October 23, 2015

Dear Parents, Staff, Students, and Community Members:

The winter season is upon us and the chill in the air will soon turn to snow.  Therefore, I am sending our inclement weather information to our families, staff and community members in preparation for what might be cold and snowy weather ahead.

During the winter storm season, people often wonder about delays or why buses run late.  The Billings Schools’ 16,000+ students live within a large area where road conditions often vary widely during severe weather conditions.  We consider road conditions and all other information available when deciding whether to operate on normal bus stops or alternative ones.  

Below please find a list of areas that are commonly checked during severe weather conditions.  Past experience has confirmed that these areas are places where school buses have a higher probability of getting stuck in the snow, so alternate bus stops have been established for these areas.  More alternate bus stops could be added depending upon severe weather conditions, and the ability of school buses to maneuver safely through neighborhoods and subdivisions.

Commonly Checked Locations During Severe Weather Conditions
  • Rehberg Ranch – All bus stops in Rehberg Ranch would be moved to the following alternate bus stop:  Rifle Creek Trail @ Iron Horse Trail
  • Yellowstone Country Club/Augusta Ranch – All bus stops in Yellowstone Country Club and Augusta Ranch (including Sam Snead Trail) would have the option of the following 2 alternate bus stops:
    • 54th St. W. @ Rimrock Road, or
    • Molt Road @ Masters Blvd.
  • Hidden Lake Subdivision, including Lorraine St. and all side streets that feed into Lorraine St., would have the following alternate bus stop:  Hwy 87 N. @ Lorraine St.
  • Becraft Lane/Noblewood Dr. (Lockwood) – All bus stops located south of Old Hardin Road between Becraft Lane and Noblewood Drive would have the following alternate bus stop:  Becraft Lane @ Enfield Dr.
Alternate bus stops would not necessarily be limited to the above areas.  Other areas could be included, depending upon weather conditions.  Parents will be notified of alternate bus stops via media, school district website and automated phone calls no later than 6 a.m. on that day.

If the buses are using alternative bus stops, or if delays take place, we attempt to inform families and staff through a variety of ways.  Communication with our Billings Public Schools’ families is paramount to our students’ and staff’s safety.  Below is a brief list of resources parents may use to learn about alternative bus stops and other effects of adverse weather conditions.
  • SchoolConnect System - automated telephone notification system notifies parents within 45 minutes of being launched.  Parents need to be sure that all phone numbers are updated with their children’s schools.
  • SD2 Emergency Information Line - Call 406-281-5193 for updates on severe weather conditions and emergencies.
  • Stay connected with local TV, radio stations and the Billings Gazette.
  • Access the Billings Public Schools’ website -  http://billingsschools.org

Other Inclement Weather Tips
  • Expect the bus to run late and be prepared for this event.
  • Please wait at the bus stop with your children until the bus picks them up.  Students need the ability to get out of the elements in the event the bus is late.
  • Observe the following winter safety tips with your students who walk to and from the bus stops or schools:
    • Dress appropriately for cold weather – sweaters, pants, winter coats, hats, scarves, socks and boots.   Even when on a bus, it may not heat well in extreme cold, may breakdown, or might even get stuck.
    • Allow extra travel time to get to the bus stop or school.
    • Wear bright jackets or coats so bus drivers can easily see you in the morning or evening.
    • Stand at least 10 steps away or back from bus stops.  Buses need extra room to stop when there is snow or ice.
    • Do not walk or play on snow mounds or ice within 10 feet of the roadway – you can fall and slip into the roadway and be at risk of being struck by a vehicle.
    • Do not cross the street at your bus stop until all traffic has come to a complete stop and the bus driver has signaled that it is safe to cross.

While we attempt to make the best safety decisions for the entire district, we respect the fact that parents must make the final decision on whether their children attend school or not during severe weather conditions.  Also, please discourage our high school students from driving in bad conditions and offer them alternatives if weather conditions worsen.

Finally, we have scheduled a meeting, regarding the inclement weather protocol outlined above, on November 2, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Center Board Room. This will be a time for anyone who has questions or input on the inclement weather protocol.

Sincerely,

Terry Nelsen Bouck

Cell: 406-670-7750


               
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