October 2023
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The School District of Holmen Transportation Services share in the pride of providing a service that benefits the children of the communities that we serve. Safety is a year-round priority for school transportation. At this time of year, we are reviewing bus expectations and safety with our students.
Drivers will be conducting emergency evacuations of school buses the week of October 16th-20th. These drills are practiced once in the fall and again in the spring to help keep students familiar with the proper use of safety exits and how to respond safely in an emergency. Drills take place on morning routes as children proceed to school. Buses practice these safety procedures in parking lots and other designated areas. Students are generally interested in the drills and take the process seriously, but we encourage you to let us know if you or your student have any questions.
While at school, your students may also spend time learning about PBIS and safety on the bus. A bus and driver will be provided so students will be able to practice how to board safely, how to sit, and how to socialize quietly and safely with their friends. This is a great opportunity for your students to build their bus riding skills and ask questions!
Families may receive a phone call from a driver or EA if they have concerns about a student's behavior. We understand many students may need additional coaching or explanation than we are able to provide while on route, and we appreciate your support to help us clarify expectations. By doing so, you and your family are helping your students have a safe bus ride home.
Parents and community members also play a very important role in bus safety, as they comprise the driving public that shares the road with the yellow bus. Please be cautious when you see a bus and be ready to “ALWAYS STOP WHEN RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING.”
Please select transportation from one location to school and one location from school. The morning and afternoon location may be different. Most importantly, we strive for the bus ride to be consistent each day so the students and families know where the student will be before and after school. In previous years, there has been more than one occasion where a young child has been confused as to which bus to ride home or which house to get off at. Frantic searches have taken place which included contacting the sheriff’s department to find missing children. Obviously, this has resulted in excessive worry by parents and transportation personnel, which we try to avoid. Additionally, we will not allow students to ride buses other than those to which they are assigned. This includes after school activities (i.e. having friends over, Scouts, or birthday parties). The safest ride occurs when the regular riders are the only ones on the bus. If you require a changing schedule, we suggest picking your child up at school or daycare on these days. That keeps your child safe, which is our number one priority.
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