Winter Weather & Possible Transportation Delays

Dear RPS families,

Due to the ongoing bus driver shortage, combined with driver absences, we have had to combine several bus routes to ensure we are able to provide transportation for Richfield students. 

This has led to some delays in bus pick-up and drop-off times. It has also led to confusion over bus numbers at bus stops. If you or your child are at the bus stop and a Richfield bus pulls up with a different driver or bus number, simply ask the driver which school they are going to. 

We anticipate these delays (and merged routes) will continue throughout the week and possibly longer. We ask for your understanding as we do everything we can to ensure students are able to get to school safely. 

If your child walks to school or takes the school bus, please make sure they are wearing appropriate winter clothing—especially with the cold weather in the forecast. If you do not have warm winter clothing, please contact your child’s school. We often have donations of new winter coats, hats, mittens, etc. available for families.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the risk of frostbite increases as the air temperature falls below 5°, even with low wind speeds. With a wind chill of -16.6°, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in less than 30 minutes.

Current forecast:

• Thursday, January 6: high of -1° and low of -19°
• Friday, January 7: high of 5° and low of 3°
• Monday, January 10, high of 1° and low of -7°

Resources:

• Tips on dressing for cold weather from AboutKidsHealth.com 
• Learn more about frostbite and hypothermia from the CDC
• Calculate wind chill using this tool from the National Weather Service

In addition, if you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about becoming a school bus driver, please contact our HR team. The bus driver shortage is real and has a direct impact on our students. We are in genuine need of school bus drivers as soon as possible. Wages start at $20.73 per hour and we provide paid training. Apply today!