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Department of Transportation -- Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for transportation to school?

The policy of the Marple-Newtown School District is to provide transportation to grades 1 through 12. The policy for walking to school is as follows:

• Grades 1 through 5 may walk up to ¾ of a mile to their school or respective bus stops. This distance is well below the State mandate of 1½ miles for elementary students.

• Grades 6 through 8 may walk up to 1¼ miles to their school or respective bus stops. The State mandates up to 2 miles for secondary students.

• Grades 9 through 12 may walk up to 1½ miles to their school or respective bus stops. State mandates up to 2 miles for secondary students.

What happens in the event of snow or other emergency?

Decisions involving weather conditions are difficult because they need to be made approximately two hours before the buses leave the compound.  The safety of our children is our primary concern.   Decisions are based of advice from the local weather bureau, local and state police departments, emergency highway personnel, and members of our own staff who are assigned to check key road areas.  When hazardous conditions develop, parents can listen to KWY Radio 1060 (our emergency number if 454), check the District website for announcements, call the District's inform-a-phone 610-359-4280, or will be notified by phone through the District's Global Connect system.  Please do not call the individual schools or the transportation office who are overloaded with these calls, and busy planning for safe transportation of the students.

Are there late buses for after-school activities? 

Marple Newtown does not provide "late buses" from any schools, public or non-public.  All students requiring transportation need to be on the buses at the regular departure times for their respective school.  There will also be no transportation by Marple Newtown buses to CCD, Hebrew School, or other religious training programs.

Can I send my child home with another student?

In the event of emergencies or child care conflicts, district parents wishing to send their children home with another student (either walking or taking the bus) are required to send a note to school no later than 12:00 on the day of the event.  Exceptions will be made in the event of emergencies regarding this policy.  This will prevent potential overloading of the buses. Students attending non-district schools are not allowed to have friends ride home with them.

Can my child be dropped off at a location other than his/her home bus stop?

Any parent requesting transportation other than that listed on the bus pass must contact the Transportation Department for prior approval of changes.

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