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To ensure efficiency in the district transportation program, families whose children are eligible for bus transportation must update each student\u2019s bus transportation needs for the 2025-26 school year.<\/p>\n
We are asking all parents whose students are eligible for transportation to verify OR update their bus registration in\u00a0 It is important to review your child\u2019s current bus needs and verify or update for next school year. Accurate data for each student is necessary so the district can continue to run its buses without interruption. When families request transportation for their child but don\u2019t use it, this causes undue strain on our system.\u00a0 Please only register your child for transportation if they need it for the start of school.\u00a0Eligible families always have the option to add transportation service at any time during the school year.\u00a0<\/p>\n Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) \u2013 Bus Registration Elementary\u00a0\u2013 All Students Where can I check, verify or change my child\u2019s bus registration?<\/p>\n You can visit\u00a0Aspen<\/a> \u00a0to view the Bus Transportation Registration Form. The form is highlighted in blue under the Announcements section on your homepage.<\/p>\n I don\u2019t see the bus registration information. Where is it?<\/p>\n In\u00a0Aspen<\/a> , under each of your students\u2019 information, AM and PM bus choice will either be marked with a \u201cY\u201d or an \u201cN.\u201d\u00a0Here is where to find your child\u2019s bus registration information.<\/a><\/p>\n Why is bus registration so important?<\/p>\n A nationwide bus driver shortage has significantly impacted the Bethlehem Central School District. Prior to COVID, the district had 87 bus drivers and routes. There are currently only 58 available bus drivers and routes. The district needs to create more efficient bus routes to maintain bus service for all eligible students while it works to recruit and retain qualified drivers. Accurate ridership data is the most important way to mitigate changes to bus service or bus eligibility. We are asking for your help! (And while we\u2019re at it, if you know anyone interested in becoming a bus driver, we offer paid training to earn a CDL, a signing bonus and $25.73\/hour to start (once trained and licensed).\u00a0 Learn more and apply today.<\/a><\/p>\n When will my child\u2019s bus route and bus stop information be posted for the new school year?<\/p>\n Your child\u2019s bus registration information for the new school year can be found in Aspen the last week in August.<\/p>\n What if I have an incoming kindergarten student? When will I be able to verify their transportation information?<\/p>\n You can do that now. Bus registration is done at the time of enrollment into the district as a new student. The information entered for incoming kindergarten students can be viewed or changed by families in the Aspen portal. Route and bus stop information is posted to Aspen at the end of August.<\/p>\n What if I DON\u2019T request transportation for the start of the school year but I find my child needs bus transportation during the year?<\/p>\n Students who do not choose bus transportation for the beginning of the year can always resume transportation with 48 hours\u2019 notice to the Transportation Department.<\/p>\n What if I DO request transportation for the start of the school year but my child doesn\u2019t end up riding the bus?<\/p>\n If a child does not ride the bus for a period of 10 days or more, the Transportation Department will reach out to the family to see if transportation is still needed. The district encourages families not to request transportation in Aspen if it\u2019s not needed. Accuracy is important so the Transportation Department can plan appropriately for the start of the school year. Please remember you can always opt-in at any time during the year if your transportation needs change and your child is eligible for the bus.<\/p>\n What if I have a \u201conce-in-a-while\u201d need for bus transportation for my child?<\/p>\n We ask that you don\u2019t request transportation on the form but instead contact the Transportation Department to arrange transportation for your child if it is only needed a few times a year. Bus transportation is always available for eligible students.<\/p>\n What about situations at the elementary level when schools will not allow \u201cwalkers\u201d in the afternoon due to inclement weather?<\/p>\n In cases such as inclement weather when walking home from school is not allowed and more students need to use the bus, the Transportation Department will work with the school to provide bus transportation to all who need it on those days. Student safety is a priority.<\/p>\n What if I have additional questions?<\/p>\n
Aspen<\/a>. \u00a0You can update now through Aug. 15.<\/p>\n
\nWho is eligible to ride the school bus?<\/p>\n
\nMiddle School\u00a0\u2013 Students who live more than 1\/2 mile from school
\nHigh School\u00a0\u2013 Students who live more than 1 mile from school<\/p>\n