The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 provided temporary benefits, referred to as P-EBT, to families of school-aged children who would have received free or reduced-priced meals through the USDA National School Lunch Program (NSLP) if school had not been affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. These benefits were issued in late Spring/Summer of 2020. A second issuance of P-EBT was authorized by Congress for the 2020-2021 school year.

This second issuance will provide the equivalent monetary amount for school breakfast, lunch, and snack to families of students who are enrolled in schools participating in the NSLP but are not attending in person due to COVID-19. For the issuance this school year, Pennsylvania will distribute benefits to about 928,000 children – for a total distribution of about $1 billion.

P-EBT benefits are only available to students who are eligible for free and reduced-price school meals or attend a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school,  enrolled in a school which participates in the NSLP, and for school days the eligible student was/is not receiving in-person instruction (school closures, virtual/remote instruction, absences, quarantine, etc.). The USDA has approved a simplifying assumption that allows Pennsylvania to issue a standard partial benefit amount across the state for students that were/are both in person and virtual (blended).  ALL STUDENTS ACTIVELY ENROLLED IN WHSD SCHOOLS WILL RECEIVE BENEFITS. If you receive P-EBT benefits for your child and do not wish to participate, simply destroy and throw away the card.

Benefits will be issued in three separate stages:

Benefits for September – November 2020: Issued late Spring 2021

Benefits for December 2020 – February 2021: Issued in second and third week of June 2021

Benefits for March – May 2021: Issued in third and fourth week of July 2021

Children whose families already receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits will receive the PEBT benefits on the household’s regular EBT card, if possible. Otherwise, students will receive a new P-EBT card in the eligible student’s name.

Each eligible student will be mailed a letter detailing P-EBT. This letter is a separate mailing from the card. The letter will be mailed in the student’s name to the address provided for the primary parent/guardian. The letter will explain what the P-EBT card is, where and how to use the card, how to create a PIN for the card, what items are eligible for purchase with the card, and who to contact with questions.

Children whose families already receive SNAP or TANF benefits will receive P-EBT benefits on the household’s regular EBT card, if possible. Parents can check card balances at www.connectebt.com or calling 1-888-328-7366.

This mailing will be coming from Texas in a non-descript white envelope.

Students will receive funds for each day they were not attending school in person. This will range from 0-180 school days. Benefits will be issued based on September 2020 – May 2021, using an average of 20 school days/month (9 months x 20 days = 180 days).

The USDA has approved a simplifying assumption that allows Pennsylvania to issue a partial standard benefit for all students in a blended learning model (in-person and virtual).

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) will calculate the benefits each student will receive.

Students are only eligible for P-EBT benefits on days they were not receiving in person instruction.  The level of in-person instruction a student received/s will be generalized into three categories for each respective month September 2020 – May 2021:

 In-person learning  (100%)  = NO BENEFITS

 Virtual learning  (100%) =  RECEIVES 100 % BENEFITS

The students who attended virtual classes or were not in-person 100% of the month (every school day). Students in this category will receive full benefits for the respective month.

 Blended (both in-person and virtual) RECEIVES 65% BENEFITS

Students who were  “Blended”  or HYBRID are the students who  received a combination of in-person and virtual/remote instruction during the month. Examples include, but are not limited to: • The student was neither 100% in-person nor 100% virtual/remote (including absences) in the respective month. • The student had some in-person days and some virtual/remote days. • The student was scheduled to be in-person but had absences or could not attend school due to being quarantined, virtual/remote snow days, etc. Students in this category will receive a standard partial benefit. For the months of September 2020 – February 2021 (first and second issuance stages), the benefit level will be 65%.

The school district administration Transportation Department is open between the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and may be reached at 412-731-1300 x5   Email:  bus@whsd.net  See bus garage contacts to call the dispatch for your student's bus.  

The Transportation Department is responsible for planning transportation for the students of the Woodland Hills School District who attend the five district schools or one of the 100 schools that includes public charter schools, non-public schools and special education facilities located within 10 miles of the district borders. Transportation assignments are implemented according to District policies as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Education's guidelines for pupil transportation.

Please be advised that buses may be equipped with audio and video monitoring devices according to School Board Policy 810.1 “The use of video and audio recording equipment supports efforts to maintain discipline and to ensure the safety and security of all students, staff, contractors and others being transported on district-owned, operated, or contracted school buses or school vehicles."

