Ravings of a Mad Bus Driver

The best part of being a bus driver....

2011-05-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

Field Trips! Today we sent to a Civil War camp. A preview to what they have planned for the weekend. It was very warm, sunny, but no rain. Had a great time. Next field trip is to a zoo. (Love those too!

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School time

2010-08-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well there are good things about living in Michigan...the most important is that school doesn't start until after Labor Day!! So while the rest of you are getting up early to get your buses ready, pick up the kids and such....I'm still sleeping in.

Tonight is my first athletic run. Our football team has a scrimmage. Hopefully it won't still be so hot and humid. Our football team only has 15 boys this year, so hopefully the games are still competitive and fun to watch.

Tomorrow morning I have been volunteered to work in the concession stand during a 3 on 3 basketball tourney in town. Monday starts Middle School Volleyball practice. So I'm back in full gear.....whether I like it or not.

Sentimental

2009-12-05T07:03:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is about this time of the year but I always am reminded of my bus driver when I was in school, George.

George was a gruff old man. He had a deep voice, was big, and drove a bus. I couldn't help but be intimated by George. But one day George didn't drive the bus that came to pick me up it was Sally, and then a man who transported his goats on his bus (we were all sure of this because the bus ALWAYS stunk like goats and goat poop). But back to George...he would always wait that extra minute for me to come running down the driveway when I was running late, he would smile while my mom forced me to have my first day of school picture taken buy his bright yellow bus, he was really a great man. I can't for the life of me remember his last name, he was just always George.

Every year at Christmas time he would cheerfully hand out brown paper sacks filled with his own little mini-version of a fruit basket. 1 apple, 1 orange, a nut, those yummy Christmas tree nougaty/minty taffy like things, a Christmas pencil and a mini-candy cane. At the time I remember thinking that it had to be the lamest of Christmas gifts I was going to get. I would rush into the house and eat up the candy, maybe use the pencil and then toss the fruit into my mom's fruit. But now that I am a bus driver and always contemplate what to give my bus kids, I am more appreciative of that sweet gesture. If you figure there were probably 40-50 kids on our bus and the cost and time that had to go into making those gifts, he went way above and beyond what some of the other drivers do.

Two years ago I gave out dollar bills to all my kids with a candy cane attached. When you figure that I have about 40 kids on my bus it's tough to squeeze out that extra $40 at Christmas time. But it was all made worth wile with one phone call. I had just one parent call and tell me that her son was so excited to get that dollar. He knew that he could go to the store and spend it however he wanted. On whatever he wanted. Unfortunately he lost that dollar and his mom had to give up one of her's but I was glad to know that I had made, if even just one, kid's day.

I always debate on giving out the money, and last year we just couldn't swing it. This year we can. I know a dollar doesn't buy much anymore, and the high schoolers probably think I'm lame but I enjoy seeing the smile and cheer on the younger kid's faces when they get that envelope knowing that there is money inside.

So this Christmas remember that it's the little things in life. The extra "Have a good weekend, Johnny" or the simple "How was your day, Suzy?" that means the world to some of these kids. Sadly enough some of the just don't get it at home.

Have a great holiday season, and a very Merry Christmas.

Say What??!!?!?!

2009-10-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

*Please note, I have not edited this for content. You may be offended.*

What I heard, what she actually said:

Little Girl talking to another (girl) friend: "You got the ball stuck on your penis"
What she actually said: "You got the ball stuck on your fingers"

Phew!

Bus Route/Seniority question for drivers

2009-10-14T10:34:00.001-07:00

I have a question for you bus drivers out there.

How are your routes distributed? For example we have a new driver who just started this year because of a driver that quit...leaving a route open. If no other driver wants the open route, the new guy gets it...right? What if he doesn't? Can a lower seniority driver bump a higher driver out? What if route locations plays into this. The new guy lives in a different route (my route), and thinks to save the school $$ it would be best for him to have my route.

I'm not going to give my route up. I love ~~most of~~ my kids. What would your district do in a situation like this?

Starting to feel ready

2009-08-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

I think I am finally getting ready for school to start back up. And we still have 2 1/2 weeks left. Our first day is September 8, and our first athletic trip is this Friday, and even though I am normally the sport trip taker, I'm not taking this one.

Our football team has a scrimmage about 2 1/2 hours away. That will make for an early and long day for our driver.

