My daughter is starting 1st grade at a new school (for her). The bus stops across the street from our home, just out of sight from our windows. I have talked to the bus driver to allow her to stand in our yard and then cross the street to the bus (about 20 feet away). It works well. I watch her from our window, and tell her to stay away from any cars or people (this is a quiet area, so very few of those), and mentally prep myself to dash thru the door in my barefeet if I see anything remotely suspect.
But I can't imagine the chill you must have gotten. That call must have been such a nightmare!!! Thank God Zach is just fine!!
bebu