We Recommend: Free Driver's Lounge Art

Those who don't receive Trans Consult Dick Fischer's School Bus Safety News emails should. In one of his most recent emails, Fischer shares this poster and the reminder that "Not all people that drive a school bus are 'School Bus Drivers'..." Take a look or email Ficher at dfischer [at symbol] ix.netcom.com to sign up.

Dangerous pet on the bus ... or not

A mom who blogs, shares the story of school bus driver who radioed the principal's office to say that a girl on board had a live hamster and that this was not allowed. But, as a teacher assured the principal, the "hamster" was a toy brought in for show and tell. But, by the time the principal could return the call, it was too late.

Because the radio is used by all of the corporation and people at home with that frequency tuned in, the jokes and jabs started immediately. One was heard to say you have to be very careful with those dangerous hamsters. The bus driver will probably go to his grave with the "hamster" call sign.

Video: New Effort Stops Bullies Keeps Kids in School

According to the CDC, 160,000 kids stay home from school because of bullying. A new program in Ely, Nev., is reducing the abuse and getting more kids on the bus and back in school, ABC News reports. The program at White Pines County School District started with a confidential survey that helped identify some of the biggest bullies in the school. Instead of punishing these bullies, a new principal is talking with them, trying to solve the problems at their roots. Thanks for the link, Diana!

Train the Trainer with Dick Fischer

For those of you in the Midwest, our colleague Trans-Colsult Dick Fischer will be offering a 40-hour school bus driver "Train the Trainer" program. On June 8-12 in Seymour, Ind., and June 22-26 in Salina, Kans., Fischer will teach 20 hours of classroom training and 20 hours of behind-the-wheel-training to those looking to get the skills they need to train other drivers. Attendees will also get a 550-page training manual covering 35 subjects for more info email Fischer. More on Fischer and Trans-Consult at our industry contact page.

Monday Rundown

• The Kalamazoo Gazette offers more thoughts on the assault of a school bus driver. Apparently, it will take some time before the district can coordinate a policy on staff and training to prevent assaults like these or address them if they happen again. The paper also reacts to the virulent debate about race, education and discipline the incident ignited.
• On a similar note, a West Monroe, La., police tasered a 14-year-old student after the 250-pound 5'9" bus rider became belligerent and assaulted an officer.
  
• School bus driver gives special treatment to one cat.
  
• Spring break is over for Bus No. 6. He's sad to be waking up early again, but glad to be working in a job he loves given the economy:
  

  "At least we have a place to go to in the mornings instead of the unemployment line. At least we're driving something bigger than Bubba's pickup truck, and if he even LOOKS like he's going to pass through our blinking lights and stop sign, we know we could take him out if we had a mind to, but we don't because there are kids on board and we're more professional than that. But we gave it some thought. Yes indeed. My blood runs yellow. How about yours"

• Also from Nation's Press:
  
  • Web Site Users Catch Bus Drivers Behaving Badly, Call for Action
  • Transportation Boss Quits After Driver Allegedly Drove While Intoxicated
  • The Ambien Defense: School Bus Driver Claims Medicine Responsible for Sleep Driving Crash
  • More
    

Jobs in the Industry...

This week, IC Bus joins the rest of the major OEMs in announcing layoffs. The company has not said how many employees will be laid off, but has halved its vehicle production. Blue Bird and Thomas Built Buses made similar announcements this year and last. At the same time, as we reported earlier this month driving a school bus appears to be a promising job in the downturn.

New Video: Installing STAR

As we ramp up for the this year's School Transportation News Conference EXPO and Trade Show, this week we add another new video from the 2007 EXPO. In this video, SafeGuard IMMI's Charlie Vitts shows attendees how to install and remove the company's SafeGuard STAR child safety restraint system.