Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Transportation
How will families be notified about the bus transportation requests?
- Northern Express Bus Company will respond to information submitted on the Transportation Form
- Bus assignments will be provided to families before the start of the school year.
- If a change is made, families will be notified via email or a phone call with the updated information.
Who do I contact with additional questions?
What bus transportation options are available for elementary students (4K- Grade 5)?
- All Early Childhood and 4K students are eligible for transportation.
- Students in 5K through Grade 12 qualify if they:
- Live more than two miles from their school, or
- Live in a designated hazardous walking area.
- Bus transportation is provided to and from the student’s primary residence. An alternative address may be used under certain conditions.
- Transportation is also available for:
- Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) requiring transportation
- Students who attend a licensed daycare within the district.
- Students who need to travel between the district’s elementary schools.
- Students living near the District shuttle sites.
What bus transportation options are available for middle school and high school students (Grade 6 - Grade 12)?
- Eligibility is the same as for elementary students:
- Must live more than two miles from school or in a hazardous walking area.
- Transportation is typically arranged from the student’s primary residence.
- Students with an IEP requiring transportation are eligible.
- Transportation is provided from the District’s two shuttle sites:
- Ceresco Park (Union St & North St)
- Hall Street & Spaulding Ave
Where are the supervised bus shuttle sites located?
- Ceresco Park (Union St & North St)
- Morning Supervision: 7:20 a.m. - 7:35 a.m.
- Afternoon Supervision: 3:10 p.m. - 3:40 p.m.
- Corner of Hall Street & Spaulding Ave
NOTE: Supervision ends once buses arrive and pick up students. Schedules may vary slightly from year to year.
What are the parents' responsibilities regarding bus transportation?
- Ensure your child is at the stop on time. Buses will not wait for students still inside the house.
- Be present when your child returns. For 4K and 5K students, a parent or older sibling must be visible for the child to be released. If not, your child will be returned to Barlow Park Journey.
- Reinforce bus behavior expectations. Bus riding is a privilege and may be revoked due to misbehavior.
- Assume responsibility for vandalism. Parents will be held financially accountable for any damages caused by their child.
- Provide supervision at shuttle sites. Make arrangements to ensure your child is supervised during the posted timeframes.
Will crossing guards be available this school year?
No. The City of Ripon will no longer provide school crossing guards starting in the upcoming school year. Families are encouraged to make safe arrangements for students who walk or bike to school.
Can a bus student have a friend ride home with them on the bus?
No. Only students assigned to a specific bus route are allowed to ride. Extra riders are not permitted for either morning or afternoon routes
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