First Student 101 Old Frankstown Rd Pittsburgh PA 15239  412-793-9600
   Bus numbers 200s, 400s and 3900s  (bus numbers will be on your child's transportation record)                        

First Student 121 Wall Ave Wilmerding PA 15148   412-927-5343
   Bus numbers W100s and W4100s   (bus numbers will be on your child's transportation record)                   

AJ Myers & Sons 500 Brown Ave Turtle Creek 15145  412-646-2320
   Bus numbers 600s (bus numbers will be on your child's transportation record) 

PAT Bus - Pittsburgh Port Authority Customer Service 412-442-2000   For Trip Tools True Time  Room to Ride      PAT bus connect cards will be distributed at your student's school . 

Pennsylvania Department of Education frequently asked questions regarding transportation including how far can a child be asked to walk to a stop, how long can a bus ride be, suspension of bus service and more.

In an effort to have the best, most accurate information for scheduling school buses for the 2021 - 2022 school year please fill out the Woodland Hills Transportation Form.  Click here.   If  transportation for a daycare is needed see Daycare Transportation regarding requesting an alternate bus stop. Bus information may be obtained by registering for Traversa 360 .   Data will be released  mid-August. Additionally, transportation information will be provided in your welcome packets from your schools.

PLEASE NOTE THAT CHANGES OF ADDRESS FORMS MUST BE FILLED OUT AND SUBMITTED AT ONE OF THE BUILDINGS  IF YOU HAVE MOVED.

To ensure compliance with State regulations governed by Act 372 of the PA School Code,  the Woodland Hills School District requests  parents or guardians to submit a request for service annually  for  student desiring daily transportation or periodic transportation . This procedure is in addition to the student’s school sending enrollment notification forms (Charter Schools) or rosters (Non-Public Schools) verifying enrollment and primary residency in the school district. .

Transportation for students will be provided after the school district receives the required information from the school and the parent or guardian has submitted a transportation request form for each student.  Bus information may be obtained by registering for Traversa 360 .  Data will be released  mid-August.

Woodland Hills School District provides transportation to and from daycare facilities that are within the borders of Woodland Hills School District dependent upon bus seat availability. The nearest school board approved district bus stop will be used for pick up and drop off. The daycare facility is responsible for meeting the bus if necessary. If the facility is within the walking zone to the school attending there will be no transportation provided.  Requests must be submitted annually on the “Request for Alternate Bus Assignment Form”.  It may be mailed to the Transportation Office 531 Jones Avenue North Braddock PA 15104 or  emailed to bus@whsd.net  Daycares can also collect forms from families and submit with their official roster.

If your child is assigned a Port Authority bus pass, it will  be  sent to their school for the start of the school year in the beginning of August. Once the pass is in your child's possession it is your child's responsibility. Replacement connect cards are $10.00. Click here for FAQs  To plan your student's trip to school, go to the Pittsburgh  Port Authority Website.  See benefits of PAT transportation.  See  Port Authority 's  Room2Ride for what to expect on your ride to your destination.

Please remember that for 2 hour delays OR closings due to inclement weather ALL transportation for schools that Woodland Hills provides tranportation  is delayed or suspended. Example: If your individual school in another district has a 2 hour delay and Woodland Hills is following a regular schedule then your students will be picked up at regular time and dropped off at the school.  It is expected that the school provides access for its students.  If your school is in a district operating on a regular schedule during the inclement weather and Woodland Hills is Closed then transportation will not be provided for those students or  if Woodland Hills is operating on a  2 hour delay then your school's bus will be 2 hour delayed as well. 

COVID-19 UPDATE: ALL STUDENTS MUST WEAR MASKS.  Fill in seats from the back to the front of the bus home to school.  Get off the bus at school starting from the front.  Do not push past students.  Wait patiently for your turn.

