In an attempt to minimize frustration and disappointment to our students, we will explain our bus-riding policy ...
Only students assigned a bus route are able to ride District 200 buses with another student. In other words, students who walk home or attend Northwood by special permission (& do not have a regular bus route) may NOT ride the bus home to another student's house. This is a District 200 Transportation policy and insurance issues are involved. The only time students who are not assigned a bus route may ride the bus are on field trips and en-route to and from sporting events when they are an athlete or manager involved in a sport.
If two students having a regular bus route wish to travel on a bus to one another's home, Northwood Middle requires a letter from BOTH families. There have been instances MANY times when one parent or the other was now aware of the children's plans nor did they wish a visitor on that particular day. Please have your students take their letters to the office in the morning BEFORE classes begin so that the appropriate permission can be obtained from the principal and District 200 Transportation Department and a bus pass can be made out for the day. It also must be realized that there are certain bus routes that are very crowded and permission may be denied by Transportation. In that case, your child will be encouraged to call you to let you know that they will be home on their bus.
Even if students ride the same bus, notes from BOTH families must be brought to inform school and Transportation that a student will be embarking on or departing from the bus at a different stop.
END OF DAY PICK-UP
A quick reminder to parents who pickup their child(ren) in a vehicle at 3:30 PM or have their child walk home. Students who are riding home in a car should exit the building only through the North entrance or through the South doors & into the Verda Dierzen parking lot in front of the school. Vehicles should not park in front of Verda Dierzen School until after 3:15 PM. All students who are walking home should exit the building through the South entrance. Walkers are encouraged to leave school grounds immediately after dismissal for safety reasons. The buses depart Northwood around 3:45 PM and students may not cross in front of buses. We request that any student who is car-riding be picked up only on the north side of the building. It would be appreciated if you keep Northwood students' safety in mind and do not pull into the teacher parking lot. Cars should form a line facing east outside of the teacher parking lot and remember that no entrances or roadways may be blocked. As other cares move out of the way, you may move up carefully. We are grateful for your assistance in this important issue.