Deer Lakes School District

Transportation

Welcome to the Department of Transportation Services at Deer Lakes School District.

Deer Lakes School District provides transportation for nearly 1,700 students using district-owned vehicles and district employees. Transportation for non-public or private school students and special education students is provided by W.L. Roenigk.

Our goal is to provide safe, effective, and efficient transportation to and from school for our students while delivering exceptional customer service to them and their parents. We ensure this by adhering to District policies and the Pennsylvania Department of Education's guidelines for pupil transportation. Bus stops are community gathering areas located in the safest areas possible. Parents/guardians are responsible for getting their student(s) to and from the bus stop in the morning and afternoon. No changes to your student's bus stop will be made via phone or without the proper paperwork. Our buses have been inspected by the PA State Police and received a perfect rating, thanks to our outstanding mechanics!

Deer Lakes School Bus Safety Program - Bus Patrol

The District has partnered with Bus Patrol to retrofit our fleet with internal cameras and stop arm cameras to help prevent individuals from running the red lights of a school bus when preparing to stop. Deer Lakes is one of the first districts in Western Pennsylvania to implement Bus Patrol stop arm cameras.

Introducing STOPFINDER

We are excited to announce that Deer Lakes School District is partnering with STOPFINDER to enhance our transportation services. STOPFINDER is a user-friendly app that allows parents to track their child’s bus in real-time, receive notifications about bus schedules, and manage transportation details.

Important Information About STOPFINDER Access:
- Primary Parent Access: STOPFINDER will only be available to the primary parent listed in Skyward.
- Delegating Access: The primary parent can grant access to other relatives or individuals they deem appropriate.
- Keeping Information Updated: To ensure seamless access to STOPFINDER, please verify that all email addresses and contact information are up to date in Skyward and with your child’s school building.

For any questions about STOPFINDER or to update your Skyward information, please contact your school’s administrative office or the Department of Transportation Services.

Contact
Christine A. Girty
Secretary, Transportation
Email: cgirty@deerlakes.net

Allison Swauger
Assistant Business Manager/Director of Transportation
Phone: 724.265.5300 Ext. 1254
Email: aswauger@deerlakes.net

W.L. Roenigk, Contracted Transportation Services, which includes services for non-public/private school transportation
Phone: 724.226.1141

Hours of Operation:
Weekdays: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Close-up of a yellow school bus with the words 'DEER LAKES SCHOOL' printed on the side.

Additional Resources

If Deer Lakes School District is closed, has a delayed opening or an early dismissal, the information will be disseminated via ParentSquare (email/text), social media, the local news stations, and the Deer Lakes School District website. Therefore, you should keep your contact information up to date with your school office. This is extremely important in case of emergencies and weather notifications.

If we have a weather-related delay, dismissal, or cancellation, we will try to make the decision and call as early as possible to allow you maximum time to make alternate plans for your child.

If there is a 2-hour delay, Deer Lakes School District will operate on the following schedule:

Curtisville Primary Center
School starts at 11 a.m.

East Union Intermediate
School starts at 11 a.m.

Deer Lakes Middle School
School starts at 9:45 a.m.

Deer Lakes High School
School starts at 9:45 a.m.
*Note: AW Beattie CC students are not bussed to that school on days in which Deer Lakes calls for a 2-hour delay.
- High School 2-Hour Delay Schedules
Breakfast
A modified breakfast is served during 2-hour delays.

Bus/Transportation
If you take a bus to school, your bus will arrive at your regular stop two hours after your normal bus time. For example, if your bus pick-up time is typically 7:30 a.m., your bus would arrive around 9:30 a.m. during a 2-hour delay.

School Closings and Delays FAQ

If school is closed delayed or closed you will be notified by ParentSquare, District Social Media updates, the District website and local media like KDKA-TV, WPXI-TV and WTAE-TV
If you are new to Deer Lakes School District, or you are planning to move into it, one of your first calls should be to your student's school office to enroll the child. The school office will then notify the Transportation Department. A school district representative will contact you with all necessary information once your student's transportation plan has been established. Expect that process to last a minimum of five school days.

Should your move in date be weeks away, please call the Transportation Department two weeks before your move in date to verify transportation services.

If you have recently moved, or are planning to move, but you already live in Deer Lakes School District, you should contact you child's building to apprise them of the address change. They will in turn notify the Transportation Department.