I have briefly talked my route over with our supervisor and only have 1 new kindergarten. So not much of change for me. Our supervisor had planned on re-retiring on August 28, but was talked in to staying on until January 1st. We are all so glad to have her back. She was a driver and supervisor for many, many years and decided to retire. After some time away the school was able to persuade her to come back.

Our administrators have been promising us a new(er) bus to begin this school year with. Unfortunately I heard from the School Board meeting last night that the school hasn't bought it yet. Bummer. It is a '99 Blue Bird. Sadly this is all our school can afford. We have 2 busses that need to be set out to dry, so hopefully someone gets their act in gear and gets that bus. We need something dependable.

I hope you all had a great summer, and are ready to get back at it (if you haven't already.)

Last Day of School

2009-06-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hurray!

It's finally here!

On the last day I let the elementary kids sit in the back of the bus and the MS and HS kids have to sit up front. And boy oh boy am I glad I only do it one day! The younger kids think it is the greatest thing that the older kids have to sit up front. But they fight over the back 2 seats. At one time they tried to have 4 kids in one seat...which they know is a no no. They were really quite cute...but I am so greatful that I don't have to see them for 3 months!!

I may not post much over the summer, so have a great vacation.

Count down

2009-05-24T06:13:00.001-07:00

I just love a long relaxing weekend at home. And after the past few weeks on the big yellow turd I really need it! We officially have 7 days of school left but those last 7 days are jam packed with field trips and athletic trips. I will be so glad when summer is here!

My elementary kids were hyped up all last week so I was glad to only drive them home a few nights (I was taking the baseball team to a game, and the track teams to meets). But I will say on a few of the nights I did deliver them home I had a few sweet things happen. On Wednesday night I didn't have any Middle Schoolers or High Schoolers on towards the end of the route so I let the elementary kids sit in the back of the bus. I hate riding in the back but to these guys it's the best thing that can happen. There was one little k-garden girl who had fallen asleep early in the route so she didn't get to go to the back but when we got to her house and she was woke up she looked around in a dazed state and said, "Oh, I didn't know I was going to be the first one off." She was so cute, with her hair all plastered to her face with sweat.

And then when I dropped of the last 2 boys the older brother (3rd grade) said, "Thanks for the ride home, Heather." This actually meant a lot to me. It was nice to know that he appreciates the ride home every day, even if he didn't mean it and was just glad he got to sit in the back of the bus.

As much as I enjoy diving the bus I can't wait for June 3rd at 11:31 a.m.

Points for being a Bus Driver

2009-04-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

5 points for hitting any animal that is in the road that should be caged ie ducks or chickens

5 points for passing a road that you should turn onto to pick up a child. This point is only awarded if you are daydreaming about your upcoming weekend and the lovely weather.

10 points if you pull out in front of someone.

Add an additional 15 points if they flip you off.

50 points for tearing up a drive as you back into it.

50 points for hitting a live, wild animal as it scurries across the road.

100 points for hitting a principal, superintendent, supervisor or teacher that annoys you.

500 points for making it through the week without strangling a student on your bus.

Ok, I'm just kidding. I'm not suggesting that anyone does any of these things. There is no real point system. You will not win any prize, but it sure would be nice, eh?!? (Hey and I'm not even Canadian!)

Finally back to school

2009-04-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

Last week was our spring break including the Friday before off.

Monday no school for a ton of snow.

Tuesday no school because the school didn't have power.

Wednesday and Thursday school (knock on wood we make it both days)

Friday no school because it's Good Friday.

That's like a 2 week break! Only 7 more weeks until summer vacation! Yeah!!!

I love my job.

No School :(

2009-04-06T04:51:00.000-07:00

Today was supposed to be our first day back from spring break.

Mother Nature had other plans. 4-7" of the yucky white stuff.

2009-03-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

This is a very graphic video of a 16-year-old boy beating a female school bus driver who had repeatedly ordered him to sit down for his own safety. This incident took place last Tuesday in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The woman, a substitute driver, was transporting special needs high school students with emotional and behavioral problems. The boy’s father claimed, the bus driver “provoked” his son by tapping the brakes and throwing him off balance. The boys mother tried to defend her son's actions, saying he was bi-polar and schizophrenic with no history of violence.

