Dear Families,
I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the summer break. I am excited to share some essential transportation updates as we prepare for the upcoming school year.
I am pleased to announce that, starting this academic year, we will partner with Student Bus Company as our new bus vendor. Safety remains our top priority, and I assure you that all school buses provided by Student Bus Company are equipped with multiple cameras, recording video of all activities while the bus is in operation. Additionally, to ensure smooth communication, each bus is fitted with a two-way radio system, enabling efficient communication with their transportation department at all times.
Furthermore, to enhance the safety of our students, all school buses will be equipped with lap seat belts. We kindly request that students wear their seat belts at all times while the bus is in motion to ensure a secure and comfortable journey for everyone. Additional bus rules are below.
For our aspiring young musicians, please note that students may bring their band instruments on the school bus, provided the instrument can be held in their lap or between their legs without protruding into the aisle or another student’s space.
As we approach the start of the new school year, please be advised that students should wait at their designated bus stop at least 10 minutes before their scheduled pick-up time. Please bear in mind that during the first week of school, buses may experience slight delays as we ensure all students are on the correct bus and no one is left behind.
If you have any transportation-related questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s school or Student Bus Company directly at 845-307-7800. By Aug. 25, you will receive a postcard from the company containing specific stop locations and morning and afternoon pick-up and drop-off times. If you are still waiting to receive this information by Sept. 1, kindly contact your child’s school; they will gladly assist you.
Thank you for your continued support in making our transportation system safe and efficient for all our students. We are eagerly looking forward to a successful and rewarding school year ahead.
We wish you an excellent rest of the summer!
Sincerely,
Dr. Lisamarie Spindler
Superintendent, Florida Union Free School District
General Bus Rules
Please:
- Follow the driver’s instructions at all times.
- Do not yell, scream, or curse on the bus.
- Remain seated, keeping arms inside the bus.
- Never eat or drink anything on the bus.
- Always wait for the driver’s signal before crossing the street.
- Only bring objects, including musical instruments, that fit on the child’s lap.
For Parents:
- Buses do not wait at stops (except special education) in order to best maintain consistency the remaining students on the bus.
- It is important that drivers observe students as they approach the bus stop in the morning. Please arrange to have your child at the stop 5 minutes before scheduled pickup time.
- Do not let your child run to catch the bus if they are late. This is a serious safety hazard.
- For this same reason, do not try to transfer your child to the bus along the route if he/she misses the bus.
- Ensure that a guardian is present, at the bus stop, during pickup and drop-off for all children grades K-2. If no one is present, your child may be taken back to school at the end of the route.
- Encourage children to wear seatbelts, as drivers cannot require them to be worn.
Upcoming Events:
- 8/22: Meet the new Elementary Principal
- 8/23: Popcorn with the Elementary Principal
- 8/24: Coffee & Conversations with the Superintendent
- 8/24: Public Hearing on Safety Plan & BOE Meeting
- 8/29: Orientations for 6th and 9th grade students
- 9/5: First day of school
Detailed information can be found on the district website.