How many schools does West Shore School District serve?
We currently service 14 district schools, and up to 30 placement schools and non-public schools within 10 miles of the district boundaries. We also provide transportation for students requiring special education services.
How many students does the WSSD Transportation Department serve?
We provide transportation services for over 6,500 students annually (public and non-public students). When you call the transportation department with a question or requesting service, please understand that we have a constant, heavy workload. We will address your issue or return you phone call as quickly as possible. If you need to leave a voice mail message, please include the correct spelling of your child’s first and last name, the school of attendance, and how we may assist you.
How will I get my child’s transportation information?
In August, Elementary and Intermediate schools will email detailed bus stop information, including stop location and pick-up/drop-off times, to parents of students in kindergarten through sixth (6th) grade. Middle and high school parents and students will be able to access their busing information in PowerSchool at the same time schedules and class assignments are available.
If your child is a new registration during the school year, the transportation details will be updated in PowerSchool within two (2) business days.
Why is my child’s bus stop incorrect or blank on the Transportation page in Power School?
If the information is incorrect or blank in Power School, please make sure your child’s address is updated with Registration. It could also be that your child resides in the walk-zone of the school of attendance.
What are the walk-zone guidelines?
Pennsylvania State Law allows the school districts to set guidelines for students in Elementary and Intermediate (K-6th) who live one and one-half (1.5) or more miles from the school and Middle and High School students (7th-12th) who live two (2) or more miles from their schools be eligible to ride District transportation. Whenever possible, walking distances of all grade levels will be kept to a reasonable distance based on safety parameters. If needed, the district will consult with bus contractors and local police municipalities to determine if a bus stop location is unsafe.
What time should I have my child at the bus stop?
Students need to be at the bus stop at least five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time. The bus may arrive at the stop during that five (5) minute window of time and move on if your child is not at the stop. Buses and Vans will experience delays from time to time for many reasons including traffic, road closures, construction, etc.
Why can’t the bus stop at my house?
The district creates community stops to accommodate more students and reduce travel time. We do have stops at certain homes and driveways, which is due to safety or other extenuating circumstances that cannot be supported by a community stop. Community stops are also created for safety, and route timing. Please accompany your child to the bus stop or coordinate with neighbors and other community support to observe students at bus stops and while getting on and off the bus. Parent presence at bus stops is also helpful to monitor general student behaviors.
Can my child ride home on a different bus (other than the assigned bus)?
We discourage this as additional students riding buses other than their assigned buses cause disturbances in seat assignments and may create overcrowding.
In case of an emergency, please notify your child’s school, who will contact the transportation office and request a Bus pass and provide a reason for the request. A student will not be permitted to ride a bus other than their own without a bus pass signed by the school of attendance.
What should I do if I move during the school year?
The address change must be communicated to the District Registration Department before transportation can be updated. Registration will advise of the documentation necessary to complete the changes, and will update Transportation. New transportation will begin three (3) business days after the address change is completed.
My child is sick and I’m unable to pick-up my child from school. Will the district transport?
No, the district will not transport your child home when dismissed early by the nurse.
Can my child carry a large musical instrument on the bus?
District buses have a full assignment of students and do not have room to accommodate large instruments or athletic gear. We ask that you provide transportation for your child to school on days that he/she needs to bring large items that do not fit on his/her lap.
Whom should I contact if my child left an item on the bus?
If you believe your child left an item on the bus, please contact First Student @717-938-8788 and provide the bus number and a description of the item. Dispatch will make contact with the driver to check the bus.