DAYTON -- Wednesday will be an early morning for a lot of Dayton families as kids head back to school. A boy named Perry is enjoying the last splash of Summer Vacation on Dayton's west side.. It's off to first grade in the morning."Homework and read to learn," said the six year old. And because he lives less than a mile and a half to school, he has to get there on his own. Mom is not happy."I don't think it's right at all, like I said there's no way a little kid - a six year old - should have to walk that far to get to school. By the time my son gets to school he'll be tired," said Perry's Mom who wanted to remain anonymous.By picking up less kids, Dayton Public School's hopes to alleviate late or sporadic bus service that many families experienced last year. Because of the changes, DPS set up a Back to School call center, and it's busy. School leaders are concerned because this large stack of letters returned to the district are letters that never reached parents - parents who didn't register a change of address with the district -- parents who may have their kids waiting for a bus that isn't coming."that can be remedied with a visit to the school over the Summer letting us know we've moved, here's our new address," said Moberely with Dayton Public Schools.She says the first week is always a big adjustment, especially this year."We have new drivers, driving new routes, and we do work out those glitches through the first weeks of school. So be patient with us, we are working it out... and we are really looking forward to a much smoother year."If parents do have a problem... the district asks that parents call the child's school and let them contact the transportation center. They also ask that parents go over the entire day routine with their child in the morning. It should help kids like Perry have a great start.
