Parents of Manhasset High School and Middle School students are advised that, due to the closing of the Manhasset Avenue bridge, the entrance to the secondary school, for repairs by the MTA, traffic delays and congestion are expected at the entrance of the school property on the first day of school, Wednesday, Sept. 6. Delays are expected to continue until the project is completed.

According to information from the MTA, the bridge is expected to remain closed until the beginning of the year, January 2001. Therefore heavy congestion, traffic and long delays are expected at peak school arrival and dismissal times until the bridge is reopened.

According to Dr. Lawrence E. Bozzommo, superintendent of schools, "Parents are being notified of the potential traffic tie-ups. The district encourages and strongly recommends that high school and middle school children use school district transportation."

During the construction period, the school district will offer transportation to all middle school and high school students who live north of the Manhasset Avenue Bridge and are affected by the construction. Dr. Bozzomo received confirmation that the MTA has agreed to pay the full cost of providing bus transportation for these students. "We greatly appreciate the support and cooperation we have received from the MTA," Dr. Bozzomo stated.

In efforts to alert and warn all parents of traffic tie-ups, information is being mailed home to all middle school and high school parents prior to the first day of school. Press releases are being placed in the Manhasset Press and information will be available on the Manhasset Public Schools web site, manhasset.k12.ny.us.

The district also reminds parents to keep the safety and welfare of children and school personnel in mind and to proceed with caution at all times while entering and leaving school property, respect all traffic rules and the direction of police, security staff and other school personnel. The district regrets any inconvenience this may cause to students and parents. However, the situation is not within the district's control. Letters have been sent from Superintendent Lawrence E. Bozzomo's office to the president of the MTA and to the Town of North Hempstead expressing concern for the length of time it will take to complete the bridge as well as the potential health and safety concerns for all school children, school personnel and community members.