June 25, 2007

 

 

 

Dear Parent

 

Please take a moment to review this important information regarding food service and transportation issues. 

 

FOOD SERVICE ITEMS

 

Food Service Accounts

 

Over the summer, the school district is transitioning to the Skyward Food Service program.  We anticipate better information regarding account balances and your child's purchases.  After the switch, the district hopes to also add access to food service information through the Family Access program.  We are also investigating adding an online payment option.

 

As information from the previous system will not be available because the former provider will be shutting down the district's access to the system, we've enclosed a statement showing the year-end balance from the end of last year if your child participated in the school lunch program.  Please take a moment and review this statement.  You are asked to contact the Food Service Office immediately if you have questions about account balances while the old system is still online.

 

Menu Prices

 

We anticipate menu prices to be set in July for the upcoming school year.  There will be a recommendation to the Board of Education for a small increase in prices.  When finalized, meal prices will be published in building mailings and on the district's website at www.spartan.org.

 

 

TRANSPORTATION ITEMS

 

A district transportation committee including representatives from Laidlaw, teaching staff, administrators, parents and teachers reviewed district transportation policy and bus rules with the goal of improving safety, consistency, and the bus environment.  As a result, recommendations for changes in policy were made to the Board of Education.  These recommendations were adopted by the Board and are effective with the new school year. 

 

Please take a moment and review the enclosed brochure regarding bus rules with your child.  Also, please review information eligibility and transportation changes below.  The complete Transportation Policy, Article 516, may be reviewed in "Policies" under the Board of Education portion of the website.

 

Eligibility for Transportation

 

In addition to field trips and co-curricular activities, transportation is provided to students living two or more miles from school, students requiring special transportation as part of an Individualized Educational Plan through special education, and students living less than two miles from school who would be required to walk through a designated hazardous zone.

 

"Courtesy Shuttle" is available between school buildings and other in-town non-residential stops (Boys & Girls' Club, Licensed Day Care, other School Buildings).  Students may utilize the shuttle if there is space available.  The district does not guarantee availability of space for any Courtesy Shuttle.

 

Child Care/Route Planning for Beginning of the Year (Changes Due August 15)

 

We are asking your assistance in helping us organize a smooth start to the school year.  Traditionally, hundreds of requests were submitted during the first few days of school and the days immediately prior to the start of school for transportation to and from childcare providers.  The numbers were significant and impacted route planning.  It was not possible to properly assign students to routes and provide adequate communication regarding pickup and drop off.  As a result, Board policy was changed to require receipt of the designated drop on or before August 15 in order for a change to be effective the first day of school.  If you are in need of a change, please confirm arrangements and mail or fax a form (blank form is enclosed) indicating the change.  Over the summer these should be sent directly to the Transportation Office.  They may be mailed, faxed, or dropped off in person. 

 

Please remember that Board Policy allows for one change due to Childcare per semester.

 

Changes During the Year

 

The Transportation Office processes three types of transportation changes during the year:  Permanent, Emergency, and Temporary.  Permanent and Temporary Changes require two working days to set up.  Emergency changes may be processed more quickly if possible.

 

Permanent changes include change of address.  These will be accommodated provided the student meets the eligibility requirements for transportation.  Please allow at least two full working days for the request to be processed.

 

Emergency changes are sudden and unforeseen emergencies such as a family medical emergency or cancellation of daycare without warning .  Please report these to the building principal.

 

Temporary changes are non-recurring, non-routine, non-emergency, and non-social in nature.  

 

Thank you for your assistance with these food service and transportation items and helping us to serve you better in the upcoming year.  Please contact the Food Service and Transportation office at 269-6750 with questions.

 

Your Food and Transportation Office Staff

 

Kathy Haag, Food Service and Transportation Office Secretary (Year Round)

Sue Cox, Food Service and Transportation Office Secretary (School Year)

 

 

Enclosures:       Food Service Account Balance Info (if applicable)

Transportation Rule Pamphlet

                        Transportation Request Form