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STS Highlights December 2024

STS Highlights: November

STS December Highlights

As the year winds down, we bring you a mix of essential safety updates, helpful training resources, and a heartwarming story to brighten your day. From vital insights into school bus safety and hazardous materials endorsement training to the importance of maintaining clean and safe transportation environments, this month’s edition covers a wide range of topics. Plus, don’t miss the incredible tale of a message in a bottle that made its way through time. Read on for all the details and stay informed this holiday season!

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.

Thank you for your continued dedication,

Patrick


Everyday Preventive Actions to Stop the Spread of Germs

Everyday Preventive Actions to Stop the Spread of Germs

Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. This can help:

  • Wash Your Hands Often
  • Avoid Close Contact
  • Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes
  • Wear a Mask in Crowded Places
  • Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
  • Stay Home if You’re Sick
  • Get Vaccinated

Preventing Respiratory Viruses


National School Bus Loading & Unloading Survey

National School Bus Loading & Unloading Survey

This survey compiles fatality accident reports from state agencies responsible for school transportation. The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) request annual data from all states and Washington, D.C., which KSDE then compiles. The survey aims to raise awareness of the dangers associated with loading and unloading school children.

Read the Annual Report


Get Your HAZMAT Endorsement with Our Popular ELDT Training

Get Your HAZMAT Endorsement with Our Popular ELDT Training

Our HAZMAT curriculum is our most popular ELDT training package. CDL holders can earn a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement by completing THEORY training and passing the H endorsement knowledge test. This Smart Horizons track fulfills the THEORY training requirement.

Our Online ELDT Theory Courses

Hazmat Theory


IMG_TAG

Pretty Darn Interesting: A Little Girl Dropped a Message in a Bottle Into a Lake.
Her Daughter’s Classmate Found It 26 Years Later

Makenzie Van Eyk wrote the letter as part of a class project in 1998, when she was in fourth grade. Recently, the note was discovered by a boy who goes to school with her daughter—who is now in fourth grade herself

Read the Full Smithsonian Magazine Article


Cleaner Rides, Safer Students

Cleaner Rides, Safer Students

Maintaining a clean and safe environment on school buses is essential for the health and well-being of our students. Regular disinfecting helps to eliminate harmful germs and bacteria, reducing the risk of illness and ensuring that children travel in a safe space.

View/Download this Infographic


Essential Training for Special Needs Transportation

Essential Training for Special Needs Transportation

Special needs transportation training is crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of students with diverse needs. This online training equips drivers and aides with the skills to assist those with mobility challenges and behavioral considerations, promoting empathy and effective communication.

See the Training Options

Contact Us


COVID-19 At-Home Tests

COVID-19 At-Home Tests

As of late September 2024, residential households in the U.S. are eligible for another order of #4 free at-home tests from USPS.com.

Learn More


NAPT Certifications

NAPT Certifications

The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) offers various certifications aimed at enhancing the professionalism and knowledge of individuals involved in student transportation.

Work Toward a Certification

 
Posted in Blog on December 12th, 2024. No Comments.



Navigating School Buses Through Roundabouts

Navigating Through Roundabouts

"Navigating Through Roundabouts" Video ThumbnailRoundabouts are becoming more prevalent across the United States. These innovative intersections enhance traffic flow by prioritizing safety and efficiency. Key benefits include reduced speeds, lower pollution and fuel consumption, and more time for both drivers and pedestrians to assess and respond to their surroundings.

To help you stay informed, we periodically create quick-reference materials focused on relevant topics. Feel free to review these resources, share them with drivers and staff, or use them in your transportation office or garage.

View Video

Free Resources

Contact Us

Posted in Blog on December 5th, 2024. No Comments.



Reflections from the NASDPTS Conference

Reflections from the NASDPTS Conference & a Fun DC Fact

Autumn at the United States Capitol

The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) Conference really flew by! It’s incredible how much information is shared, the commitment of everyone involved, and the spirit of collaboration that unfolds as the group listens, discusses, and learns. It was fantastic to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new attendees, both seasoned and new to the industry. I feel privileged to be part of such a dedicated group and am excited about what the future holds.

