The proposed bus eligibility for Morningside Elementary School (MES) and Morningside Elementary School Kindergarten Annex (MESKA) are incorrect, unfair and do not fulfill the promises made to parents by Atlanta Public Schools (APS): (A) MESKA bus eligibility is determined by student distance to MES, a campus approximately 2.5 miles away. Bus eligibility should be determined by the campus to which the student will be attending school. (B) Students living closer to MESKA are bus eligible, while those living further away are not eligible. (C) Bus schedules and "walk zones" were not formally communicated until 8/8. This late date does not allow for proper child care planning for most parents. (D) APS previously informed MESKA parents that bus service would be available to all students. (E) The lack of MESKA bus service will increase the number of cars on the streets of our neighborhood and the already congested Ponce de Leon Ave. (F) Historically, APS has not enforced the 1 mile rule in the past. The addition of a kindergarten annex is extremely disruptive and stressful on families. Arbitrarily enforcing a previously unenforced rule adds additional stress and undermines the relationship between APS and families. We the undersigned parents of Morningside Elementary School and Morningside Elementary School Kindergarten Annex request the APS: (i) Continue bus service at all 2006-2007 stops for MES. (ii) Establish bus service to MESKA for students outside of a 1 mile radius from the MESKA campus. (iii) Establish proactive and 2 way communication with parents of students, specifically for major changes and initiatives.

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