Please understand we are still enrolling students and fine tuning routes, however, we are sending this email in advance of the Parent Portal opening to ensure you are aware of updates in our transportation system. This will allow us to partner with you and other community stakeholders to make the process as efficient, effective and reliable as possible. If you have not had the opportunity to view the Transportation Deep Dive presentation, we ask that you do so for a better understanding of the overall system.
In order to clarify any misunderstandings, the Board of Education will be implementing new standards for release of students from school or bus stops.
Grades Pre-K - 2
Authorized individuals must be present at the bus stop or students will not be released and, out of an abundance of caution, will be returned to the care of their attending school until confirmation can be achieved. Must list all "designated contacts" for bus dismissal authorizations as a School/Bus Pick Up Contact in the Back to School Portal.
Grades 3-5
Same as Pre-K-2nd grade with the exception that Parent/Guardian may complete and sign a waiver release form to permit their child to disembark the vehicle at their assigned stop without an authorized individual present. Grades 3-5 Bus Stop Release Waiver Form
Grades 6-8
Students are permitted to disembark at their assigned stop, however, Parent/Guardian may request that their child NOT be permitted to disembark without an authorized individual and be treated similar to above. Grades 6-8 Release Request Form
As discussed in the video referenced above, we continue to rely on stakeholder cooperation and community to facilitate the safe and timely transportation of students for the 2022-2023 school year.
Please remember, we continue to work to streamline and improve our system given the circumstances that exist.
Current Bus Information
The current bus assignment for: [email contained name] is Location: [email contained location]. The initial scheduled time for AM pickup is: [email contained time]. We are still completing bus assignments; therefore, routes are subject to change and the most up-to-date transportation information for your child will be available in the Parent Portal on August 29.
If you have multiple students, you will receive an email for each student. For Pre-K-2 or 3-5 schools they will have the same stop assignment however that process is manual and needs to be double checked. If your stop assignments conflict or you have other concerns, please submit a summarized explanation here. We will review the concern and contact you next week. Please know, that in an effort to best serve our community, questions and concerns will only be handled through the email linked above.
Your understanding, cooperation and partnership will allow us to deliver the best possible system for our students.
The Howell Township Public Schools Transportation Department