Winona Area Public SchoolsBelow is an email that was sent to all families in the district today regarding the move of the afternoon transfer at W-K Elementary to Winona Senior High School beginning Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Hello WAPS families,
We wanted you to be aware of a location change for the afternoon transfer previously conducted at Washington-Kosciusko Elementary for routes that carry elementary and preschool students.
Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 5, the afternoon transfer for bus numbers 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 and 32 will take place at Winona Senior High School instead of Washington-Kosciusko Elementary. (Transfers at Jefferson Elementary and Goodview Elementary will not be altered.)
This change is being done with student safety in mind.
Families of students impacted by this change have already been contacted by K12 Transportation. We also wanted to let all families know of the change to minimize confusion around the district.
This is a return to previous practice from several years ago. There is more curb space at the high school, and there will be plenty of support available to make sure students get on the right bus. The transfer will not have to contend with other parents who drive or walk to pick up their children after school like at W-K, and students will also not have to wait outside in the rain, snow or cold while they wait for transfer buses to shift in and out. The transfers will take place before the high school lets out for the day.
W-K students who now have to transfer to a bus at the high school will be notified by K12 transportation. Students who were dropped off at W-K and either picked up by a parent or walked home will now have busing to a stop near their home. Bus numbers 14 and 22 will pick up W-K students and take them to the high school for their transfer.
Students will be asked to stay on their bus — where they are warm and safe — until all buses have arrived at the transfer point. They will then be asked to get on the bus to take them to their homes or daycares.
Community KIDS preschool teachers have been asked to make sure students have the bus tags on their backpacks. Any student needing assistance finding their bus can ask a support person for help.
Drop-off times should remain the same as they have in the past, if not a few minutes earlier due to improved efficiency of transfers. After the first week of this new practice, K12 Transportation will make adjustments and alter expected drop off times for your student.
If you have any questions, please email waps.transportation@winona.k12.mn.us or call 507-494-0810.
Thank you,
Winona Area Public Schools