graduate? - by I. Betty Wont 4

5 Cheshire Public Schools Transportation Opt-Out Form Please use this form to opt out of Cheshire Public Schools transportation services for the school year. Please complete and return this form as soon as possible. Your decision is not binding. If at a later date you decide that your child needs bus transportation, please contact Luther Miller to request service (two school days notice is requested.) The following students will not be riding the bus on any day either to or from school during the school year. Parent/Guardian Street Address: Parent/Guardian Signature : (signature is required) Please mail, fax or the completed form. Mail to: Luther Miller, Transportation Coordinator Cheshire Public Schools 157 Sandbank Road Cheshire, CT Fax to: (203) to: lmiller@cheshirect.org 5