The annual bus roll out has become the most visible symbol of the start of a new school year. This year, bus drivers will conduct dry runs from Aug. 20-25. Buses will begin transporting students on the first day of school, Aug. 27.
Approximately 950 school buses will conduct dry runs over the five-day period. Drivers will practice their routes to become familiar with bus stop locations. Drivers will not pick up students during the dry runs. The buses will be on the roads from approximately 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is important that the motoring public plan for a little extra time in their morning commute next week.
We ask that all drivers exercise extreme caution around stopped school buses. The community is an important partner in creating a safe opening of schools for CMS students.
Parents should check the location of their child’s bus stop before school starts. Suggestions for parents and children include:
· Walk to and from your child’s bus stop to become familiar with the location.
· Ensure that your child arrives at his/her stop 10 to 15 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
· Tell children to cross the street in front of the school bus after activation of the stop arm and hazard lights.
· Remind children to tell the bus driver if something is dropped near the bus.
· Remind children to tell a school administrator or police officer about any disruptive behavior or suspicious activity at stops. Transportation information is being mailed to families. This includes bus stop locations, pick up and drop off times and bus route numbers. Parents with questions about transportation or a bus stop should call the school or the transportation office at 980-343-6715. Parents can also fill out a transportation service request form online to request changes to their child’s transportation schedule. 
· Walk to and from your child’s bus stop to become familiar with the location.
· Ensure that your child arrives at his/her stop 10 to 15 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
· Tell children to cross the street in front of the school bus after activation of the stop arm and hazard lights.
· Remind children to tell the bus driver if something is dropped near the bus.
· Remind children to tell a school administrator or police officer about any disruptive behavior or suspicious activity at stops. Transportation information is being mailed to families. This includes bus stop locations, pick up and drop off times and bus route numbers. Parents with questions about transportation or a bus stop should call the school or the transportation office at 980-343-6715. Parents can also fill out a transportation service request form online to request changes to their child’s transportation schedule.
