At the request of the Maryland State Police, the Calvert County Public Schools is offering graduating seniors free one-way school bus transportation to Calvert County high school graduation ceremonies at the Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro. This service is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of entry to and parking at the facility.

To accurately gauge interest in bus transportation to graduation, parents/guardians are asked to call their graduating senior’s school by May 23, 2007. If there is enough interest, bus service will be offered. Students will be picked up at their home school and taken to the Equestrian Center. Details will be given to students and their parents/guardians once final transportation arrangements are made.

To register for this service, parents/guardians are asked to call their child’s school at:

o Calvert High School – Julie Andrewlevick – 410-535-7333

o Huntingtown High School – Faye Shields – 410-414-7036

o Northern High School – Betty Farnese – 410-257-1526

o Patuxent High School – Deann Posey – 410-535-7862

The Maryland State Police believe that the resulting reduction in traffic and congestion will lessen the possibility of a serious accident on Route 4. In addition, family and friends attending Calvert County high school graduation ceremonies are strongly encouraged to carpool.

Those driving to graduation need to be aware of new traffic patterns that will be in force this year. It will not be possible to access the Equestrian Center from Water Street in Upper Marlboro. Water Street will be closed to all traffic. Cars that try to enter the Center on Water Street will be diverted back onto west bound Rt. 4 toward Washington D.C.

Also, all traffic exiting Route 4 will be funneled into two lanes. ONLY THE RIGHT LANE WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THE HANDICAPPED UNLOADING ZONES AND HANDICAPPED PARKING ON THE SIDE OF THE CENTER. NO CARS WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP IN FRONT OF THE CENTER FOR ANY REASON.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to call their child’s school at the number listed above to register for the free, one-way bus service or to obtain more information.