More Than Just Driving: School Bus Drivers Prepare for Back to School

Starkville, Mississippi

The chilly morning air was punctuated by the familiar echoing roar of school bus engines revving up. School bus drivers of the Starkville Oktibbeha School District gathered early, eagerly preparing to welcome their young passengers back to school after the summer break.

Driving a school bus is regarded as more than just a job for these individuals. While mastery over the wheel is essential, the role extends beyond it to acting as custodians of the precious cargo on board the bus – the children.

Requirements of School Bus Driving

Becoming a school bus driver involves special training and certification that usually spans approximately three months. However, the drivers are not just taught how to navigate roads safely. A significant part of their training is dedicated to managing student behavior and establishing positive relationships with the children they transport.

Assistant Superintendent, Anna Guntharp articulates the district’s expectations, “We train our drivers on handling student behavior on the bus. A large part of this involves establishing positive relationships with the students – from the moment they board the bus in the morning to when they step off it in the afternoon.”

Guntharp also highlighted an innovative program, B.U.S., an acronym for ‘be responsible, use respect, and stay safe.’ This program is designed to create an environment where students get incentivized for exhibiting good behaviors and meeting the established expectations of how to conduct themselves on board the bus.

Back Behind the Wheel

For many of the school bus drivers of the Starkville Oktibbeha School District, the return to school is a welcome event. Stepping back into the driver’s seat after three months of summer break is something they look forward to. Every year, when their roster is shared, they focus on learning about the children assigned to them – studying their needs, locations, and timings to ensure seamless pickups and timely arrivals at school.

The B.U.S. Program Makes a Difference

The B.U.S program is being regarded as a game-changer in managing behavior on the school bus. The program offers incentives to students who adhere to the standards set by the school district. Those who do well get to participate in a raffle and stand a chance to win money prizes.

Growth is the goal, according to Guntharp. This initiative aims to reduce distractions for the school bus drivers and make the bus ride an even more positive experience for the students.

Moving Forward

With these preparations in place and with the support of the B.U.S program, school bus drivers of the Starkville Oktibbeha School District are ready for another successful year. Regardless of the challenges that may arise, these dedicated individuals are committed to safely transporting their students and ensuring their bus ride starts and ends on a positive note.