Routines and Family Plans

Children thrive on the consistency of a routine. You should make changes in transportation only when necessary.  If you require a change from routine, send a note to your child’s teacher on the morning of the change.  In cases of partnering children, we must receive a note from both sets of parents.  Buses operate at capacity and cannot accommodate extra passengers.  Play dates should be arranged after your child has arrived home.

Kiss and Ride

(8:15–8:25 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.)

• Drop off and pick up your child only in the Kiss and Ride traffic pattern.
• Pull your car forward as far as possible in the line.
• Make sure that your child exits your car on the building side.
• Do not pass other cars in line.
• If your child needs assistance carrying something inside or getting something out of the car please park and walk your child into the building.

Bicycle/Walking Safety

Recognizing the health benefits, FCPS encourages parents to consider having their children walk and/or ride a bicycle to and from school using existing infrastructure.  This parental decision is not subject to review by the principal.  The unique procedures for kindergarten students are addressed in the current version of Regulation 8617, Student Transportation – Eligibility, Routes, and Schedules. 

Bicycles

Bicyclists should follow these guidelines:

• Obey safety patrols, and automobile traffic rules, including signaling for turns and stopping at intersections.
• Bikes can be locked to the bike racks.
• Bicycle helmets are mandatory to ride to school!

Walkers

Walking students must use designated paths, sidewalks, or the crosswalk where safety patrols are stationed. 

Bus Riders 

FCPS provides bus transportation for students who reside more than a mile from the school.  Bus riders should follow these guidelines:

• Refrain from crossing or playing on private property.
• Cooperate with the safety patrols and obey the bus drivers.
• Arrive at the bus stop five to ten minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.
• Remain seated and talk quietly after boarding the bus.

Procedures for safe transportation are discussed with all students at the beginning of the school year. It is also important that parents review with their children the information included on the form provided to all students who use school transportation. Parents’ reinforcement of the rules for safe loading and unloading of buses and of standards for behavior on buses and at bus stops is essential and will promote safety. Student failure to exhibit acceptable standards of conduct while riding a school bus can result in a suspension of bus transportation.

Kindergarten Parents: For your child’s safety, a parent, daycare provider, designated adult, or a sibling in 7th grade or higher is required to meet your child at the bus stop/bus door. If such person is not at the bus stop/bus door, the child will be returned to school.

Parking and Picking Up Children

Virginia state law forbids the passing of a school bus that is loading or unloading children.  We do not allow parking in front of the school during arrival and dismissal.  Avoid parking in front of the school after 2:50 p.m. Please use the crosswalk when bringing your child into the school or picking them up.