STS Highlights: September

September is typically our marker for autumn and cooler temperatures. This time of year we see a lot of partners and customers training new employees and finishing up annual requirements for their returning workers. We have online training options for these requirements that are available 24/7, trackable, and include completion certificates. If your organization isn’t using technology to your advantage, it’s time to open the door and usher in the 21st century.

I’m also personally excited to attend next month’s NAPT Conference! I hope to see you there!

The goal with these monthly resources is always to convey a few public service announcements (PSAs) and to help elevate your career, department, or organization. As always, we take pride in helping you meet your training needs and goals.

Business as usual,

Patrick

Managing Stress

The goal of stress management is not to eliminate stress but to make stress work more constructively. Understanding the effects of stress helps individuals recognize stress in themselves and others and respond better to stressful events.

See Stress Management Tips

Danger Zones

Reviewing the common danger zones surrounding a school bus is ALWAYS a necessity. Download this free resource for use in your facility as a safety reminder.

Download the Danger Zones Flyer

NAPT Conference & Trade Show

NAPT ACTS is set for October 4-8 in Oklahoma City and is expected to solidify its status as the premier school transportation conference in the nation. The event is packed with exciting keynote presentations, in-person PDS courses, engaging workshops, innovative educational events, topical general sessions, entertaining evening events, and endless networking opportunities.

Attend NAPT ACTS!

Premier Responder 9-1-1 Call Center Software

Our Premier Responder emergency call handling software is configurable, easy to use, and inclusive of all emergency disciplines (law enforcement, fire, & medical). The software can be operated as a standalone unit or integrated with a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system. Our design is more effective in emergency situations streamlining dispatch and improving response times. We are the premier choice for emergency call handling!

Learn More About Premier Responder

School Bus (S) Endorsement – ELDT – Theory Curriculum

CDL drivers who want to drive a school bus must have a school bus (S) endorsement. For the endorsement, individuals must complete theory and behind-the-wheel training, a skills test, and meet other eligibility requirements. Our online curriculum satisfies the THEORY requirement and can be completed on any schedule.

School Bus (S) Endorsement

All ELDT Theory

CDL Prep & Refresher

This stand-alone course is intended as an option for in-service training and does NOT count toward Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT). The package includes 12 lessons and more than 15 hours of training. This particular course also includes a final test.

View the Course Details

Best Practices for Emergency Procedures

Most public entities have emergency procedures on their books. When was the last time you reviewed yours? If you are in a position to reevaluate emergency procedures, please feel free to utilize this Best Practices Flyer.

Download the Emergency Procedures Flyer

Pretty Darn Interesting: Five Health and Fitness Numbers That Actually Matter

Ever since the first FitBit was released back in 2009, activity trackers have steadily been making their way into the mainstream. I wear one daily to track various health and activity metrics. If you look around your workplace, you may be surprised how many you see in use. This GQ article lays out the stats you should be aware of for better health!

Read the Article

Approved Provider with Completions Reported to TPR

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations streamline the requirements necessary to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and common endorsements Any driver currently holding a valid CDL can obtain a Passenger (P) endorsement upon successful completion of THEORY training, behind-the-wheel training, and a P (endorsement) skills test. This Smart Horizons curriculum track satisfies the THEORY training requirement.

This endorsement also requires a driver to be at least 21 years of age, pass a medical exam, be fingerprinted, and pass a TSA background check for any prior criminal convictions.

Smart Horizons is an approved Training Provider for THEORY curriculum. The various Smart Horizons ELDT curriculum tracks align with federal requirements and course completions are reported to the Training Provider Registry.

If you would like more information or if we can help in any way, please reach out.

Passenger Theory Training

Contact Us

Other ELDT Training

School Training Solutions (STS) in Oklahoma City, OK

I will be in OKC representing STS at the NAPT Annual Conference. Look for me at the Trade Show in booth 851 and throughout sessions and conference activities.

STS is an active NAPT Business Partner providing many of the NAPT Certification and Professional Development courses ONLINE.

I’m ready to answer any questions about all our online training courses and look forward to working with anyone to meet training needs at the State, district, school or department level.