But apparently, News channel 3 found five prior assault charges on the boy's record. This teen is currently being held on $5,000 bond at a juvenile detention facility. The bus driver has reportedly suffered a broken hand, burst blood vessels in both eyes, cuts, swelling and contusions in the face area, as well as six stitches in her lip.

WOW can you believe this.....

It's frightening to think what can happen just for doing your job. I couldn't help but cringe while watching this. It is very scary.

Kids say the darndest things #142

2009-03-03T07:48:00.000-08:00

K: I broke up with D because he cheated on me with MORRRRGGGIIIIN!

D: {{grins}}

K: So I couldn't go out with him no more

*****some time passed******

K: I have a cheese stick, D if you will go back out with me.

D: I don't need your cheese stick. I have like 100 of them at home.

K: {{frowns}}

R: I have a cheese stick too.

This went on between 3 Kindergarteners last night on the bus. It was very funny in real life, not so much when typed. I just got a kick out of their facial expressions and how serious they all were with each other. K really thought a cheese stick would be enough to win D back.

They do say the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach!

A Public Service Announcement About Bus Safety for Vehicle Drivers on the Road

2009-02-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

Since I'm filling in for the big ~~cheese~~ boss while she's basking in the heat that is Florida I thought I'd be the one to pass along a word of caution, and share a story from this morning. Actually it wouldn't matter if she was around or not, this is my blog and I'll write what I want!! :)

One of our drivers has to make a turn around on a major road/highway. There are always cars/as*holes that she is on the look out for, and does everything to be as cautious as possible. I'm sure of it.

This morning a lower elementary student did not come out to the bus at her house, so her mother brought her to catch the bus. The driver was watching traffic and noticed a car coming up close behind her. She was backing into her turn around spot and kept an eye on everyone.

Crazy as it seems the car coming up close behind was the little girl who missed the bus earlier in the route. Her mother had her get out of the car while the bus was backing up and walk infront of the bus, which was still half way into the road. A car coming in the other direction sped around the bus and came too close to hitting the little girl. Our bus driver was still in reverse and just froze and started waiving at the car's driver.

How much sense does this mother have to let her child out in the middle of a busy road to walk in front of a bus that is half way in the middle of the road? How much sense did the other car's driver have to speed around a school bus not knowing what it may have been trying to do?

Luckily no one was hurt. The bus driver was very shook up though. So the next time you are driving and see a bus take extra caution. Stay far enough behind the bus so the driver can see you. Don't be in such a hurry.

If you see a school bus, that means there are kids around and you should take extra caution.

I was recently laid off. Instead of moping around, I viewed it as a chance to start fresh. Here's what my 1st day was like on my new job....

2009-02-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

...Okay, I wasn't really layed off.

This is a challenge blog I try to participate every week with where a wonderful lady, MamaKat, gives prompts to write about. I thought this week I'd put my posting here.

My husband and I have always talked/joked about what it would be like to work at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I have always thought if I worked there it would be awesome to be one of the bus drivers who drove all the happy vacationers from their resorts to the different parks.

Perfect, right?

You get to drive around in an air conditioned bus all day chatting happily with kids and families getting to go see Mickey Mouse and ride the Tower of Terror. I would definitely not enjoy the night shift because by then, there are no longer happy campers, just crying, whiny kids and angry, grumpy parents.

I think this would be a great job. Walt probably pays great. Right? Plus I could learn all about the secret underground city for Disney employees. (I don't know if it's real or not but I've heard there is a secret underground city with business and schools for the workers and their families.)

Go visit MamaKat's blog for other great writers.

I guess I'm in Seatle WA minus the rain...

2009-02-10T17:07:00.001-08:00

...because we are nothing but mud here now. Only in the Midwest (I say Midwest because it was just as bad when I lived in Indiana) can you have -20+ wind chill one day and 3 or 4 days later it's in the 60's. So the big freeze we had is now melting. The snow is gone and the frozen dirt roads are nothing but mud. I almost got stuck where I park my bus, so I've had to resort to parking in the parking lot where the teachers park. I just really don't want to get stuck again.

Again you ask? About a week ago when we still had 7-ish inches of snow I got stuck in a drive. I got backed in okay, but the way I went to pull out got me stuck. The snow had just started melting and was very heavy and thick. So we were stuck. And I didn't have enough kids on the bus to weigh the back end down to get out on our own. The wonderful Maintenance Manager/Janitor at the school came and pulled us out. We, by the way, were blocking the road.

