Dear Windsor Families,
You may have seen recent news about possible school bus driver strikes in parts of Connecticut. At this time, we do not expect the strike, if it happens, to impact Windsor. However, out of respect for all our families and to allow ample time for contingency planning, I want to share with you the information we have and the steps we will take if the situation changes. While Windsor has a valid contract with DATTCO through June 2026, if a strike were to occur, all unionized drivers could choose to join their colleagues in other towns that have not yet reached an agreement with the company.
IF we are notified late Sunday (October 5) night or early Monday (October 6) morning by Dattco that buses will not be running, we will activate the following contingency plan:
Schools will remain open.
Early Arrival Option: Windsor High School and Sage Park Middle School will open at 6:30 a.m., and all elementary schools will open at 7:00 a.m. We encourage families to use regular drop-off times if possible, but we will have doors open early for those who truly need this support.
After-School Supervision: Staff will remain available at all schools until 6:00 p.m. to help families who may be facing challenges with afternoon transportation. We ask that families plan for regular dismissal whenever they can, and know that this extended option is here if circumstances make it necessary.
Haven Transportation: If your child is on Specialized Transportation provided by Haven, transportation services will NOT be affected by the strike.
Walkers: Students who normally walk to school will not be affected, and all crossing guards will be in place as usual.
Activation of Contingency Plan: If we have to activate this plan, families will be notified via phone call, text message, email, and social media outlets (Instagram and Facebook).
Dismissal Procedures: If this contingency plan is activated, families will receive detailed dismissal instructions directly from their school principal to help ensure a smooth and safe afternoon. Please be on the lookout for a detailed email from your school principal with dismissal instructions if we need to activate this plan.
I want to emphasize: this is only a contingency plan. I hope we do not need to activate it, but if we do, we will notify families as soon as we hear from DATTCO. That information may not be available until as late as Monday morning at 5:45 a.m.
I know that unexpected disruptions can be stressful for families. Please be assured that our top priority is to keep schools open, safe, and welcoming for all students, no matter the circumstances. Transportation related tardies and absences during the period of the strike, if it occurs, will be excused. I am committed to keeping you informed with any developments in a timely manner. Thank you for your patience, preparation, and partnership as we monitor this situation closely.
Dr. Noha Abdel-Hady
Acting Superintendent of Schools