Amid budget crunches and a shifting economy, school districts around the country did what they could to celebrate National School Bus Safety Week.
Whether it was something as simple as a poster or as involved as a mock accident recreation, transportation departments from coast to coast were pushing the yellow bus and its impeccable safety record. The Massachusetts Association of Pupil Transportation opened more than a few eyes with a mock disaster drill which involved a crash between a school bus and an oil truck. The event, which included the tireless efforts of numerous members according to Barnstable Public Schools Transportation Director Sandy Gifford, provided an opportunity for first responders to see how to best deal with a situation of this magnitude.
“This was a huge event involving many agencies that worked together to make it a huge success,” said Gifford.
In Wheeling, Ohio, the staff of the Ohio County Schools Transportation Department tried to take the scare out of the bus ride by opening its doors to prospective preschoolers and some of the more hesitant elementary school students who had yet to ride the bus to school.
“Our goal is to attract little ones who will come to our schools. They may be apprehensive,” said Transportation Director Gary Kestner. “I’m extremely proud of the drivers. We are excited to showcase our facility.”
The event also allowed parents to meet the men and women who safely transport their children on a daily basis. Little visitors who accompanied their parents were also treated to goody bags with coloring books, balloons, crayons and reflectors.
On the East Coast, New York Association of Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) members received not only a reminder on this year’s School Bus Safety Week, they were also stocked up with posters to plaster the message of the yellow bus all over the schools within the state. The Nassau County chapter of the NYAPT also handed out flyers that listed daily tips for the students who safely ride the yellow bus to school everyday, which included:
Monday: Be aware, cross with care!
Tuesday: Keep aisles clear!
Wednesday: Respect the danger zone surrounding the bus!
Thursday: My stop is a safe stop!
Friday: Go directly to your seat!
No matter the place, the people or the available funds, school districts were doing everything they could to let people know how safe the school bus and its occupants are during the daily drives to and from school every day.