Busity Bus Bus Bus

For those of you following the bus story... This morning went smoothly.

I drove Ryan, and a few neighbor kids (and a bedheaded cranky Annalee wearing half of her pajamas and a blanket) down to the stop at 7am and we waited in the car until we figured out the best place to have the kids stand.  I did not want to anger any property owners or leave them in the street!  It was pitch dark when we arrived, but was not too dark close to pick up time.

I was very embarrassed that THREE sheriff's dept. patrol cars (all with two officers each) were there to watch.  I am not sure who expected needing sheriffs, but that made me sad.  If ANYONE was thinking about stopping the bus or something...they really need to know that is a crime punishable by a $500 fine and that I think they are ridiculous for even having that thought.

There were a LOT of kids missing.  I assume that their parents took them to school today.  I feel like that is a waste, because the whole point of this double route is to help with our VERY overcrowded bus... and today, with all the kids missing there did not need to be a second route at all!  If these parents are going to take their kids every day from now on, Rice is wasting a LOT of fuel coming out here twice and we should not be forcing them to do that!!!!  If you need to utilize the bus, PLEASE do so that this is not in vain!

Anyhow... The first bus came a little early (7:08) and was leaving by 7:10 but there were still kids coming up the street for the 7:15 pick up.  I have to say a BIG thank you to our RISD police officer who was posted there to help out with the confusion, and for stopping the bus to make sure they got all the kids.

The same bus returned for the second pick up.  It was the largest group, and it seemed to go very smoothly as well!

My biggest concerns at this time after our first morning with the new route are this:

There was a lot of thru-traffic at the corner as expected, especially while the bus was waiting for the kids running down the street at 7:10.

All of the elementary boys (oh, MINE included... we really do have a lot of BOYS out here) on one corner... were distracted and playing and having a great time...and NOT watching for cars or the bus!  Ryan and I will have another discussion about this when he comes home... he has to be alert and safe.

Did the kids get there in time for breakfast?

How will drop off go?  I already have two extra small ones to watch during drop off until the older siblings are delivered.  I guess I will be a prominent figure at the bus stop, as the volunteer safety lady :-) and I do not mind... because there are at least two youngsters who need to wait for their older siblings to get there with the house key before they proceed home.  Parents... if you are in this situation please let me know and I will be happy to stay at the stop with your younger ones while they wait.

So, not too bad.  I still don't like it. Tomorrow will be much colder...so it could be interesting too...but so far so good Circle T.  Nobody died.