More Than Just Driving: Bus Drivers Prepare to Head Back to School
As the new school year dawns at several area districts, the buzzing excitement among students isn’t the only palpable energy. The area’s school bus drivers are preparing to return to their roles, with many of them emphasizing the essentiality of not only expertly controlling the wheels but also managing the behaviors of their young passengers effectively.
What It Takes to Be a School Bus Driver
Every school bus driver in the Starkville Oktibbeha School District goes through an extensive training process that lasts about three months to become certified. The drivers must meet several requirements which include possessing a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and completing specialized classes that prepare them to manage potential issues on route and maintain safety standards.
Your Young Passengers: A Novel Approach
Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students is paramount in this job. On this note, Assistant Superintendent Anna Guntharp highlights the need for bus drivers to effectively manage student behavior on the bus.
“We provide training on managing behavior on the bus to our drivers. A significant part of their job is about establishing positive relationships with students right from the time they board the bus until they get off at home,” Guntharp said.
The district has introduced an innovative initiative known as the B.U.S program (an acronym for ‘be responsible, use respect, and stay safe’). The program focuses on cultivating a positive and safe environment on the bus and is being seen as an extension of the school’s ongoing efforts to positively influence student behavior.
A First-Hand Experience
Samp Wilson, a veteran school bus driver from the district who has been driving for six years, shares his preparation process.
“Once you get the roster for your route, study it to see which kids you’ll be picking up this year. Take an inventory and schedule the pickup so that every child gets to school on time,” he shared.
Wilson shows enthusiasm about the opportunity to get back in the driver’s seat and resume his role in the education system.
Drivers and Students: A Symbiotic Relationship
The Assistant Superintendent also elaborated that students play a significant role in the driver-student dynamics, with the B.U.S program now giving an incentive to maintain good behavior on the bus.
“This program will reward students for exhibiting the behaviors and meeting the expectations we want for them on the bus.” Guntharp said.
She further added that the ultimate goal is to reduce distractions for drivers and ensure a safe and positive commute experience for the students.
The B.U.S program introduced by the Starkville Oktibbeha School District will reward students for their good behavior. This will be in the form of a raffle where students can win money prizes.
Conclusion
As the new school year kicks off, school bus drivers are focused on more than just driving. They are carefully preparing for their essential role in the lives of the students they transport, aiming to ensure a safe and positive environment in transit to shape future success stories.
