This week is National School Bus Safety Week, and in Kansas, Wednesday, Oct. 19 is School Transportation Appreciation Day.
Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation recognizing the outstanding service provided to Kansas families who depend on school transportation while traveling to and from school and school activities.
In Kansas, there are 4,366 school buses that transport 188,848 students more than 23 million miles a year, according to the proclamation.
“Education begins and ends with school transportation,” the proclamation reads. “Our transportation personnel ensure students have a good start on the day; they dry tears, dispel fears, find lost notebooks, and most faithfully deliver students safely to their destinations.”
We at USD 294 are particularly grateful for our school bus personnel:
Transportation supervisor: Brian Simonsson
Bus drivers: Pam Bremenkamp, Ken Erickson, Charlie Haag, Chris Hardy, Holly McCartney, Rob McFee, Steve Nelson, Jeanne Pachner
Activity Bus Drivers: Brad Marcuson and Robert May
Substitute bus drivers: Rick Touslee, Linda Manning, and Jason Ketterl
National School Bus Safety Week serves as a reminder for students, parents, teachers, and the community to keep school bus safety in the forefront.
Kansas law KSA 8-1556 requires all motorists to stop when approaching or overtaking a stopped school bus displaying its flashing red lights and stop arm. Motorists are to remain stopped until the bus is no longer displaying its flashing red lights and stop arm.
Always be extra cautious when driving in school zones.
Slow Down.
Watch for children walking in the street.
Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops.