February is more than just Valentine’s cards and chocolate; it is Love The Bus Month, a time to celebrate the dedicated professionals who ensure our students arrive at school safely every single day.
This year, our district is turning that appreciation into action. Starting February 6th, we are launching a campus-wide donation drive to benefit Children’s Lantern, a local organization dedicated to supporting families within the child welfare system, including foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers.
A Message from the Driver's Seat
Transportation Supervisor Angie Bussing notes that for her team, the job is about much more than driving a route.
"Every morning and afternoon, our drivers are not just transporting students from one place to another; they are helping start and end each school day with safety, consistency, and care," says Bussing. "Our students are the heart of everything we do. Their smiles, conversations, and growth throughout the year remind us why our work matters."
Bussing emphasized that the district is a community, and the transportation team takes the responsibility of student safety very seriously. "It is truly an honor to serve such a supportive and caring community."
The Great Campus Competition
To make the month even more exciting, the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools will go head-to-head in a friendly donation competition.
The school building that collects the most items by February 27th will be crowned the winner and celebrate with a Root Beer Float Party during lunch!
Items Needed for Children’s Lantern:
We are collecting tangible resources to help Children’s Lantern provide support to local families:
Baby Care: Diapers (sizes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7), Baby Wipes, and Pullups (2T, 3T, 4T).
Hygiene: Shampoo and Conditioner (including African American hair care products), Toothpaste, and Toothbrushes.
Personal Care: Feminine hygiene products and Deodorant (boys/girls).
Clothing: New socks and underwear.
Show Your Spirit: February 6–13
Get ready to dress up and show our drivers some love! Our Spirit Week schedule is as follows:
Monday, Feb 6: School Spirit Day (Wear your school colors!)
Tuesday, Feb 7: Yellow Out (Wear "School Bus Yellow.")
Wednesday, Feb 8: Hats Off to Our Drivers (Wear your favorite hat.)
Thursday, Feb 9: Dress Like a Driver (Rock your safety clothes and neon gear.)
Friday, Feb 10: Love the Bus and Valentine’s Day (Wear Red to show your love!)
About Children’s Lantern
Children's Lantern works diligently to provide resources and emotional support to families in the child welfare system. By participating in this drive, our students are helping provide the tangible and needed resources that help these families thrive. To learn more about their mission, visit www.childrenslantern.org.
Let's come together to support a great cause and show our transportation team how much they mean to us. Ready, set, donate!