Wicomico Recovery Plan 2020 -2021

69 transportation services for their student(s). If a family chooses to decline transportation services, they will reserve the right to contact WCPS Transportation Services later to change their initial response. Student capacity would then be evaluated and a route assignment would be provided as soon as practical. The following list highlights several, but certainly not all, factors that could impact delivery of student transportation services for the 2020-2021 school year: • Siblings • Increased car-rider traffic • Opt-in and opt-out for school system transportation services • Magnet programs • Athletics • Special Education • Time for disinfection of buses • Student mask requirements and enforcement • School bell times • Staggered start times • Use of depot stops • Student/family hardships • FIT transportation • Staff and contractor pay implications • Potential school bus driver shortages Due to the historical data which reflects a low response from parental surveys, WCPS Transportation Services Department plans to deploy a “transportation tracing” initiative and utilize some contractual school bus teams to contact all WCPS families to inquire their intent to use school bus services for the 2020-2021 school year. This initiative should better assist the department with route planning with an expected reduced load capacity. It would be at this tim e that families would “opt - in” to the transportation services for their student(s). If a family chooses to decline transportation services while on the call, they reserve the right to contact WCPS Transportation Services later to reconsider their initial position. Student capacity would have to be evaluated and a route assignment would be provided as soon as practical. COVID-19 RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES RETURN TO SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION Every attempt will be made by Wicomico County Public Schools’ bus per sonnel to slow/stop the spread of COVID- 19while transportingWCPS students. To do so effectively, the following guidelines will be exercisedwhen preparing, riding, and post-tripping the school bus. BUS PERSONNEL • Prope r hand hygiene h as proven to be an important defense in the COVID-19 battle. o Washing hands regularlywith soap andwater for at least 20 seconds when possible. If soap andwater is not readily available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol should be used. o Use hand sanitizer upon boarding the bus (if available) • Wear appropriate PPE o Face coverings will be required ▪ Additionally, face shields will be available for those bus teams who transport students with special needs wherein the transmission of body fluids may be more probable. o Gloves