Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get my child's bus information?
A: Bus information is emailed to all students, so it's crucial to have a correct and updated email address on file with the school district. If you attend CASD, you can also find your bus information in PowerSchool, but it must be accessed from a website browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.) as the PowerSchool app does not display bus information. If you attend a charter or private school, your bus information will only be emailed.
Q: What time will the bus come?
A: The bus should be at the stop on schedule but may fluctuate due to traffic, construction, and other delays. Please be at the stop at least 5 minutes earlier than scheduled time.
Q: Where does my child get the bus?
A: All students are picked up and dropped off at their school board assigned bus stops. Bus stop information can be found in PowerSchool.
Q: How do I change a bus stop?
A: Change a bus stop by calling 610-264-3192 ext. 2 or emailing transportation@cattysd.org. Changes are made for baby sitting or emergency purposes only.
Q: My child goes to day care twice a week and home the rest. Can this be a permanent schedule?
A: No, each child is assigned one primary stop. If a change is necessary, the person picking up the child must be at the assigned stop, or the child must be picked up by a parent at school. The only exception is if the change involves a different stop on the same bus route.
Q: Can I make the changes for the whole week if my child has a split schedule?
A: No, bus changes are allowed only on a daily basis. However, if transportation is notified by noon on the day of the change, a child can get off at a different stop on the same bus route.
Q: What happens if there is a weather related delay?
A: If there is a weather related delay, you will receive a call from the superintendent stating the delay. The bus will pick up according to the delay.
Q: My child goes to a Charter School or Private school. How does that delay work?
A: If Catasauqua Area School District has a weather related delay, all transportation including Private and Charter Schools will operate on the same delay. This is true with early dismissals relating to weather.
Q: My child attends a Charter or Private school. What happens if CASD is closed but my child’s school is open?
A: We will transport according to your child’s school’s start of the year calendar except for weather related delays, cancellations, and early dismissals.
Q: Can I bring large items on the bus or van?
A: We ask that for the safety of all children and the safety of the item, anything larger than a backpack not be taken on the bus. We sometimes have 2-3 children per seat and large items pose a safety threat.
Q: Can I eat on the bus?
A: No, food and drink will not be allowed on the bus.
Q: Can my child sit anywhere they want on the bus?
A: Typically, younger elementary students are encouraged to sit towards the front and the older children towards the rear of the bus. Remember, the bus is a privilege, not a right. If inappropriate behavior occurs on the bus, an assigned seat may be given or bus privileges could be lost.
Q: My child’s bus stop is the Middle School or Sheckler Elementary. Where is the pickup and drop off for these locations?
A: Middle School pickup and drop off is at the front of the Middle School, under the awning for weather protection. Sheckler Elementary pickup and drop off is at the first entrance door in the front of Sheckler, also under the awning for weather protection.
Q: Why is the Middle School or Elementary school the pick up or drop off location?
A: CASD uses the Middle School and Elementary School as hubs for pickups and drop-offs for students in 5th grade and higher. Exceptions occur when there is a younger student (4th grade or younger) on the bus; in such cases, that student’s stop would be used as a hub. It is also possible that one stop (either AM or PM) could be closer to the home if a younger student’s stop is used, but the other stop may not be if that younger student is not on the bus for that trip. Pickup and drop-off locations at the schools are listed above.
Q: I moved and why hasn’t my stop changed?
A: If you are moving, you must set up an appointment with Admin to make the changes. After Admin receives the paperwork and approves it, a new bus stop may take up to 2 days to occur. Bus stops will not change without the address change made with Admin.
Q: Can my child use a cell phone or electronic device on the bus or van?
A: We ask that middle school and High School students ask permission from driver and if permission is given, headphones or earbuds MUST be worn. No phone calls should be made. No videoing of other students. Elementary students should not use these devices unless permission is given from driver or if there is an aide on the vehicle.