National School Bus Driver Appreciation Week Starts Today

Today marks the beginning of National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day.

It’s part of National School Bus Safety Week.

It’s a time for students and parents to let their school bus drivers know how important and special they are.

Jason Ayers is the Transportation Director for the Franklin County School System.

Speaking on Sunday’s Community Forum, Ayers says parents and students who ride the bus are encouraged to find a way to let their school bus driver know they’re valued.

“Our staff sacrifices so much for our students and this is a time when we need to give back to our drivers,” he said. “I challenge everybody out there to do something to say thank you to that driver. Those folks do a whole lot behind the scenes they never get credit for.”

Ayers said some things you can do are simple, like having your child draw a thank you card, or providing a morning biscuit and coffee.

You can also recognize your child’s school bus driver by going over to the Transportation Building in Carnesville and drop off a cake or cookies.

However, he says nothing means more to a driver than having a student or their parents on their route say thank you.

“If you see them, wave and smile at them, that will make their day. I think of the elementary school kids who make a little note with crayons telling them, ‘I love you.’ That will light their driver’s heart and light their day,” he said.

National School Bus Safety Week is designed to promote school bus safety.

School districts throughout the country observe School Bus Safety Week – which is always held the third week in October.