How can I help?

NAPT Benefits of Membership

If you are involved in the pupil transportation industry, you should be a member of NAPT. The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) is the world’s top organization for public and private student transportation service providers, companies that provide valuable products and services to support safe school transportation, and the front-line school transportation departments that work so hard to safely transport children.

The association offers various membership types including individual, group, business partner, and state affiliate. As a member, you are lending your voice to NAPT’s public message. NAPT continues forging strong relationships with Federal governing bodies, policy makers, and partners in the education community. You are also fueling the association’s work to educate parents, school officials, and lawmakers about the essential role the yellow school bus plays in the safety, health, security, and readiness of America’s schoolchildren.

NAPT empowers and supports the pupil transportation profession by providing communication, leadership, education, advocacy, and resources. Consider joining NAPT, strengthening your career and the industry, and helping create a world where every student has access to safe and efficient transportation.

Stay safe
Patrick

Danger Zones

Training Catalog

Resources

STS Highlights: August 2024

And just like that, Summer Vacation is over. I honestly hope you had a great break! Locally, school starts back in mid-August, so as you are reading this you are most likely getting back to your normal work routine. The beginning of the school year is always chaotic. Children and school staff are getting to know one another. Processes and procedures may have changed. Maybe you switched schools or your actual position. Regardless, you are probably a little more stressed than normal as you make it through the new school year process.

It is still very hot outside so I’m leaving these links. Heat-related illness is a big issue during the heat of summer, but there are ways to prevent it if you can recognize the symptoms.

The goal with these monthly resources is always to convey a few public service announcements (PSAs) and to help elevate your career, department, or organization. As always, we take pride in helping you meet your training needs and goals.

School is in session,

Patrick

Passenger (P) Endorsement – ELDT – Theory Curriculum

CDL drivers who need to carry 16 or more passengers, must have a passenger (P) endorsement. He/she must complete theory and behind-the-wheel training, a skills test, and meet other eligibility requirements. Our online curriculum satisfies the THEORY requirement and can be completed on your schedule.

Passenger (P) Endorsement

All ELDT Theory

NAPT Online PDS & Certification Courses

Over the years nearly 2000 school bus drivers have taken more than 12,000 NAPT online courses! NAPT PDS online classes are used for certification, recertification, inservice, and general professional development. Each course is self-paced, and can be completed when and where it is convenient, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Online PDS

Certification

Assessing Emergency Preparedness

The harsh reality is that emergency situations do occur, and you never know when or what might happen. The pupil transportation industry has an impressive safety record because of a constant commitment to safety, training, and preparedness. This resource provides simple tools and information to further fortify the prepared mindset.

Assessing Preparedness

Online In-Service Training Package

Every year school bus drivers are required to take annual training to remain at peak performance and safety. We offer an online option that covers a variety of topics, is self-paced, and priced well within your budget.

See What’s Included

Managing Stress

The goal of stress management is not to eliminate stress but to make stress work more constructively. Understanding the effects of stress helps individuals recognize stress in themselves and others and respond better to stressful events.

See Stress Management Tips

Danger Zones

Reviewing the common danger zones surrounding a school bus is ALWAYS a necessity. Download this free resource for use in your facility as a safety reminder.

Download the Danger Zones Flyer

NAPT Membership

NAPT empowers and supports the pupil transportation industry by providing communication, leadership, education, advocacy, and resources. Joining strengthens your career and the industry,  and helps create a world where every student has access to safe and efficient transportation.

Consider an NAPT Membership

Pretty Darn Interesting: Taking a Brain Break

Brain breaks can help students reset, focus, and get ready to learn. While this article is written for teachers in regards to how to use brain breaks for their students, the ideas and techniques easily translate to children on the school bus or even you!

Read the Article

Who Trains Your Emergency Dispatchers?

Training emergency dispatchers has been in our core DNA since we first started designing training over two decades ago. To this day, Smart Horizons Emergency Dispatch Training is secure, objective driven, and readily accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Our online training is an affordable option for any dispatch center.

Online Public Safety Training