Please review the following bus safety topics with your student:

Our goal in Transportation is to make the trip to and from school as safe and pleasant as possible for all District students. In an effort to make this happen, please be aware of the following:

• It is important for students to know their home address and drop off address.
• Students need to arrive at bus stops 7-10 minutes prior to bus time.
• Stop, look, listen and cross only in front of the bus.
• Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
• All articles must be contained safely; no glass or flammable items, musical instruments must fit on student’s lap.
• Inappropriate language, harassment, or bullying on the school bus will not be tolerated.
• For your student’s safety, video and audio surveillance is being utilized on most buses. Notices are posted inside the buses that include audio surveillance. As of 2014, Policy and Procedures, 8180 / 8180P and Student Handbooks were updated to include details of our audio surveillance policy.
• If your student misses the bus, take him or her to the next bus stop. Do not let students run alongside the bus.
• All regular school bus routes are posted on the district website.

Some important information and reminders regarding school transportation

• Delays: School bus route pick-up and drop-off times may be delayed.
   
• Staying Updated: We are committed to keeping you updated regarding ETA changes in bus transportation. Whenever there is anticipated delay, we will work to communicate that information promptly via email and/or text notification. 
   
• Working Together: During pick-up and drop-off times at schools, please be mindful of school buses entering and leaving school parking lots.
  
  Schools throughout our district have various pick-up/drop-off logistical layouts, which can create congestion points.
  
  When driving or parking at your school, please ensure buses are able to enter and leave school facilities to allow for routes to remain on time.
  
  If you are able, we encourage you to have your child ride the bus. This allows for less traffic in and out of our school parking lots.
  
  We appreciate your patience with our drivers. 
   
• Staffing Shortage: The national school bus driver staffing shortage is impacting our district as well. Our bus drivers and staff are doing their very best while we work with fewer bus driving staff and substitutes than past school years.
  
  If you or someone you know may be interested in becoming a bus driver, paid training is provided and no experience is necessary. Visit psd401.net/jobs for more information.

The safety of our students is our top priority and we appreciate your understanding as we work to make our transportation more efficient.

If you would like to request transportation for your student(s) and their transportation needs fall into a category below, please fill out this form.

• You live outside of the Peninsula School District boundary area
• You live within walking distance to school
• You live out of the attendance boundary
• You would like to use an existing bus stop other than the stop the student is assigned to

Once signed, the transportation department will contact you at the number provided to inform you how we can help with your student’s transportation needs. 

Transportation Release Form

Swift Water is unique in that it is the district’s first major walking school. Because so many Swift Water students live close by, many students living in specific neighborhoods will be designated as walkers. No school bus transportation will be provided to these neighborhoods. 

Families living in the following neighborhoods are designated as those who need to walk, bike, or choose parent pick-up/drop-off to and from school:

• Harbor Crossing
• Harbor Hill North
• Harbor Hill West
• Harbor Hill South
• The Ridge

Click on the image of the map for designated walking neighborhoods and the recommended walking routes for your child to use to and from school each day. The walking route plan has been developed based on traffic patterns and traffic controls such as crosswalks, stop signs, traffic lights, and safety patrol posts. 

The route limits the number of street crossings children will make and seeks to group children together to increase their visibility and safety. Therefore, the route may not be the shortest way to school, but it is important that children follow the route, even if they have to walk a little farther to get to school.

For more information, please contact Swift Water Elementary at 253-530-4900.

Swift Water Neighborhood Map 

Click on the following routes to view Activity Runs for Middle School:

Goodman Middle School - North Side

Goodman Middle School - South Side

Harbor Ridge Middle School - East

Harbor Ridge Middle School - West

Key Peninsula Middle School - North Side

Key Peninsula Middle School - South Side

Kopachuck Middle School - North Side

Kopachuck Middle School - South Side

Click on the following routes to view the Activity Runs for High School:

Gig Harbor High - Southeast Side

Gig Harbor High - Southwest Side

Peninsula High - Key Peninsula side

Peninsula High - Gig Harbor Side

Families will need to transport their student to and from school, or to an established bus stop that services their school, if they: 

1. Live outside of PSD boundaries, but have a student enrolled in a PSD school on an approved Out of District Transfer
2. Have a student attending a PSD school outside of their home school catchment area on an approved Within District Transfer