National School Bus Driver Appreciation Week Begins Today

Today marks the beginning of National School Bus Driver Appreciation Week.
It’s a week for parents and students 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 Sunday on 92-1’s Community Forum, Ayers said most of his 56 school bus drivers don’t see their part-time job as well, a job, they see it as a ministry.
He said often times, his drivers will come to him with concerns about certain kids on their bus or needs the driver knows the child and his family might be having.
“You know drivers, unlike teachers, see where the children live. Their hearts go out to them, especially since it’s getting colder now, and when the child might be wearing shorts or not have a coat. Drivers get and make sure those buses are good and warm to the best of their ability. You know we do the “Stuff-the-Bus” around Christmas time, and that’s a good ministry. So that helps a lot.”
And he said many of his drivers have worked for the school system for years and have seen entire generations of children grow up before their eyes.
“They get very attached to these kids. You know the grandmother type, the big brother, daddy, just like a teacher would. They see them go through the full stage of life. The older I get, I realize everybody gets older, too. Kids do grow up. You think there not supposed to get any bigger, but you see them years later driving cars and working jobs. You see them at their full spectrum.”
During Bus Driver Appreciation Week, parents and students who ride the bus are encouraged to find a way to let their school bus driver know they’re valued.”
Ayers says it doesn’t have to anything big to make a big impression with the driver.
“They can just come by the shop. Sometimes they will come by with a basket of stuff to put in the drivers mailboxes. They are welcome to come by this department, and express that. We have somebody come by a couple times a year to just let you guys know we appreciate you.”
Other ideas, Ayers said is for a student to make a poster, drawing, or card thanking the driver for their hard work.