Curtisville Primary Center (Grades K-2)
1715 Saxonburg Boulevard, Tarentum, PA 15084
Contact: Lori Misera
Phone: 724.265.5340
Fax: 724.265.1488

East Union Intermediate Center (Grades 3-5)
57 East Union Road, Cheswick, PA 15024
Contact: Jackie Gutowski
Phone: 724.265.5330
Fax: 724.265.1699

Deer Lakes Middle School (Grades 6-8)
17 East Union Road, Cheswick, PA 15024
Contact: Ron Petrosky
Phone: 724.265.5310
Fax: 724.265.3711

Deer Lakes High School (Grades 9-12)
Contact: Leighann Gacci
Phone: 724-265-5320x-2626
Fax: 724-265-5303
Each year, the district receives hundreds of requests to move bus stops based on a variety of reasons, e.g., parent/student work schedules, marital situations, walking distance too far, ride too long and can’t see the stop from my house. These reasons, although a concern for parents, cannot be accommodated. The current bus stops were determined based on considerations of both safety, efficiency and the Pennsylvania School Code (see link on FAQ page). All submitted requests are reviewed. However, please be advised that the district transports nearly two thousand students and must do it in an efficient manner. After review by the district, all requests will receive a letter or e-mail notice regarding determination of your request. If you are requesting a bus stop change due to moving, please contact the school building for your child and make the change.

We ask for your cooperation in using this form to submit your request or concern. This form will help us efficiently handle the numerous requests for service. Please provide complete information regarding your child's current bus stop, your request concern, e.g., school, bus number and grade. Please fill out this form and submit it to:

Allison Swauger
Assistant Business Manager
19 East Union Road
Cheswick, PA 15024

Please email cgirty@deerlakes.net and aswauger@deerlakes.net while we make this form live for families. Thank you.

REQUEST BUS STOP CHANGE
New Transportation App: StopFinder
This year, we’ve upgraded our transportation system from Traversa to Transfinder. As part of this change, we’ll be using a new parent communication app called StopFinder.

Check Your Email for Setup Instructions

Setup instructions for StopFinder will be sent to families via email approximately one week before the start of school. Please check your inbox at that time to activate your account and view your student’s busing information.

Important: StopFinder Access & Safety Protocol
- Only the primary contact and their email address listed in Skyward will receive StopFinder setup information.
- It is that individual’s responsibility to share bus details with other caregivers or family members, if needed.
- For the safety and privacy of our students, the Transportation Department cannot provide bus schedules or app access to anyone other than the primary contact.
Bus Information Availability
- Bus routes and assignments will be accessible through StopFinder one week prior to the first day of school.
- Please note: Transportation information will NOT be available in Skyward.
What You Should Do Now

• Update your address, phone number, and email in Skyward to ensure you receive transportation communications
• Submit all Bus Request and Babysitter Forms ASAP
• These forms must be completed each year—they do not carry over
• Forms are available under the Transportation tab at Deer Lakes website

Option 2

DEER LAKES TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
New App for 2025–2026: StopFinder

We’ve Upgraded Our System!
This year, Deer Lakes has upgraded its transportation platform from Traversa to Transfinder. As part of this transition, we’re launching a new parent communication app:

Check Your Email for Setup Instructions

Families will receive an invitation email approximately one week before the first day of school.
Please check your inbox and follow the steps to activate your StopFinder account and view your student's bus details.

Access & Safety Protocol
- Only the primary contact listed in Skyward will receive the StopFinder invitation.
- It is that person’s responsibility to share bus information with any additional caregivers.
- For student safety, the Transportation Department cannot provide bus details or app access to anyone other than the primary contact.
When Will Bus Info Be Available?

Bus routes and assignments will be accessible through StopFinder
➡ One Week Before the First Day of School
Bus information will not be posted in Skyward.
Dear Parents and Caretakers,

Busing information for students atending A.W. Beattie Career and Technical will be available on the STOPFINDER app for the 2025-2026 school year Mid-August. Students who require Deer Lakes Transportation to Beattie from home in the morning have an AM Beattie stop. If your student is being dropped off at the high school to catch the Beattie bus, please have them there by 6:45. The bus will leave the high school campus promptly at 6:50 to head to Beattie.

