Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences

TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES
September 2010

The goal of DAAS Administration is to provide safe and efficient school bus transportation for all eligible students. We regularly review this service and implement changes that will allow us to keep our costs within our district's budget. Therefore, in order to provide free transportation, we cannot offer door-to-door service, but have identified bus stops that are strategically centralized across the city to accommodate our students as close to home as possible. All parents will be notified of any location or time change as this school year progresses and bus schedules are finalized. 

Individual letters have been mailed to each family advising of the bus stop assigned to your child or children, as well as the specific time of pick-up. If you have not received your letter OR, if you would like further information, please call the following school sites:

Jefferson campus (Elementary Academy) -- 313.259.1744

Medbury campus (Middle and High School Academies) - 313-923-0281

Our staff will make every effort to provide you with the information that you require for the start of school. Both offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. --

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL ALSO BE CALLED BY A DAAS STAFF MEMBER TO CONFIRM YOUR TRANSPORTATION REQUEST FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Responsibilities:

It is important for parents and students to understand that riding the school bus is a privilege and not an obligation on the part of the district. If a student refuses to follow the bus behavior rules and policy or, is disrespectful to the adults in charge of transportation --- all transportation privileges will be immediately revoked.

Parent Responsibilities:

For each child's safety and security, a parent, guardian, older sibling or designated adult is required to remain with or receive students at the pick-up or drop-off locations. If the parent or designated adult is not present at the drop-off location at the end of the school day, the student will be returned to the school for pick up by the parent.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When will bus service begin?
DAAS' transportation services begin the first day of school - Tuesday, September  7th, 2010, the day after the Labor Day celebration. 

Who is eligible to ride the bus?
All DAAS students in grades K-12 who live in the Metro Detroit area; who have completed and submitted a transportation request form; and, who have received confirmation of approval are eligible to ride the bus. We do not however, provide transportation services to suburban communities. In addition, students must live at least one mile from the assigned campus. 

How will my child know which bus to ride?
Each bus will be clearly identified as the transport vehicle for Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences. In addition, each bus is assigned an aide. The bus aide will have a list of names of those students who have been approved and are assigned to ride a particular bus route.

Other than students, who can board the bus?
Only DAAS employees, security officers, or DHT authorized transportation personal may board a DAAS bus. Unauthorized persons boarding a bus may be subject to legal prosecution. 

What is the cost per student? 
DAAS bus service is free to those students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.  For those who don't qualify for free and reduced lunch, but desire to receive transportation services, the cost is $25.00 per family, per week. If you are interested in securing these services, please contact Transportation Services at 313.259.1744.

What do I do if the bus doesn't show up on time? 
School bus drivers have to deal with traffic conditions just as any other driver on the road.  A traffic jam could cause your child's bus to be a few minutes late.  IF after 15 minutes your bus has still not arrived, you may call DHT Transportation at 313.895.1300 to get an estimated time of arrival.  In any case, be assured a bus will arrive as soon as the problem has been corrected.

If you have additional transportation questions or concerns, please contact Transportation Services at 313.259.1744