Student bus transportation is a privilege and convenience that is provided by the Woodland Hills School District to eligible students. This transportation is governed by Section 1361 and 1362 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. Although we do know that the vast majority of our students are responsible young people, we have a few who do not behave on a bus or at the bus stop. Therefore, this Safety and Conduct Code has been established.[1][2]

When Waiting at a Bus Stop:

1. Report to the bus stop ten (10) minutes ahead of schedule.

2. Stand in orderly and safe groups avoiding traffic.

3. Remain at a safe distance until the bus stops.

4. Board the bus quickly and carefully. All regular seats may need to accommodate three (3) students.

5. Remain seated while the bus is in motion.

6. Do not distract the driver.

7. Keep hands, arms and head inside the windows.

8. Disembark quickly and carefully and move away from the bus.

9. If you must cross the street, walk in front of the bus and watch for traffic.

When Boarding:

1. Students may not bring animals, alcoholic beverages, firearms or any considered weapon or explosives onto the bus.[16]

2. All foods and beverages must be in a container and are not consumed on the bus. Glass containers must be safely packed and encased in a break-resistant container.

3. Students may board only the assigned bus. Students will not be permitted to board a later bus either going to school or returning home.

When Riding:

1. Students must conduct themselves in an acceptable manner at all times. Vulgarity, profanity, fighting or other improper conduct is not permitted.

2. Students may not block the aisle or emergency door with musical instruments, lunch boxes, books or other possessions.

3. Students must not extend arms or heads out of windows at any time.

4. Students must remain seated while the bus is in motion of if the bus is delayed on the road.

5. Students may not operate the bus door or tamper with the emergency door.

6. Students may not use the emergency door except in the case of an emergency.

7. Students may not eat, drink, smoke, or play radios on the bus.[17]

8. Every student who rides a bus must get on and off at the assigned bus stop. Exceptions will be made only through the assistant principal/principal's office when a written parental request has been made and is signed by the principal or his/her designee and the request verified in writing.

9. Any student who wishes to ride a bus other than his/her regular school bus must have a written request signed by the assistant principal/principal's office when a written parental request has been made and has been signed by the principal or assistant principal and the request verified in writing.

When Departing:

1. Students may not depart the bus in the morning before it arrives at the designated school of the student.

2. Students may not depart the bus in the afternoon except at their designated bus stop.

3. Students who must cross a street after alighting from the bus shall cross only in front of the bus on the signal by the driver.

Students are subject to suspension per Policy 233 if they are involved in disrupting action jeopardizing the safety and welfare of their fellow students or any infraction of the stated rules of conduct.[18]

All discipline problems will be handled between the school bus driver, the student, the principal, parents/guardians, and when necessary, the Director of Transportation.

Violation of the standards for bus conduct shall be subject to the following penalties:

1. First Offense: Conference with student and warning letter to parents/guardians. A principal may suspend a student from the bus on the first offense if the first offense is serious in nature.[5]

2. Second Offense: Suspension of bus riding privileges of one (1) day.[5]

3. Third Offense: Suspension of bus riding privileges of three (3) days.[5]

4. Subsequent Offenses: Permanent suspension may occur from school bus riding privileges for the balance of the school year.[5]

Drivers are supplied with bus disciplinary report forms that will be presented to building principals or their designee when specific violations of the bus regulations occur. The school building administration is responsible for discipline on the bus. Parents/Guardians will be afforded a copy of this report and notified of the action taken. Copies of this report will also be submitted to the Director of Transportation.

These regulations apply to all forms of student transportation made available by the district. Activity buses, detention buses and field trips also fall under the guidelines of these regulations.

According to the Pennsylvania Special Education Regulations and Standards, an exceptional student cannot be deprived of his/her appropriate education program without the implementation of procedural safeguards. Therefore, school transportation cannot be withheld without procedural safeguards if it interferes with the student's participation in his/her Individual Education Program.[19] 

Special needs transportation is an IEP team decision and, if necessary, will be included in the related services of the student's IEP. 

Students should be ready to board the vehicle ten minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time and be at the curb when it arrives ready to board. Waiting inside the house delays the bus and may cause it to arrive at the school after the bell and breakfast service.

The vehicle is not required to honk or call prior to arrival at the curb stop nor stay in excess of three minutes.  Please be prepared waiting at the curb and ready to board the vehicle upon arrival. 

The Woodland Hills student motto is to be  Prompt, Prepared, Productive, Polite, and Proud. Practice this each morning. The bus will remain on schedule. It will arrive at the school on time providing students with enough time for their breakfast and to say hello to their friends.

