• KINDERGARTEN TRANSPORTATION PROTOCOLS 2025-2026

    To better support families and streamline transportation, we’re making a change to how busing is provided for kindergarten students. 

    While we currently offer courtesy busing on kindergarten-only buses, beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, transportation will be provided only for kindergarten students who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in district Policy #8600-Student Transportation

    Eligible students will ride the same buses as those in grades 1–5, making it easier for families to follow a single bus schedule for all their elementary-aged children.

    PROTOCOLS:

    1. ON THE BUS

    • Bus drivers are provided with a route sheet that clearly identifies kindergarten students.

    • Route sheets will include the name of the primary contact located in the Genesis portal.

    • All bus seats are assigned

      • Kindergarten students will be seated in the first few rows

      • Bus drivers maintain seating charts

      • Only a building principal can recommend changes to the seating chart

      • The Transportation Coordinator will coordinate any changes with the bus company

    • Kindergarten students are not permitted to sit with an older sibling in the back of the bus. However, with prior approval, an older sibling may be permitted to sit with the kindergarten student in the front. 

    • When there are multiple students at one bus stop, kindergarten students will get off the bus first.

    1. AT SCHOOL

    • After exiting the school bus, the school principal and staff will ensure that all kindergarten students are guided to their respective classrooms.

    1. FOR STUDENTS

    • Each kindergarten student will be provided with a colored tag to be affixed to their backpack with their name and bus route.

    • Students are required to remain in their assigned seats.

    1. GETTING OFF THE BUS

    • District policy requires an approved adult to be present when the bus arrives in order for the student to be permitted off the bus.

    • Drivers will be required to check IDs and compare them with the route sheet before allowing a kindergartener to disembark.

    • If someone other than the primary contact will be responsible for a kindergarten student, the district must receive written notice at least 24 hours in advance.

    • Drivers are not permitted to release kindergarten students to anyone other than the primary contact without the parent’s express, written permission in advance.

    • Prior approval is required for a kindergarten student to be released from the bus with an older sibling. This approval must include a notarized letter. Siblings who are 18 or older may be listed as emergency contacts and are permitted to pick up the student from the bus.

    • In the absence of an approved adult, the student will be returned to their respective school building. The parent/guardian will be responsible for picking up the student.

    1. SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION

    • IEP teams will continue to determine transportation needs for the Special Services Department.