Additionally, students should have an AM and PM bus stop for their neighborhood bus on the STOPFINGER app for days that Beattie does not have school but Deer Lakes does. Listed below are the dates in which A.W. Beattie does not have school. On these days, Beattie students will need to catch their neighborhood bus to school. Students will wait in the high school library until their classes start.
- Friday, September 19, 2025
- Tuesday, November 4, 2025
- Friday, January 19, 2026
- Thursday, January 22, 2026 (District Tour-virtual classes)
- Wednesday, January 28, 2026 (District Tour-virtual classes)
- Friday, March 6, 2026
- Tuesday, May 19, 2026
- Monday, June 1, 2026
- Tuesday, June 2, 2026
- Wednesday, June 6, 2026
- Thursday, June 4, 2026 (Last day of school Deer Lakes)
The dates listed below are days that Deer Lakes School District is not in session in the 2025-2026 school year. On these days, students will be picked up by the A.W. Beattie buses in the AM. The buses will stop at the high school and pick up any students who are dropped off at Deer Lakes High School. Deer Lakes Transportation on ONLY the dates listed below will transport A.W. Beattie students home after their classes are finished at Beattie.
- Wednesday August 20, 2025 (First day of Beattie classes)
- Monday, October 13, 2025 – Deer Lakes off
- Tuesday, April 7, 2026 – Deer Lakes off
- Friday, May 22, 2026- Deer Lakes off
Senior A.W. Beattie students will be picked up by Deer Lakes Transportaton and driven to Beattie on the dates listed below. Afternoon transportation home from Beattie, after testing, will be provided. All other students must either ride their neighborhood bus to school or be dropped off on these dates.
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, April 28, 29 & 30 - NOCTI Testing (only seniors attend)
If Deer Lakes has a scheduled two-hour delay, Beattie students will be transported to Beattie as usual. However, if Deer Lakes has an unscheduled two-hour delay due to a weather-related incident, Beattie students will not atend Beattie that day and must take their neighborhood bus to the regular Deer Lakes school instead.

If you have any questions about the contents of this email, please reach out to Allison Swauger at aswauger@deerlakes.net.
It is imperative to follow our safety guidelines and procedures to best ensure a happy and safe transportation experience. With that in mind, we encourage our students and their parents to take a moment to review the following transportation safety tips:
1. Please be sure that your child is visible and at his or her assigned bus stop at least 10 minutes early. Schedules can vary depending on student ridership, road conditions, traffic, construction delays, and a host of other factors.
2. When waiting for the bus, always line up at least 10 feet away from the curb or the roadway to avoid traffic.
3. Never run after the school bus if it has already left its stop. It is never a good idea to be rushing towards a moving vehicle.
4. Never walk alongside a moving school bus.
5. Never push another student when getting on or off the school bus.
6. Always cross at least 10 feet in front of the stopped school bus so that the driver can better see you.
7. Before crossing a road to board the bus, wait until the school bus driver has activated the red flashing lights and engaged the crossing arm. Also, make sure that all traffic has come to a complete stop in both directions.
8. Once on the school bus, remain in your seat facing forward, especially when the vehicle is in motion. Also, never put your head, arms or hands outside the window.
9. Talk quietly; do not distract your school bus driver.
10. If your school bus crosses railroad tracks, remain calm and quiet so that your driver can listen for a train. Always obey your school bus driver’s instructions, so that he or she can make the best safety decisions for all concerned.
11. Never play with the emergency exits.
12. Backpacks, band instruments, or sports equipment may not block the aisle or emergency exits. If there is an emergency, please listen to the driver and follow his or her instructions to the letter.
13. When exiting the school bus, make sure that all drawstrings and other loose objects are secure to ensure that they don’t get caught on the handrail or the door.
14. If you leave something on the bus or drop something just outside of the bus, never go back for it. The driver may not see you and may have begun moving the vehicle.
15. Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into a stranger’s car.
Click here for important information from PennDOT regarding transportation safety. Please take a moment to review these additional details as they may be helpful in understanding transportation best practices.
District kindergarten programs are full-day programs. Transportation is provided in the morning and afternoon.

My child is starting kindergarten; will the bus pick my child up in front of the house?

There are no special laws or requirements for transporting students enrolled in kindergarten.

Am I required to be at my kindergartener’s assigned bus stop for discharge?

Yes, if no adult is present the bus driver may return the student to the child’s school and the parents will be contacted to pick up their child.

If I am required to be at my kindergartener’s assigned bus stop for discharge, what if I am late or unable to be at the stop at the designated time?

The bus driver is not permitted to discharge kindergarten students unless an adult is at the stop to receive the student. If no adult is present, the bus driver may return the student to the child’s school and the parents will be contacted to pick up their child. Habitual lateness may result in loss of transportation service.
Please email cgirty@deerlakes.net and aswauger@deerlakes.net while we make this form live for families. Thank you.

Click here for the Shared Custody Transformation Form.
Please email cgirty@deerlakes.net and aswauger@deerlakes.net while we make this form live for families. Thank you.

Click here for the Alternative/Childcare Transportation.