Henryetta school bus riders face challenges

As Henryetta students get ready to return to the classrooms, school officials are trying to get their bus schedules and rules in place.
“We are in the middle of one of the most challenging back to school seasons any of us have ever seen,” said Henryetta transportation director Rick Enis.
Enis said parents are being asked to drop off and pick up students, carpool, or walk their students to school. “We believe this to be the safest way for students to come to school at this time,” he said.
All students will be required to wear a mask while on the bus. Under the new rules, students will not be allowed on a bus without a mask.
Enis pointed out all students will have their temperature checked before getting on the bus. “If a student has a temperature at or above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit they will not be allowed to board the bus. Parents should screen their children for symptoms before they head to the bus stop.”
He said all parents or guardians of students, Pre-K through 2nd grade are encouraged to be at the bus stop in the morning and afternoon. “This is most important in the morning in case a student has a temperature and is not allowed on the bus. He asked parents or guardians to develop a plan to have an adult present at each bus stop.
While on the bus, social distancing will be observed. Buses will be loaded from back to front with siblings sitting together. Students sit in the same seat on the morning and afternoon routes, with noone sitting in the row behind the driver. Windows will be down or cracked for air flow as weather allows. Buses will be cleaned and disinfected daily, high-touched surfaces such as bus seats, handrails and door handles.
“The number one priority for our school is the safety of our students and staff,” Enis said. “These challenging times we are facing are all new to us and we are asking for your cooperation in making some adjustments to help us all get through them.”