Transportation
Transportation is available to all Dedham students who live more than two (2) miles from school. Students living 2 miles or less from their school are not eligible for bus transportation, and must instead walk, bike or arrange for their own transportation.
Buses are driven by competent drivers, have the right of way, and are properly insured. To exercise the option of bus transportation, all eligible students must pay a users fee determined by the Dedham School Committee.
Students taking the bus will be issued Bus Passes to help us ensure student safety, accountability and seating. All students will be required to have a bus pass to ride the bus. Students can only ride their assigned bus and have one bus stop. Bus passes will be distributed via by the end of August and will include details on bus stops and times.
How To Apply For A Bus Pass
If your student is interested in riding the Bus to school , please review the eligibility requirements and then complete the Bus Application form. To streamline processes, the Bus Application process is now completely online. Applications and payments are now available to complete in the PowerSchool parent portal.
All Bus applications must be completed online - via PowerSchool. There is NO paper form to fill out.
** KINDERGARTEN - Please Note: There is a separate PowerSchool form specifically for Kindergarten bus sign-ups.
All bus seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To help ensure a stop is available near your home, please submit the form by August 1st.
We often have a waitlist, so it is especially important to complete the form early!
Bus routes and stops are finalized in August.
Benefits to Online Application Process:
- Fill out one form for each family. No need to fill out for each student.
- The calculated walking distance is displayed on the form.
- Family caps & appropriate rates will be automatically applied.
- Payment can be completed right online (cash and check options are still available)
- Can't remember if you completed the form? It's easy to check via the Portal.
How Do I Apply Online?
Sign In To Your PowerSchool Parent Portal
https://dedham.powerschool.com/public/
- If you have already set up a PowerSchool account for your family BUT DO NOT remember the Username or Password, go to the link and follow the options.
- Be sure to use the email that is on file with the school - the one you get school updates on. PowerSchool will send you a link to recover and reset your account information.
- If you need further assistance: Send an email to hometechservice@dedham.k12.ma.us.
Go To - FORMS-
Go to Forms
You'll find the Forms option on the menu. Select the 25-26 Bus Form to begin. You will have the option of adding all students from your family interested in riding the bus all on the same form.
On Desktop/Computer:
Using PowerSchool App:
If you are using the app, click on "More" in the bottom right corner, then select "Forms."
Using Browser on Phone:
If you are using a browser on your phone, you can click the left drawer to open the navigation bar, then select the forms.
View Walking Distance Right in the Form
The calculated walking distance is displayed on the form. We use Google Maps -Walking. Google Maps - Walking uses all accessible walking paths, not just driving routes, to determine walking distances. Instructions are included in the form should you have questions or concerns regarding the posted distances.
Completing the Application, Payment & Notes/Questions
Add any students from your family who will be riding the bus - all to the same form. Fees, family fee caps and any reduced rates will be automatically calculated.
Once completed, the form will automatically direct you to the 25-26 Bus Payment Form.
- Payments can be made by ACH/Credit Card - directly from the Payment form.
- You will have the option to pay in full or pay the first 50% of the fees upon submitting the form.
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If you choose to pay half of the total upfront, you will be invoiced for the remaining 50% balance, due by January 13.
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- Online payments will be sent an email receipt for your records.
- Payment by Cash or Check is still available.
There is a Notes field included where comments or questions can be added if needed.
Need Help?
Student Eligibility
In order to get a bus pass, ALL students riding the bus MUST submit an application - regardless of eligibility, fees or financial aid status.
Grades 1-6
- Fee required if home is less than two miles from school.
- Fee waived if home is greater than two miles from school
Grades 7-12
- Fee required for ALL stops- regardless of distance from the school
Kindergarten students can ride a bus to and from the ECEC during regular school hours at NO cost.
Bus Fees
- AM or PM Only - $205 per student
- Round Trip - $265 per student
- Family Cap - $560
Pay Fees Online:
https://unipaygold.unibank.com
Select: DPS - TRANSPORTATION
Additional Transportation Information
The following information is posted in the Dedham Public Schools Handbook. Questions concerning any of these policies should be directed to the Deputy Superintendent.
Students taking the bus will be issued Bus Passes to help us ensure student safety, accountability and seating. All students will be required to have a bus pass to ride the bus.
Student drop off and pick up procedures are designed and carefully followed to ensure student and staff safety. Students are not allowed in school buildings or to loiter on school grounds outside of the designated times or without school staff supervision.
In case of any misconduct on a bus, the incident will be reported by the bus driver on the proper form to the school principal or assistant principal. He/She will report the incident in writing to the parent concerned, with a copy to the transportation office.
If a DHS student must drive to school, the car must be parked in the student lot at the pool. Cars are not to be parked in the teachers’ assigned spaces or on the streets around the school. Students violating this regulation risk having their vehicles tagged or towed.
Students who are walking to and from school should walk on the sidewalks and not on the roads. During inclement weather, when conditions are slippery, extra caution should be taken. For the safety of all students, pets who accompany students and families walking to school will not be allowed on school grounds.
Riders must be on time. Bus drivers will not wait. Riders will enter or leave the bus at regular stops only.
All school buses are equipped with cameras that will record audio and video. There should be no expectation of privacy on school buses. All audio and video recordings can and will be used as part of any disciplinary proceedings.
It is expected that all students riding school buses and vans conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the District’s general expectations for student conduct at all times while riding school buses and vans.
Transportation is available to all Dedham students who live more than two (2) miles from school. Students living 2 miles or less from their school are not eligible for bus transportation, and must instead walk, bike or arrange for their own transportation.