SCHOOL BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION DAY

Each year School Bus Driver Appreciation Day falls on the fourth Tuesday in April, which is April 23 in 2024. Today, we are recognizing all school bus drivers for taking care of our precious cargo during the school year. Whether they are transporting our kids to school, home, activities, or to sporting events, school bus drivers deserve recognition for the job they do.

#THANKYOUBUSDRIVERS

School bus drivers play an important role in the education of our children. Bus drivers are the person who ensures their safety each time they step on the bus. On School Bus Driver Appreciation Day we send our appreciation and support for bus drivers everywhere and thank them for taking care of our children.

For many, sending our children to school on a bus is a big decision. For working parents, it may seem like it's a convenient option. For others, it may be the only alternative. Either way, the decision to trust another individual to transport your child to school means we turning over the care of our child. Your child's bus driver is the first person your child sees during the school day and the last person to say goodbye at the end of the day. A bus driver goes above and beyond to make your child feel safe and enjoy their short ride before and after school.

Providing transportation is not the only thing bus drivers do. They form relationships with their student passengers and create a positive space on their buses so students are able to get a good start to their school day. In some instances, a bus driver can provide information to educators to assist in helping students. Bus drivers are a great support system for students because they are given an opportunity to learn about their passengers outside a school classroom.

Drivers Wanted

Becoming a bus driver is a rewarding job with great benefits, including having your afternoons off because you work before and after school. Training is free in most states making obtaining your credentials to become a bus driver very easy. Plus, if you choose, you get your summers off!

Must be 18 years old.
Must have a high school diploma or a general education diploma (GED).
Have at least 6 months of driving experience AND have a clean driving record.
Complete all state and local School Bus Driver Requirements and Training.
Acquire a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) WITH a school bus endorsement.
Take mandatory refresher courses and ongoing training courses through the duration of driving a school bus.

Like many professions, there is a shortage of school bus drivers so getting a position as a school bus driver is very likely. If you are interested in becoming a bus driver, reach out to your local school district to get information on how to start.

HOW TO THANK A BUS DRIVER

Give a thank you card with a personal message thanking your child's bus driver. Don't forget to mention you appreciate them for transporting your child safely every day.
Have your child make a special gift for their driver as a way to say thank you.
Offer to buy them coffee or purchase a gift card to a local coffee shop.
Ask other parents to donate towards a purchase of a lumbar pillow for the bus driver and present the gift to the driver together.
Share your support and thank you messages to all bus drivers on social media using the hashtag #ThankYouBusDrivers.