Harold Lewis Center
Transportation
If you need to cancel transportation or make any changes to transportation, please call the transportation office at 937-645-6740. You may also email Sara Jones at sara@vatinc.com
Bus Reminders
As we begin another school year I wanted to remind you about some of our policies for the bus.
When a last minute change to your child’s transportation arrangement occurs, it is important that you let our school office know. This includes Mom/Dad picking them up (when they usually ride the bus), another person picking them up (sitter, relative, or friend) or any other change that we need to be aware of. It is important to call the office so that we can ensure that everyone gets the message and your child gets where they need to be. When we have not heard from you at the end of the school day, we will assume that they are following their normal routine. Please call the school office directly at 937-645-6714 with changes. You will be asked if you have informed transportation. If not, you will be asked if you want to be transferred to transportation. Someone is always available to answer that phone and check the voicemail on that phone.
Thank you for your help to lessen confusion at the end of a school day.
We have been notified by V.A.T. that any requests for changes in your regular bus pick up and/or drop off locations will require a 3 day notice. This has been our policy for the last several years. In the past we have tried to be as accommodating as possible. However, when we change one route for one student, this affects every other student on that route. Therefore no exceptions will be made to the 3 day notice rule.
We apologize for the inconvenience; however, we need the time to make the changes to the bus routes and notify families of any changes to times.
School Parking Lot Reminders
When you are dealing with children coming to school and leaving at dismissal, the school parking lot can be a very chaotic place.
At the Harold Lewis Center we continue to have a high enrollment. Due to this fact, there are obviously not enough parking spots out front for all families. This is an issue that we are aware of and we are looking into a solution. Meanwhile please be aware that there is additional parking in the back staff parking lot. I realize that this is a long walk especially in bad weather. You may also choose to pull up in front of the school after the buses have pulled away.
Student safety is always a concern for school staff, but keeping children safe in the parking lot requires the cooperation of everyone – from school staff to parents and the children themselves.
Here are a few safety tips that drivers should observe when dropping children off at school and picking them up:
- Obey the speed limit and traffic rules.
- Obey the school’s drop-off and pick up rules-remember all buses will pull up in front of the building for unloading/loading.
- Please do not walk in between the buses.
- Be courteous to other drivers.
- Remind children to look both ways in the parking lot, even though it is not a street.
- Please respect school staff that enforces traffic rules.
- Children should not run or play in the parking lot.
- Please do not drive around buses at any time.
Sign-in Procedure
If you arrive at school on time, you do not need to sign your child in, in the office. If you arrive late, please plan to go to the office and sign your child in. At this time we will continue to have you sign your child out at the end of every school day.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in keeping all of our children safe.
Sue LaMendola
Children Services Director