I can't wait for summer break.

When did I move to the U.P.?

2009-01-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

Lately I've felt like I've been transported to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We've been getting a ton of snow this winter. We still had about 10" or so on the ground and then got about another 3" this morning. And the snow this morning wasn't a nice light snow, it was the heavy wet kind.

I had to take my bus in to get the tires rotated and in the 10 miles I had to go saw only 1 car in the ditch, so I suppose everyone is getting smarter about how to drive in winter weather.

It can snow all it wants in December, but January 1st the snow should stop and the temps should go to anywhere between 50-75.

Kid's say the darndest things

2008-12-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning one of the houses I pick kids up at had it's Christmas lights on. This house just so happens to be the house that caused me to post this. So when I was getting ready to back up, one of the high schoolers said, "Heather, watch out for the Christmas lights!!" To which I replied, "They aren't on my tree, so we should be okay."

Clever I know. But it was early.

Some of the elementary kids were asking the younger boy how come they have so many Christmas lights. To which he replied, "Because the more lights you have the more presents you get."

Aren't kids cute?! It just made my day to hear him say that. They are so innocent.

Come on guys

2008-11-17T10:31:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure that the kids on the bus this morning were complaining about snow. And discussing all the horrible things that can/can't happen to the bus when it is snowing. They were debating how easy it would be to go into the ditch since the bus is so heavy, and how much is weighs, etc.

Anyways, there was a light dusting.

I get a little nervous when it's icy and slushy but a dusting?!

Ok, so a few years back I did back into a ditch trying to turn around, and got stuck half in and half out of the road but I've learned from that mistake. Make sure you have a good backer-upper helper! And that there are tracks to go by.

I don't know what the conversation was all about but it was nice to hear that they are concerned about our safety in the snow. Plus I think they were mad there wasn't enough snow for a delay or cancellation today. :D

So be sure to use a little extra caution if there is inclimate weather when you are out and about with school buses. It takes a longer time to get a bus slowed down on bad roads...either snow, ice or even rain.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

Since this very well could be my last post ever I want to say goodbye to the few of you who read this blog. I'm sorry to leave on such short notice but today is Halloween. Just imagine a 37-some-foot, 7 or 8 ton party boat on wheels. With 40 some sugar jacked kids bouncing off the walls. Nuf said.

This will be why I'm never see or heard from again. Have a wonderful and joyous Halloween!

A Day Off

2008-10-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

The teachers at our school (and maybe all I don't know, this is the first job I've ever had working t a school) create the school calendar. And I love them for it! Because today is a Teacher Inservice Day! I don't understand why the chose today, but I really don't care because I'm home! I love our teachers! :D

Downfall to being home on a no-school day is all the kids are home too. And hubby decided to take today off too. No biggie, everyone is laying around or still sleeping, or gone.

Truth be told I think the teachers are gearing up for next Friday, Halloween. I despise Halloween almost more than Christmas, on the bus that is...in my real life I love both of the holidays, because the teachers get the kids all jacked up on candy and then send them home on the bus. And they are jacked!!

I'm trying to come up with a cleaver costume that is appropriate to wear on the bus...any ideas?

A 'special' gift from a family

2008-10-23T06:14:00.000-07:00

For those of you who follow my blog...wait I have only 1 follower, and she's my S-I-L, "Hi, Staci!"....but anywho....you that may be stumbling across this should read my post entitled 'Reason #43 Why You Shouldn't Leave your Chirstmas Lights Up Year Round'

Ok, so here's what I received today.....

Along with this 'cute little card....

"Thanks for taking care of the boys on the bus. We really appreciate their safety and your concern! Thanks again!
P.S. Here's your own tree and lights! ha ha ha (Couldn't resist during safety week)"

Ah, bus safety week...and here I am backing into trees and getting Christmas lights stuck on my bus.

Michigan School Bus Safety Week October 22-26, 2007

October 19, 2007

LANSING – School districts throughout Michigan will celebrate Michigan School Bus Safety Week from October 22-26, 2007 .

