Bus drivers and riders for Henderson County Public Schools will be feeling the love from their school communities Feb. 10-14 during N.C. School Bus Driver Appreciation Week, also known as “Love the Bus” week.
Students annually prepare “thank you” Valentine’s Day cards and post signs in their schools for their drivers, while school staff members and parents treat drivers to breakfasts and lunches, drawings for gift cards, and goody bags throughout the week.
Henderson County Public Schools knows that bus drivers and riders serve as trusted mentors to children, building lasting friendships with students and parents. During “Love the Bus” week, schools are encouraged to honor these everyday heroes through student- and staff-led activities, including the following.
Media is invited to cover school-specific events taking place in various locations throughout the week, including:
• “Marlow Transportation” Jackets @ Glenn C. Marlow Elementary: On Monday when bus drivers return form their morning routes (about 8:10 a.m.) school administrators will kick off the week of gift-giving by surprising bus drivers with school-branded Marlow Transportation rain jackets.
• Breakfast @ Atkinson Elementary: At about 8:15 a.m. Monday, school nutrition staff at Atkinson are honoring their bus driver colleagues by preparing and serving a special hot breakfast in the cafeteria.
• Nacho Bar @ Flat Rock Middle: At 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Flat Rock afternoon bus drivers will be treated to a nacho bar, drinks and candy served by school staff.
• Parade of Drivers @ Etowah Elementary: Shortly after announcements at 8 a.m. Friday, students will line the halls with signs and cheer on bus drivers as they walk through the school.
• Bus Adoptions @ Fletcher Elementary: Each grade level at Fletcher is “adopting” a school bus, and will clean it each day for the bus driver. Contact Molly McGowan Gorsuch for the best times to catch students in action.
Complementing the individual activities taking place in schools, HCPS will be profiling individual bus drivers and riders on the district website, and sharing their stories with the HCPS Family and greater community through social media channels. Bus drivers are nominated for the brief bios by school administrators and staff, for their dedication, compassion, trustworthiness, and overall excellence in their schools.
