JULY 14, 2019
SOUTHEAST EDITION
Mesa school bus drivers have positive impact BY MESA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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us drivers play an important role in student success. They are often the first and last contact in a student’s school day, extending a positive school climate beyond the classroom. Jacque Dana began her career as a bus driver in 2005 so she could raise money for her sons to participate in a church mission. She stayed because she loves her students. “All my students are good kids and I care for all of them as they are my own,” Dana said. “But my elementary students are my favorite. It’s where you find the warm, fuzzy moments. Their exuberance and zest for life is contagious.” For all Mesa Public Schools employees, safety is a top priority. Dana starts her morning inspecting her bus from top to bottom before she picks up high school students on her first route.
Mesa Public Schools buses will soon be rolling through the city and motorists are reminded to use extra caution when they do and obey the law. (Special to the Tribune)
After they’re safely at school, she begins her elementary route. Dana also drives for field trips, sporting events and helps with overflow routes due to the current
driver shortage. Due to the nationwide bus driver shortage, district driver training happens all year long.
you leave at the gate is the same smiling student we have in our classroom a few minutes later. Keep a happy photograph of your child within view to remind yourself that they’re having a great time. 2. Set up new routines. Designate special areas in your home for backpacks, folders, shoes and jackets. Not having to rush around looking for materials will take some of the stress out of your mornings. 3. Find breakfast items that are nourishing and easy to prepare – and that your kids will eat. Students struggle to learn when their little tanks are empty. Whether your child brings lunch from
home or eats in the cafeteria, they will most likely not finish their lunch (even with prodding, extra time and encouragement by adults), especially at the beginning of the year. This is for myriad reasons, but mostly because eating in the cafeteria is a new and exciting experience. Be prepared for them to be ready for a snack and a nap when they get home. 4. Keep open lines of communication with your child’s teacher. You are an expert on your child. Knowing your child’s background, development, likes and dislikes can help your child’s teacher build rapport.
Supervisor Jose Villarino Fierro oversees safety and training for all district drivers. He works with his team of transportation team members, trainers and supervisors to ensure Mesa maintains its statewide reputation as the gold standard of training. Trainers teach a variety of courses in the classroom and behind the wheel, such as CPR and first-aid. Special education equipment training ensures drivers are comfortable with onboarding wheelchairs and meeting the unique needs of their students. Trainers also conduct post-accident education, mountain safety driving, as well as van and golf cart training for employees and students. Refresher courses are also available for drivers who switch routes. Bus drivers are some of the most highly trained, tested, specialized and scrutinized
Help your child survive the first year of school BY SAMANTHA CALISE Tribune Guest Writer
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bout to send your first child off to kindergarten? Follow these five tips from a kindergarten teacher to ensure a successful first year. 1. Convey calm and enthusiasm about school, and your child will follow suit. Make goodbyes at the bus stop and the dropoff line as quick and painless as possible. Believe it or not, the tearful 5-year-old
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One year a mom told me that her son loved his dog, Cookie. There were times where he would get shy and quiet. Then I’d ask, “How is Cookie doing?” His whole face would light up. 5. Finally, this time is fleeting, so soak it in! Write down the funny anecdotes and stories they bring home from school. It’s also not a bad idea to stock up on tissues for the first day and the last day. You and your child’s teacher will need them! Samantha Calise is a National Board Certified kindergarten teacher at Brinton Elementary School in Mesa.