School Bus Transportation in the Age of COVID
As we navigate through this very unique school year . . .
We are working diligently to provide a safe transportation environment for our students. We know that many of our students ride the bus to and from school each day and we have developed safety precautions in line with Edmonds School District Student Health Services and Snohomish Health District guidelines.
What are the COVID related guidelines?
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For students attending classes outside Edmonds School District (i.e. special programs, contracted schools, and students in McKinney-Vento or Foster status) - All parents/guardians will be required to complete Daily Attestation Form on behalf of their students. The completed paper copy of this form must be given to the Bus Driver upon boarding the bus. Be aware that the school you are going to will have requirements and procedures of their own. You must also meet their criteria.
Students attending classes within the District must complete the DAILY SYMPTOM CHECKER before going to catch the bus or to school. Contact your school to get the proper links and instructions for completing this.
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All bus occupants are expected to use hand sanitizer (provided by the driver) upon entry to the school bus and again upon exiting the vehicle.
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Masks that fully cover the nose and mouth must be worn by drivers and students every day for the full duration of the bus ride. Face masks must also be worn while waiting at the bus stop and while entering, riding and exiting the school bus. (If a student can not wear a face covering, it must be documented in the student’s health care plan/IEP and received by the Transportation office prior to riding the bus.)
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Students will normally be seated in the furthest available seat upon entering the bus. They will be seated 1 student per seat in General Education buses, and 1 student per row in Special Needs buses (students from the same household may sit together). Students will be required to sit in that assigned seat each day. This will prove helpful in contact tracing should we have a positive COVID case in the future.
- Windows on the bus will remain open for the full duration of the ride. Bring a jacket, sweater, or coat to keep warm.
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It is strongly recommended that students wear masks and maintain social distancing by keeping a minimum of six feet apart while at the bus stop. Social distancing according to the driver's directions is required while entering the bus, while accessing a seat, and while exiting the bus.
As always, your child’s safety is our top priority.
-- We have established new safety procedures to disinfect the bus between each group of students.