With winter, comes snow days
Have you ever wondered who was actually making those early morning decisions to keep the school buses off the road?
With the winter weather approaching I thought I would provide some information about this process. Quite some time ago the Catholic and Public school boards combined their transportation departments into one, forming what is now known as the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC). In 2011, this Ministry funded organization became independent employing 11 people who are responsible for the transportation of 34,000 students. When a bad weather day sets in, the SCSTC work in conjunction with the bus operators (in our area it is Sinton-Landmark) to determine if a cancellation is going to be made. Some of the factors include, forecasted weather, confirmation that the snow plows have been out and that the roads are deemed safe for travel. After a conference call with representatives from all the bus zones a decision is made before 6 a.m. You can find updates at www.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca and you can subscribe to receive bus delay notifications scstc.ca/subscriptions or you can follow the Consortium on Twitter @SCSTC_SchoolBus.
Did you know that the bus drivers are not paid on the days that the buses do not run? The decision to cancel buses is strictly based on the safety of the students and the drivers. On these days it is a family decision as to whether or not to send your children to school. As we all know, the older students tend to be sparse however the primary classes are very well attended. The school is always open and teachers are there to provide learning and fun activities for the students.
On another note, our schools are continuing to run Breakfast and Snack programs. In Creemore approximately 5 to 10 students arrive early for Breakfast each day and between 15 to 30 students run out of food before the second nutrition break. In speaking with Principal Alison Golding she welcomes any food donations such as eggs for boiling, nut free muffins/breads, fruit or cheese and crackers. Anyone wishing to help out in this area can drop off food or a monetary donation at the school.
This Saturday, Dec. 3, I look forward to attending the annual Breakfast with Santa, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parents and the general community are welcome to come and enjoy a yummy pancake breakfast and have a picture taken with Santa. There is a silent auction and other great activities for the kids. Sounds like a great warm up to the parade downtown Creemore at 1:30 p.m.
Annie Chandler is the Simcoe County District School Board trustee representing Clearview Township and Collingwood.
