Bus Transportation COVID-19 Protocols
The protocols and measures we will rely on this year, are based on guidance from the Ohio Department of Education, Governor Mike DeWine, Franklin County Public Health Department, Ohio Department of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The situation with COVID-19 is continuously changing, as are the protocols and measures needed to keep students and staff safe. Plans and procedures will remain flexible to accommodate potential changes and these guidelines may be modified as needed. It will be our priority to keep the community informed as adjustments become necessary. The Canal Winchester Local School District website will provide you with the most up-to-date information.
Before Leaving Your Home
To help protect employees and students against the spread of COVID-19, Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health have said that students and employees need to perform a COVID symptom assessment before coming to school each day.
Each day, you must take child’s temperature with a thermometer before they leave the house. Any person who has a fever at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, must stay home. Also monitor for coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. Stay at home if those symptoms occur. Other symptoms of COVID-19 include chills, repeated shaking with chills, congestion, nausea, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, and a recent loss of taste or smell. If any of these symptoms concern you, keep your child home.
In addition, a child should not come to school if:
- Someone in their household is awaiting a COVID-19 test result.
- They have had known contact with a person who is lab-confirmed as having COVID-19.
- They have traveled internationally or on a cruise in the past 14 days.
Bus Transportation
The Canal Winchester Local Schools, Transportation Department offers the following guidance to parents and caregivers regarding school bus transportation for daily bus routes as well as off-campus activities. Bus routes will run at a reduced capacity. Although the district is implementing safety protocols and disinfecting efforts, families are encouraged to drop students off, carpool or walk with their student to school to reduce possible exposure on buses. We are requiring our drivers and aides to wear face coverings while students are on the school bus.
Students must
- Students should NOT share food, drinks or personal devices.
Bus Stop Expectations
- Parents should assist their children with social distancing while at the bus stop (if there is adequate space and it is safe to do so).
- The use of face masks at the bus stop are strongly recommended.
Bus Riding Procedures
Morning Boarding Bus Procedures
- Students should maintain social distancing while boarding the bus.
- Seating: Students will be seated starting from the back seats, then moving toward the front (consideration will be given for seating family members together).
Unloading Upon Arrival to School
- Students must stay in their seats until they are directed to unload.
- Unloading will start from the front seats of the bus to the back seats.
- Students should practice social distancing and follow campus guidelines.
Afternoon Departure Boarding Bus
- Students should practice social distancing as they approach and board the bus.
- Seating: Students will be assigned seats and as much as practical, seating will start from the back seats then move toward the front.
Unloading at Bus Stop
- Unloading will start from the front of the bus and proceed to the back.
- Students should practice Social Distancing and avoid gathering in groups once they unload.