All transportation carrier employees are required to meet the Department of Transportation requirements relating to commercial driver physical examinations. DOT physical cards are required to be kept with the drivers at all times when operating a transportation vehicle for the Woodland Hills School District.[11]

All transportation carrier employees are required to have their Act 34, Act 151 and FBI clearances on file with the district prior to their first day of work.[12][13][14]

Transportation routes may be established with the advice and approval of the Board. Bus drivers shall not deviate from the established bus route except for hazardous driving conditions or upon written consent by the Board.[5]

Students shall be taken on and discharged from the school bus only at the designated stops. All stops should be made where the bus can be easily seen. The driver shall give proper signals when slowing and stopping the bus. The driver shall keep the bus stopped until all students are across the highway and safely on the other side after being discharged. The driver will not proceed until all students are seated.

Each student shall be assigned to a bus. Persons other than a school student, employee or official shall not ride in a school bus on a regular route.[15]

 The bus driver shall not leave the bus while the motor is running.

 Bus doors shall be closed while the bus is in motion.

 Bus doors shall be opened at railroad crossings.

 Bus drivers are not required to stop and wait at bus stops with no students present. Be at the bus stop--not in a car or on a porch.

The bus driver shall not drive the bus backward on school grounds without the direction of a person on the ground.

Advertising shall not be displayed on the school bus.

No student is permitted to ride any bus other than the one regularly scheduled, unless the driver receives a signed note from the principal or his/her designee. The principal must have a signed note from the custodial parent/guardian, and verify the request by a telephone call.

Parents or guardians should refrain from requesting special services from a bus driver including changing bus stop locations including picking up or dropping off in front of the house.  Curb to curb stops are for special needs students only and included in their IEPs.

Kindergarten students will not be dropped off at a stop without a parent, guardian, or appropriate designee to meet them.  If no one is at the stop the driver will alert their dispatch who will try to make contact with the family.  If there are other children on board the bus, it will continue its run until someone has been contacted.  The bus will then return to the stop. 

The Transportation Director shall be notified of any overloading of school buses.

To access your student's bus information register on the portal from your mobile phone or computer.  This is a secure site where your student's bus stop, bus number, pick up and drop off times are available.   Registration is available at https://pawoodlandhillssd.traversaride360.com/   The bus information will be released to the student's records when routing is complete approximately one week before the start of school.

Click here for additional instructions to register for Traversa 360.   

All trip requests must be submitted at least 7 days prior to the trip date. Trip Direct will not accept late submissions.  Be sure to include the destination and its address --this ensures the trip is mapped to the correct location-- and any additional locations in the "notes section" that  are to be included on the itinerary. This includes stopping for lunch or picking up students from another school. Requests for brown bag meals may also be included in the notes section and the cafeteria will be notified. For safety and insurance purposes the drivers will only go to the places indicated on the trip request.  Do not make additional stop requests en route. 

Trips must be scheduled between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM to allow for home to school and school to home transportation as well as buses required for athletic trips.

Submit requests  through TRIP DIRECT on SCHOOL DUDE .  If this is the your first request for a trip in Trip Direct you will be required to register. When  creating your password for access please be sure to make it 8 characters, 1 upper case, 1 number, and 1 special character.

If an estimate for a trip is needed, it can be done via the same request form by selecting the box "submit for estimate only" which can be found under Booking Details.  No trip will be scheduled until the request is updated.

Once the actual trip request has been submitted it will automatically go to the building principal for approval.  Once approved it will go to transportation and be assigned to a garage. Status notifications will be sent to the requester at every step so that you know your trip has been scheduled.

For pre-planning purposes: field trip rates for the 2021 - 2022 school year are based on $176.00 for the first four hours (required) and  $44.00 for each additional hour. 

Please contact Steph Garrity @ 412-731-1300 x 0187 additional questions regarding field trips.

If your child has a food allergy or specific dietary need that requires an accommodation you must complete a Medical Plan of Care Form in order for a reasonable accommodation to be made by the federal school meal program.  Please note that the Department of Education REQUIRES a doctor's signature in order to accommodate an alternative option for the stated dietary need or restriction.  The physician must also list the foods to be omitted from the diet as well as any recommended alternatives. 

Please complete the form and submit to your school's food service department as soon as possible.  

Medical Plan of Care for School Food Service

Medical Plan of Care for School Food Service Electronic Fill in Form

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact 412-244-1100 ext 5170 OR email cafe@whsd.net