We have the same policy here regarding distance. Here, if you live close to the school, only JK and SK students get automatic busing. We live a 10 minute walk from the school, (longer in winter time) My son is in grade 1 and IMHO, cannot walk to and from school by himself, well he could, but safely? I'm sure you all know what I mean. But we can apply for an empty seat for him. I would have no problem walking him to and from if I didn't run a home daycare. I have kids arriving in exactly the time frame that we'd have to leave the house, and before I'm back from the school. After school, in order to get him, I have to wake 3 little ones up early from thier naps in order to get him, (again, earlier in winter, as then I have snowsuits to get on all of them, and trudge through snow). The bus believe it or not, actually stops AT my house for pick up in the mornings and drop off's after school FOR KIDS THAT AREN'T AT MY HOUSE! They all have to walk to my driveway with their parents. LOL. But I can't just put him on the bus, I have to apply and what stinks is that the Transportation Authority for our board, says they won't review those applications till the end of November! I asked them why, and was told that they have to wait till all info has been handed over from the schools as to what students are on what buses and how many empty seats they have. I told the lady I spoke with that I thought it ridiculous that it would take that long to get that info. As far as I'm concerned, that info is available by the end of September if not earlier. So I'll walk that form over to the school tomorrow and see if the school can help me out at all. At least the weather is great right now and I don't have my youngest daycare charge till Wednesday.
I too filled out and signed papers today. Have to send in student activity fees. $30.00 for my Gr. 1 guy and a family rate of $55.00 total for my older 3 all at the same school. Anyone else have these fees? We don't pay for field trips ect throughout the rest of the year, these fees go towards that and covers the cost of the kids "student Agendas". Next week they'll all be coming home with requests for money for school photos (which are scheduled for late mid September) and Year books which times 3, gets REALLY expensive! (Gee I knew there was something about me not liking "back to school" LOL)