Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, Aquinas Catholic Schools will be using a new policy regarding students in activities whose parents/guardians wish to take them home after the competition of the activity rather than have the student(s) ride the activity bus back to Aquinas. This change is needed to meet legal requirements, and to ensure the safety of students.
1. If a parent/guardian chooses to have their child(ren) ride with them, the PARENT/GUARDIAN MUST sign a form with the coach to release Aquinas from any legal obligation regarding the student. Coaches/moderators will have a form for each event, and a parent/guardian would need to sign out their child(ren) for each event.
2. A grandparent, adult sibling, or relative would NOT be able to sign out the student.
3. If a parent/guardian is unable to make it to the activity and wants their child(ren) to ride home with someone else, the parent/guardian of that student MUST set up a time with the coach/moderator and come to Aquinas to sign out their child(ren). Without a parent/guardian signature, the student(s) must ride the activity bus back to Aquinas.
4. Notes and phones calls will no longer be accepted by coaches/moderators regarding students not riding the assigned bus back to Aquinas.
5. Coaches/moderators will also carry a roster with parent/guardian contact information in case there is need to contact the parent/guardian due to a serious injury, accident, etc.
Aquinas Catholic Middle School students will be granted an exception during the 2026-2027 school year.
| This exception is outlined in the MS Activity Release Form 26-27 |
For middle school students only:
- The form must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the coach or moderator before the activity.
- A separate form is required for each event.
- Upon receipt of the completed form, the student may be released according to the transportation arrangements indicated on the form.
Please note that high school students are not included in this exception and must follow the procedures outlined in our original communication, including in-person parent/guardian sign-out requirements.
We appreciate your flexibility and cooperation as we transition to these new procedures. Our goal remains to ensure student safety while meeting all legal and transportation requirements.
If you have any questions, please contact the school office.