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PARENT TRANSPORTATION EXPECTATIONS

OVERVIEW OF TRANSPORTATION & TRAVEL POLICY

Because the School operates primarily online, transportation services are minimal and optional.

However, safety procedures are required for:

  • Hybrid center travel
  • Field trips
  • Community-based learning
  • Family drop-off/pick-up
  • Staff travel for school duties
  • Virtual field experience participation

All transportation activities must comply with state laws, insurance requirements, and school safety policies.

GENERAL TRANSPORTATION POLICY

School-Provided Transportation

The School does not generally provide daily transportation services.

Transportation MAY be provided for:

  • Field trips
  • Hybrid center special events
  • Assessments (optional)
  • School-sponsored enrichment experiences

Transportation availability depends on:

  • Budget
  • Staffing
  • State voucher guidelines
  • Safety requirements

When provided, only school-authorized vehicles and insured drivers may transport students.

Parent/Guardian Transportation Responsibilities

Parents are responsible for:

  • Transporting students to hybrid centers
  • Transporting students to scheduled assessments
  • Transporting students to optional hybrid sessions
  • Transporting students for field trips unless school transportation is provided

Parents must ensure:

  • Timely drop-off and pick-up
  • Appropriate supervision during travel
  • Compliance with hybrid center safety guidelines

Carpooling Policy

The School does not arrange carpools.

Parents may independently coordinate carpools but the School:

  • Assumes no responsibility for carpool arrangements
  • Cannot verify carpool driver backgrounds
  • Does not insure private vehicles

DROP-OFF & PICK-UP PROCEDURES (HYBRID CENTERS)

Drop-Off Procedures

Parents must:

  • Follow posted signs
  • Remain in car unless instructed
  • Only drop off in designated zones
  • Ensure student enters the center safely
  • Avoid blocking traffic

Staff must be present during drop-off windows.

Pick-Up Procedures

Procedures include:

  • Showing approved ID (if required)
  • Using authorized pick-up list
  • Remaining in vehicle in carline
  • Following staff direction
  • Signing out if picking up early

Students are released ONLY to authorized adults.

Late Pick-Up Policy

Parents arriving after the pick-up window may incur:

  • Late pick-up fees (if applicable)
  • Documented incident reports
  • Required parent meetings for repeated lateness

FIELD TRIP POLICIES

Purpose of Field Trips

Field trips extend learning by offering:

  • Hands-on experiences
  • Real-world applications
  • Cultural enrichment
  • SEL growth
  • Career exploration
  • Thrively passion project connections

Hybrid and virtual students may participate equally wherever feasible.

Field Trip Approval Policy

All field trips must be:

  • Requested at least 30 days in advance
  • Aligned with curriculum standards
  • Approved by administration
  • Within budget limitations
  • Supported by risk assessment

Required Documentation

Each field trip requires:

  • Permission slips (signed by legal guardian)
  • Emergency contact forms
  • Medical needs disclosure
  • Chaperone agreements
  • Transportation roster

Students without permission forms cannot participate.

Supervision Requirements

Hybrid field trip ratios:

  • Elementary: 1 adult per 8–10 students
  • Middle: 1 adult per 10–12 students

All chaperones must:

  • Complete background checks
  • Attend a pre-trip briefing
  • Agree to supervision guidelines
  • Use approved communication devices

Student Conduct Expectations on Field Trips

Students must:

  • Follow directions immediately
  • Stay with assigned group
  • Use respectful behavior in public spaces
  • Demonstrate safety awareness
  • Follow digital device rules
  • Use school-appropriate language

Violations may result in removal from future trips.

Transportation for Field Trips

If the School provides a vehicle:

  • Drivers must be insured and approved
  • Students must remain seated
  • Seatbelts used at all times
  • Emergency contact lists must be accessible

If parents provide transportation:

  • They assume all liability
  • They must follow trip arrival/drop-off guidelines

The School does NOT allow students to drive themselves.

Medical, Dietary & Accessibility Accommodations

Teachers must review:

  • Medication needs
  • Allergies
  • Accessibility requirements
  • Special accommodations

Appropriate supports must be provided when feasible.

VIRTUAL FIELD EXPERIENCES

Purpose of Virtual Field Trips

Virtual field trips expand opportunities cost-effectively by offering:

  • Museum livestreams
  • Outdoor nature webcams
  • Virtual career experiences
  • Guest speaker sessions
  • Virtual science lab simulations
  • Thrively-aligned passion exploration experiences

Virtual Field Experience Conduct Policy

Students must:

  • Remain on camera (unless accommodations apply)
  • Engage respectfully
  • Use appropriate chat messages
  • Follow teacher instructions
  • Complete required assignments or reflections

Students removed for behavior may be assigned alternative work.

Safety & Privacy in Virtual Field Trips

Staff must ensure:

  • Only enrolled students have access
  • Recording rules are adhered to
  • Links are secured and not publicly posted
  • Chat is monitored
  • Breakout activities follow safety protocol

OVERNIGHT TRIPS, EXTENDED TRAVEL & SPECIAL EVENTS

Overnight Trip Eligibility

Overnight or multi-day trips require:

  • Board approval
  • Parent information meeting
  • Additional permission forms
  • Emergency contact updates
  • Medical clearance if needed

Only students with positive behavior records may attend.

Funding for Travel

Travel may be funded through:

  • Family payments
  • School budget (limited)
  • Grants
  • Fundraising (must follow Section 11 policies)

Voucher funds typically cannot cover travel costs.

Safety Protocols

Includes:

  • Separate sleeping arrangements by gender
  • Nighttime supervision
  • Curfew enforcement
  • Emergency procedures specific to trip location
  • Documentation of student whereabouts at all times

STAFF TRAVEL POLICY

Staff Transportation of Students

Staff may NOT transport students in personal vehicles unless:

  • Approved in writing by administration
  • Insurance documentation is provided
  • Background checks are up to date
  • Parent permission is obtained
  • No other transportation is available

This is strongly discouraged and only permitted under exceptional circumstances.

Staff Travel Reimbursement

Staff traveling for school duties may receive reimbursement for:

  • Mileage (at approved rate)
  • Lodging (with receipts)
  • Meals (per diem or receipt-based)
  • Registration fees for training
  • Parking/toll expenses

All travel must be pre-approved.

SAFETY INCIDENTS DURING TRAVEL OR FIELD EXPERIENCES

Incident Response

If an incident occurs on a trip:

  • Supervisor assesses situation
  • Provide first aid if trained
  • Contact administration
  • Notify parents
  • Document incident
  • File insurance report (if needed)

Lost or Missing Child Procedure

Steps:

  • 1. Notify administration immediately
  • 2. Contact venue security
  • 3. Contact parent
  • 4. Contact law enforcement if not found within minutes
  • 5. Document entire timeline

Student Removal from Trip

Students may be removed from a field trip for:

  • Safety violations
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Disrespectful conduct
  • Failure to follow instructions

Parents may be asked to pick up the student from the trip site.

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