PARRY SOUND, ON-The Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services is in talks with local school boards in preparation for the return of students.
NPSSTS confirmed they have been working on the 2020-2021 school year transportation plan to ensure they are ready for multiple options.
While consulting with their 33 counterparts from across the province, they have been discussing practices to develop, identify challenges, and brainstorm potential solutions, which they will share with the various boards and Ministry.
While discussions with the school boards are ongoing, NPSSTA said questionnaires would be sent out to families so transportation planning can continue.
“We anticipate that despite your child being eligible for transportation, you may choose to drive them to school,” said NPSSTS Executive Director Chuck Seguin. “If you do so, we encourage you to consider a drop-off and pick up point that is a block or two from the school, having regard for the capacity of your child to walk that distance.”
Seguin recommends you practice this measure with your children over the coming weeks, so they are ready for the school season.
As masks were made mandatory by the local health unit, it is also recommended that you get your child ready to start practising this and other protective measures like physical distancing, hand washing, and cough and sneeze hygiene.
“Normalizing these behaviours is important in ensuring the safety of all those around us, including their classmates, teachers, and bus drivers,” Seguin added.
As transportation services will be different this year, there will be a limited number of buses and drivers available to allow the over 11,000 students to use their services.
Changes may be made at the Ministry and Board levels that could affect restrictions.
NPSSTS reassures they plan to do all they can within the constraints they are facing to meet the needs of everyone.