As you faithful readers know the bus has given me a good deal of heartache. I live in a town where the school district is just terrible. I can compare this to the surrounding districts and other schools on the east side my children attended. It would probably benefit most of my city if they just closed the whole district. It’s a nice city, with a beautiful airport and a good city rec center but the school district is unbelievable and poorly run.
When my normal driver, Ms. Janet is not here, it’s extra terrible. So last week, on Thursday the chaos began. Anna is supposed to board at 7:45 during the summer program. So at 7:55 I called the transportation department. At the same time I realized that I would not be able to attend my monthly business book club. I would have to leave now to make it on time and still be about 15 minutes late. 9 times out of 10 the transportation department does not answer their phone. I feel they see the caller ID and don’t want to bother hearing from us parents. Those are my instincts. I called, no answer, no surprise.
I could wake Paul out of a sound sleep and ask him to put her on the bus . I feel this is just as rude and disrespectful as transportation not answering me. I’m pretty disappointed about my book club but Warrior Mode is switched on.
I get Anna out the door and in her van. I decided that I will take her on my own. I drive down my street and turn on the main road. Oh, what a surprise there’s her bus. It’s 8:15. A whole half hour late and I can’t get a call or, come on nowadays a text? But nobody has been able to put us on a robocall list, they just can’t figure it out I’m told, yea, I’m not kidding. I pass the bus and keep driving. I make it almost to her school and low and behold there is her transportation department calling me. I answer. “Hello, this is Romulus Transportation calling, the bus is in front of your house, is Anna going to school today?” The sarcasm comes out like a huge blast from my body. “Yes she is, as a matter of fact we are almost at her school because nobody ever answers the phone when I call about the bus; so I decided to take her in on my own.” The lady says how sorry she is. I politely but firmly say, “This is nothing new, sorry or not the transportation department is totally unreliable.” I think she feels my annoyance. She then gives me her cell phone number to call in the future. I think this is a kind act but it’s been so many years I have doubts about any communication. I ask about talking to the supervisor about why I can’t get text updates, etc. The lady, whose name is Angie tells me that she’s on vacation. I tell her that there has to be someone to talk to in her absence. Yes, “Lisa” she says. Great, give me her number. She tells me she won’t be in until 10.
I text Anna’s nurse that I had to drive her in and ask what door I go in since it’s the summer program. She tells me whch door but says the school does not open until 8:30. It’s 8:20. Ugh, I just want to get back home. This is annoying. Oh well, I’ll just go by the doors. To my surprise the school is open, (Yay) I get in.
I’m delighted in what I see. This is literally the cutest, most clean and well decorated school. (Anna goes to a lower education school for the summer program) Each room has a banner and the teacher’s name. There are fun motivational signs everywhere. Anyone I see smiles and says “Good Morning.” I’m instantly happy. This is a beautiful atmosphere. I see people who say hi to Anna before me, they greet her. She is so well known and welcomed here. Then I turn the corner and I see it. My hear flutters. I see a vending machine for books! My breath is taken away. This is the best sight yet. I’ve never seen one of these. I am excited for the students, the world, and my granddaughter such a fun idea this is.
I get Anna to the room say hi to her staff, her beautiful teacher Ms. Lumetta and make my way back to the car. Just then I think to myself I need to make the most of this. Book club went down the drain but the day is very young. I call Paul and ask if he wants to meet me for a breakfast special at our local Coney Island . We havn’t gone alone in years for breakfast. He agrees and we meet and enjoy a fun breakfast together. Then I hit a garage sale on the way home. Pure delight turned around from the bus blues.
Later I talked to Lisa. She tells me things that are nothing new. She is not impressive. She tells me she is trying to get more drivers but it’s hard. (Not my problem) Then she tells me Angie (you know the lady who gave me her cell phone) was supposed to be a driver but she lied on her application so she was not certified to drive. Okay? How does this pertain to me. Again, unprofessional and why are you telling me this? The whole district needs to get their act together. In the end, this is just one more caveat of why when Anna is done with school in three years I will celebrate . I will not have to worry about this whole transportation nightmare that rears its ugly head.
Moms of Special Needs Children are Like Military Tanks. We fight with our own armor. Or we make our own way. Be proud of your protection and skills they have been earned. This is the Warrior Way.
Thank you for Reading our Blog
What I’m reading now: Without any Warning a Memoir by Stefanie Schaffer
What I’m smelling now: https://warriormom.scentsy.us scent circles for my car
What I’m having fun with now: Reading, and making Memory Bears
The bus system has always been a nightmare with Romulus schools 🏫