Back to School: School Bus Safety
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: August 30, 2012
It seems like a simple task, packing up and heading out to your local bus stop.
But, riding the bus means riding with responsibilities.
"It's being prepared, looking at the school year in general and keeping in mind what time of the year it is, dressing appropriately for the weather. Even though they may be riding a bus, they still have to get to the bus stops," said Director of District Operations and Safety at Utica City School District, Joseph Muller.
And while it's important for students to be on their best behavior, the responsibilities go both ways.
"Some buses have bus monitors or attendants, but every bus of course has the driver who is responsible for the world's most precious cargo, the children, and these drivers go through very severe hard training," said Ken Chawgo, Director of Safety and Training at Birnie Bus.
Part if that training includes incorporating new bullying legislation.
"They're going to be receiving the Dignity for All Students Act training and making sure they're aware what to look for with the students, and what behaviors we can look at with various individuals and see if we can stop it early on," said Muller.
And training for drivers and staff doesn't just come around once a year.
"Our drivers and monitors are training throughout the year, so they are well informed on how to work with students and to set that positive environment so when they get on the bus, they don't feel like they're in some third world country. They're put at east when they begin their transportation experience," said Muller.
But, riding the bus means riding with responsibilities.
"It's being prepared, looking at the school year in general and keeping in mind what time of the year it is, dressing appropriately for the weather. Even though they may be riding a bus, they still have to get to the bus stops," said Director of District Operations and Safety at Utica City School District, Joseph Muller.
And while it's important for students to be on their best behavior, the responsibilities go both ways.
"Some buses have bus monitors or attendants, but every bus of course has the driver who is responsible for the world's most precious cargo, the children, and these drivers go through very severe hard training," said Ken Chawgo, Director of Safety and Training at Birnie Bus.
Part if that training includes incorporating new bullying legislation.
"They're going to be receiving the Dignity for All Students Act training and making sure they're aware what to look for with the students, and what behaviors we can look at with various individuals and see if we can stop it early on," said Muller.
And training for drivers and staff doesn't just come around once a year.
"Our drivers and monitors are training throughout the year, so they are well informed on how to work with students and to set that positive environment so when they get on the bus, they don't feel like they're in some third world country. They're put at east when they begin their transportation experience," said Muller.
