The WCPSS Technology Services and Transportation departments have developed a new notification system to let families know when there are disruptions to bus service. The system will be used at all schools across the district starting with the 2024-25 school year. The new system will send email and text notifications when buses are delayed, or when a bus is unavailable to pick up students. These messages will be sent as soon as transportation staff learn of a disruption. The system is designed to more quickly notify parents so they can make alternate arrangements when necessary. You can still track your child’s bus using the Here Comes the Bus app. There will also be a link on our school website that will display bus delays. We will share that link in a future message. 

IMPORTANT: This new system uses SchoolMessenger. You will need to make sure you have permissions turned on to receive these notifications. See information and instructions below.

What this means for you

Starting with the 2024-25 school year, families of bus riders will be sent notifications in the event of bus delays or cancellations. To receive these messages, you will need to make sure you have given permission to receive text and/or email notifications via SchoolMessenger. This is the same system used for districtwide messaging, separate from TalkingPoints or other communications services.

How can I make sure I’m signed up to receive these messages?

If you receive the weekly district-wide message sent on Wednesdays, you should be able to receive bus notifications without taking any further action. If you do not receive those weekly messages, go to wcpss.net/schoolmessenger to learn how you can sign up to receive notifications. The simplest option may be to simply text YES to the number 67587. That should automatically allow you to begin receiving text notifications.

Feedback

Share any feedback you have about the system using this Google Form.