General Guidelines
- Be ready five minutes before the scheduled pick-up time and be prepared to wait five minutes after the scheduled pick-up time*. This 10-minute window is needed because of traffic conditions and other unexpected delays;
*At the beginning of the year, we ask that families be patient with us as we work through an influx of new students and new transportation requests.
- We strongly encourage reviewing transportation information the days prior to the opening of school on August 26, 2021.
- Students must out at the bus stop on less than 5 minutes prior to bus arrival scheduled time.
- The driver cannot leave the driver’s seat;
- Buses cannot wait for parents in the afternoon. If no one is present to meet your child (Kindergarten and Special Education students), the bus will continue on it route in order to drop off other children. At the conclusion of the route, the student will be returned to his or her school. This procedure also applies to students who do not feel safe getting off the bus for any reason.
- This becomes a widespread problem on Early Release Days (School Conferences and Professional Learning days)–parents should check their school calendars regularly to avoid missing the bus on these days.
- If your student is going to be absent from the bus stop, please call our office at (860) 666 – 2441 to report the absence. Our office will normally give the parents of Special Education students a courtesy call if the driver is not met outside the house in a timely manner, but this privilege might be lost if repeated absences go unreported or if the bus is consistently delayed because of frequent tardiness.
- We encourage all parents to call in absences, especially if their student is picked up at their house or is the only student at their bus stop.
Bus Stop Changes
We are happy to discuss any potentially unsafe conditions at bus stops or on walking routes to school with parents, however, issues regarding how far students walk to school will not be considered by the Transportation Office.
The walking distances are defined and are as follows:
- Elementary Schools: 0.75 miles and under
- Middle Schools: 1.25 miles and under
- High School: 1.75 miles and under
Any student living over the distances listed above will be eligible for transportation to and from school. In addition, some students living within the defined “walk zone” will be eligible due to known hazardous conditions on walking paths, or medical exceptions.
Questions or appeals regarding the walking-distance measurement can be addressed through the Transportation Appeal Form. This form is sent directly to the Superintendent’s Office for a final review and a hard-copy of the decision will be mailed to the home address.
Suspension of Transportation Privileges
Transportation to and from school is a privilege, and Newington Public Schools expects all students to obey the rules and regulations set forth by the Board of Education. If a student misbehaves on a school transportation vehicle, a Bus Conduct Report will be completed by the driver and sent to the relevant school administrators for review and potential discipline. Parents and students should be aware that inappropriate behavior may result in suspension of transportation privileges.
Parents’ Responsibilities
- Parents should make sure that students reach the assigned bus stop at least five (5) minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. Students must be outside waiting for their bus or van—this means no waiting in garages, at the window, on porches, etc.
- Parents must accompany Kindergarten children to and from the bus stop.
- Parents may not board the bus.
- Parents should instruct students to:
- Wait for the bus driver to activate the red SOS lights and wait for the driver to motion them across the street, if necessary.
- Wait on the sidewalk, if possible.
- Wait until the bus stops before trying to board. Students must not rush onto the bus, and once on board should take their seats quickly or follow driver directions if assigned seating is in effect.
- Behave appropriately while walking to and from the bus stop.
- Do not leave trash at the bus stop.
- Follow the bus behavior rules, including no eating or drinking on school vehicles.
- Remain seated, facing forward and in an upright position while on the bus.
Address Changes & New Newington Residents
If you are new to the Town of Newington, or are changing addresses within Town, you must bring proof of residency to the Residency Office in order to qualify for transportation. Once the student is registered and cleared through the Residency Office transportation scheduling can proceed.
For more information on what documents are required by the Residency Office, please contact Lisa Kasprzyk, Residency & Security Administrative Secretary, at (860) 666-5611 ext. 1131.
Medical Requests
If your student has any medical limitations that you feel may warrant a change in transportation status, please contact Mercy Hetherington, School Nurse Administrator, at (860) 666-5611, ext. 1165.
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