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S. Smith Moderator
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Do you think bus rides are too long for kids going to Northern? What do you think the school system can/should do about this situation? |
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Baseball Buddy Member 
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1 hour and 10 min in the morning and afternoon Thats 2 hours and 20 min a day People who work 8 to 5 have shorter days than BB Jr when you figure in all the homework. He starts his day at 6am, catches the bus before 7am, gets home 5:15pm, finishes homework around 6pm. That's 12 hours. Yes the bus ride is Too long for a 12 year old. There are kids that ride even longer than mine. Now, having called the school's transportation department about this, they agree but have no solution. I was told to have everybody on this long bus ride call and complain. Where and when are they planning for even more kids next year? |
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Baseball Buddy Member
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Now GCS cannot claim a shortage of buses. Here in NC there is a bus manufacturing facility that is the largest in the USA. All GCS has to do is take delivery of a few more. Now saying that I realize there is more to it than that and it is not that simple. But It is not that hard either. Does anyone out there know the process to get more buses. If Eastern Guilford needs the extra buses why penalize the Northern kids? |
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dmauser Member
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how to get more buses? It's easy, raise taxes! Just kiddin'-- it always about money. The budget has to be raised, as Alan Duncan says, with 1700 new students a year, we need more buses. I would suggest (and I do this often), to write the school board, not just Darlene Garret, our rep, but ALL of the board. If the voters and stakeholders (parents) don't get vocal, then this area will never get the things they need. I often hear complaints about traffic at NW, what would it be like if every child rode the bus? We would need 10-15 more buses and that is just a guess... no room for them, no buses and more money for gas. |
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GRITS Member
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ok--what's the address? I will write a letter and try to get every parent I know to do the same. I know for a fact there are parents out there who are unhappy about this situation for I have shared many conversations and have stressed it is time for their voices to be heard. But, quite honestly, I think they are afraid by speaking out, their child will be chastised in return. What is even worse than my 12yr old riding a bus for 90 minutes is the time of morning the special needs children are picked. This is a fact--a 4 year old in Summerfield is picked up 3 days a week at 530am and is taken to a facility located on Alamance Church road. The transporation is made available through GCS, this is in conjuction with the head start program and no child left behind. I am appalled that this even occurs. I was even told I was mistaken by the board of transportation that the earliest these kids are picked up is 6am. No, I am not mistaken--and regardless, no child should be put on a bus at these hours of the morning. If I can't make a change on the 90 minutes bus ride to improve, I at least hope the later part of my statement is taken into consideration and is changed. Last edited on Apr 3rd, 2007 02:49 pm by GRITS |
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macca Member 
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I think this whole issue of buses is something parents throughout the Northwest area should be raising a fuss about. Why is there so much congestion on Northwest School Road? Because parents of middle schoolers fear what their kids will be exposed to on the buses, so many make that trek to and from school daily. Even with carpooling, there is still way too much congestion there. If something was done to make parents feel more secure about their child's well-being, this could be improved. Of course, it would mean that GCS would need to provide more buses, but that is part of their responsibility... |
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dmauser Member
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The email addresses of all board members is located on http://www.gcsnc.com-- on the left you will see 'board of education'- click that and then look at the members. I agree that a 4 year should not be picked up that early, but my guess is that the parent must think it is worth it, as legally no 4 year old has to go to school. |
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GRITS Member
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The parents had no other choice, they are doing all that they can do considering the situation. There are alot of factors involved as to why the bus ride was the chosen factor for the transportation. I personally know, if other means of reasonable transporation was offered, that would be the chosen factor. This family has other children who have needs as well, and cannot be over looked. Yes, legally a 4yr does not have to attend school. But, when the child is of legal age, it is necessary that he/she know certain criteria of education before entering public school. It is necessary as of this time to have this child up to speed, and unfortunately this is the only affordable way for this child to get an education. Last edited on Apr 3rd, 2007 05:56 pm by GRITS |
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concerned Member 
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I drive my child to school not because I am afraid of what they are exposed to on the bus but because it is a one hour ride to school and one hour home each day. The home work load from the middle school is so much that there is no time to just be a kid and play after school and such a long bus ride. My child was getting home at 4:45 at night when taking the bus. |
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