Portsmouth middle school bus stop at Park Ave and Cottage. Click to embiggen

As of Sunday night, the Portsmouth school district is planning to hold classes tomorrow despite the fact that there are bus stops that look like the one above in Island Park, with no place for students to stand, blind corners, and icy road conditions.

But I guess it's okay, because the Portsmouth EMA said in their update tonight that, "Roads are clear in Portsmouth."

Roads are clear. Got it.

Full disclosure: Yes, that's my son's bus stop. No, he's not going to be standing at it tomorrow morning.

Update: Sent this note to local officials and media

From: John McDaid
Subject: Middle school bus stops in Island Park
Date: February 10, 2013 9:02:18 PM EST
To: Lynn Krizic, David D. Croston, John C. Klimm
Cc: Portsmouth Patch, East Bay Newspapers, Newport Daily News, WPRI12

Dr. Krizic, Mr. Croston, Mr. Klimm…
While I understand the importance of returning to school as soon as feasible, I wanted to share my concerns about student bus stop safety. At least in Island Park -- and elsewhere in the north end of town, based on a short drive this evening -- there are many intersections that serve as school bus stops where there is literally no place for kids to stand, blind corners, and -- especially tomorrow morning -- potentially icy conditions.

The attached are photos from this evening of two middle school stops -- the larger pile is Park and Cottage, the smaller is Park and Mason. In both, students will be standing in the street tomorrow morning.

I would respectfully suggest you consider this in any decision regarding school in Portsmouth tomorrow.

Best Regards.

Link to cc-licensed full-res image on Flickr.