Each school day, over 17,000 Michigan school bus drivers transport more than 850,000 students, traveling over 184 million miles annually. Overall, the yellow school bus continues to be an icon of safe transportation staffed by drivers who take a personal interest in each student.

School bus drivers are the first and last school employee students see each day. They help begin a productive school day with a smile, and deliver the students back to their parents at the end of the day. School bus drivers and transportation support staff are an important contributor to each school district’s learning program.

“The Michigan State Board of Education recognizes that the importance of protecting the safety of Michigan ’s school children extends beyond the classroom walls and the building,” said State Board of Education President Kathleen N. Straus. “The Board has great respect for the accomplishments of Michigan ’s school bus drivers, mechanics, supervisors, and all school transportation personnel in providing the safest transportation possible for children to and from school and home.”

Michigan School Bus Safety Week serves as a fitting time to recognize everyone who contributes to the successful operation of the state’s school buses and urges all Michigan drivers to become more aware of school bus safety regulations and encourages all citizens to be alert and drive carefully near school buses.

Secretaries get 1 day, Presidents get 1 day, Sweeties get 1 day, but bus drivers get a whole week. What a special group we are!!!

Reason #43 Why you shouldn't leave your Christmas lights up year round.

2008-10-20T08:45:00.001-07:00

They just might get pulled out of the tree by an insane bus driver trying to turn around in your drive too close to the tree.

Yep, that's how my morning got started off. I backed carefully in to a drive to turn around. I was pretty proud of myself because I was perfectly backed in, didn't think I came too close to the tree that lines the drive, so I thought, "Yea for you, Super Bus Driver!" I did notice that the Christmas lights were hanging down in a loop but didn't think too much of it because they are normally like that.

We get going down the road and the girls in the back say, "Bus Driver, you have Christmas lights hanging from the back of the bus."

"Oh, Yea. I'm just getting a head start this year."

They didn't hear that part but needless to say laughed the whole. way. to. school.

It really wasn't that funny.

An Apology Letter

2008-10-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. Blue Jean Guy,

I'm sorry you were so wrongly accused of burning the seat on my bus. The bus that I am responsible for. Just remember the kids you associate with often will get you in trouble just by association. That means because you hang out with kids that get in trouble, you are thought of to be a trouble maker, and will then get in more trouble.

You did however, move the blame for the cut in the back of the seat to Mr. Cutter. Thanks for that. Now I can get him!

Anyways, just stay out of trouble and we won't have these problems anymore.

Your Loving Bus Driver,
Miss Heather

Let's Begin

2008-10-10T06:19:00.001-07:00

I feel it is time I share with the world what's it's really like to be a bus driver. And share humorous, aggravating, and scary stories from the bus. I don't know if anyone will even read this {I'll just assume not, that way I can really let it all out} I just need a place to vent freely.

All names and pertinent information that could identify the child involved have been changed. I wouldn't want to upset and of my wonderful students' parents. God. Forbid.

So story #1

I do have a few, and I say few sparingly, good students that will let me know when someone else has misbehaved on the bus. Last evening one of these good students informed me that "Blue Jean Boy" had a lighter out and was burning the seat.

"What? Are you sure it was him." I asked.

"Yep." said Mr. Good Boy.

"Oh, well that must have been why I kept smelling the cologne. He was trying to hide the smell of melting seat!"

"Yeah." said Mr. Good Boy.

"Well how bad it is?" I asked.

"Well, the seat turned white and is bubbly."

"Oh, nice. He must have really burnt it bad." Speaking from experience, the moron that burnt my seats a couple of years ago made it turn black, so I'm thinking white and bubbly is. not. good.

This is the 2nd student who has brought a lighter on my bus. The principal feels lighters are not a huge threat to our school, or the students on my bus. He comment last time was, "If you'd check all the kids here at school probably 1/3 of them have lighters on them."

Ok, well how about we do something about that.

Blue Jean Boy didn't ride the bus this morning, but he will be talking to Mr. Wonderful Principal about why he chose this stupid act. And thanks to Blue Jean Boy...everyone is getting assigned seats this afternoon. Even the Middle and High School kids. They are going to be held accountable for their seat. Plus I'll know who to send the bill to for a destroyed seat.

Note to parents:
Do not send lighters to school with your kids, or knives. They also use those to cut up the bus seats...just like Blue Jean Boy has allegidly been doing too.

That's all...carry on.