Dear CCSD Modified, JV and Varsity Sports Families,
I am sharing important sections of Policy 5026, which outlines transportation expectations for students participating in district-sponsored activities or athletic events.
This policy is based on NYS Education Law 1709 (Paragraph 41). The law was created to ensure the safety of all students and outlines restrictions on who can drive students to and from extracurricular events when CCSD provides transportation.
First and foremost, we encourage all students to travel with their team. Traveling together to contests not only enables our coaches to plan more effectively, taking into account the team’s composition on the bus, but also fosters a sense of community among our players. However, we recognize that this is sometimes not possible or practical.
Transportation to Away Games
As outlined in Policy 5026, a parent or guardian may transport their own child to an event with advanced administrative approval under the following two conditions only. Parents/guardians must email Athletic Director Block at jablock@chappaquaschools.org.
- There is a large discrepancy in start times between student-athletes on the weekend or on a school day (approximately 3 hours).
- Special circumstances (example: athlete is taking the SATs on Saturday, the bus leaves at 11 a.m., the exam ends at 12 p.m.)
Requests must be made in writing to the Athletic Director at least 48 hours in advance.
Please understand there is no statutory language that allows other adults to drive students to CCSD events when the District is providing transportation. Also, please note that Sectional and State championships may have their own transportation requirements that all participants must follow.
Transportation Home from Away Games
- Only a child’s parent, guardian, or permanent caregiver may transport a student home from an away event. No permission slip is required onsite, as you completed a general release during the registration process on Arbiter.
- A parent or guardian may authorize an alternative driver (a non-student adult) to drive their child home from an away event using this District-provided third-party permission slip/release form. This must be presented to the coach at the time of dismissal from the activity and is only applicable for that away event.
Please reach out to me with any questions.
Sincerely,
Jamie Block
Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics