Superintendent's Newsletter

Back to School Immunizations- Martin County Health Department Media Release

School Bus Routes & School Bus Safety Information

2010-2011 School Bus Routes

Are We There Yet Safety Brochure

Drivers are urged to use extra caution on the road, particularly during the early morning and afternoon hours, when students are walking/biking to or from school or the bus stop. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about traffic safety issues, such as using sidewalks whenever possible, and to always follow proper safety procedures if a student has to cross a street.

At school bus stops, students must stay away from the 12-foot danger zone around the bus, except when being directed by the driver to get on or off the bus.

Students should be reminded to NEVER pick up an object that has been dropped under, near or behind a bus. Always ask the driver for help--and always wait for the driver to signal that it is safe to cross the road or load onto the bus. Students should arrive at their bus stop with plenty of time to spare. All parents with children in Pre-K through 5th grade are encouraged to pin or place a tag on their child's clothing or backpack that includes the child's name, daytime contact phone number, and bus stop. Make sure this tag is visible. It will help prevent students from getting on or off the bus at the wrong stop.

Pre-K and kindergarten students must be greeted at the bus stop by a parent/guardian each afternoon. For safety reasons, they will not be released from the bus unless they are escorted by a parent/guardian.

Also, during the first week of school, buses may run late in the afternoon because schools are doing extra checks to ensure all students have boarded the correct buses. Parents are asked to be patient.

To report any school bus problems or concerns and to get answers to questions regarding school bus schedules or routes, please contact the District's Transportation Department at 219-1287, Extension 101.

School Breakfast / Lunch

For students who will be packing a lunch, parents are encouraged to make healthy choices and not pack foods that will spoil and/or need to be refrigerated.

If a student will be buying breakfast/lunch, parents need to send money with their child or add funds to their student's cafeteria account. Cafeteria accounts are provided to every enrolled student. Parents can add money to their child's cafeteria account by sending cash, check, or a money order with their student to school. They can also prepay online by using MealPayPlus.

Information on how to apply for the Free or Reduced Priced Meals Program will be provided to students at the start of the school year. Families only need to submit one application. Applications will be sent home with all elementary aged students. Parents can also contact their student's school cafeteria manager, call or visit the Food and Nutrition Services Department located at 1050 East10th Street in Stuart, 772-223-2655, or apply online at https://frapps.sbmc.org/FMA/. The online application site will be available for use after August 16th.

We are looking forward to another safe and successful school year. For additional Back to School information, parents should contact their child's school directly.