WES / MHS Handbook
SAFETY AND TRANSPORTATION
Bus Policy
The Ashburnham-Westminster School District‘s bus policy is set by the A-W School Committee and is subject to state regulations.
Buses must not be defaced in any way. The bus driver has the same authority during a student’s transit that the teachers do in the classroom. Students should remember this: bus drivers are teachers and the bus is their classroom. Students should treat them that way and follow all the rules of bus safety and conduct listed below:
The School Administration has the right to suspend bus privileges as a consequence for inappropriate behavior.
Walkers
Parents who choose to allow their students to walk to school should be aware that there are currently no crossing guards or walking patrol monitors in place. Children should abide by safety rules when walking, such as using sidewalks whenever possible, looking both ways before crossing streets, etc. Walkers will be dismissed after all of the buses have been dismissed.
Bicycles
Students in K-3 are not allowed to ride bikes to school unless they are accompanied by an adult. Bike racks are provided for WES students who wish to ride their bikes to school. Students may ride their bikes if:
The school reserves the right to deny or rescind permission for a student to ride a bike to school.
Mass. State Law requires all children under age twelve to wear a safety helmet when riding a bicycle. No student will be knowingly dismissed from WES to ride a bike home without a helmet.
Students are encouraged to lock their bikes at all times. Students should also be aware of bicycle safety rules and use caution and courtesy when approaching pedestrians.
Bikers are dismissed after all of the buses have been called.
Drop Off / Pick Up
Parents who wish to drive their children to school should drop them off at 8:20 am.
Please pick up students at the designated pick-up area after school at 2:55 pm.