During my time exploring Washington, DC, I came across a fun and unique fact. The Washington Monument, weighing 81,000 tons, is equivalent to the weight of 6,480 school buses! While I didn’t explicitly fact-check this, it was featured on one of the informational plaques near the monument. It was definitely a memorable tidbit!
Washington Monument facts

Patrick WilliThank you for your time,
– Patrick

 
Posted in Blog on December 3rd, 2024. No Comments.



STS Highlights November 2024

STS Highlights: November

STS November Highlights

As we step into November, a month filled with gratitude and reflection, it’s the perfect time to appreciate the hard work and dedication that drives our student transportation community. With the leaves falling and the air turning crisp, we’re reminded of the importance of safety, collaboration, and continuous growth. In this issue, we’ll explore key updates, upcoming events, and tips to ensure a successful and safe season ahead. Let’s embrace the spirit of thankfulness and commitment to excellence as we journey through this month together!

The drop in temperatures also signals a rise in cases of flu, COVID, and other illnesses. This is an ideal moment to revisit simple preventative actions that stop the spread of germs and look at ways to enhance cleaning and disinfecting practices.

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.

Warm wishes for a safe and grateful November!

Patrick


NAPT Certifications

NAPT Certifications

The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) offers various certifications aimed at enhancing the professionalism and knowledge of individuals involved in student transportation.

Work Toward a Certification


COVID-19 At-Home Tests

COVID-19 At-Home Tests

As of late September 2024, residential households in the U.S. are eligible for another order of #4 free at-home tests from USPS.com.

Learn More



Best Practices for Emergency Procedures

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


Extended Access Due to Recent Hurricanes

Extended Access Due to Recent Hurricanes

In light of the recent hurricanes, we want to extend our heartfelt thoughts to you and your loved ones. At Smart Horizons, we are committed to supporting our community and our customers. If you need assistance or have questions about your account, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact Us


Fully Functional During a Time of Need

Fully Functional During a Time of Need

Premier Responder’s design and features enhance its effectiveness in emergencies. We’re proud to report that all our Florida customers stayed operational during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, enabling call centers to efficiently manage emergency calls despite the challenges.

Our Emergency Call Center Software


Online ELDT Theory Training with Smart Horizons

Online ELDT Theory Training with Smart Horizons

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory equips new drivers with essential knowledge for operating commercial vehicles, including vehicle systems and federal regulations. Smart Horizons, an approved Training Provider, offers compliant, online ELDT theory curriculum tracks, with completions reported to the Training Provider Registry.

Our Online ELDT Theory Courses


What Happened When I Forced Myself To Wake Up At 5 A.M.

What Happened When I Forced Myself To Wake Up At 5 A.M.

Some early risers might get more done, but it turns out there are times when getting up earlier can make you less productive. This article from Fast Company details a woman’s experience for a month.

Read the Article


Cleaner Rides, Safer Students

Cleaner Rides, Safer Students

Maintaining a clean and safe environment on school buses is essential for the health and well-being of our students. Regular disinfecting helps to eliminate harmful germs and bacteria, reducing the risk of illness and ensuring that children travel in a safe space.

View/Download this Infographic


Essential Training for Special Needs Transportation

Essential Training for Special Needs Transportation

Special needs transportation training is crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of students with diverse needs. This online training equips drivers and aides with the skills to assist those with mobility challenges and behavioral considerations, promoting empathy and effective communication.

See the Training Options

Contact Us


Everyday Preventive Actions to Stop the Spread of Germs

Everyday Preventive Actions to Stop the Spread of Germs

Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. This can help:

  • Wash Your Hands Often
  • Avoid Close Contact
  • Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes
  • Wear a Mask in Crowded Places
  • Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
  • Stay Home if You’re Sick
  • Get Vaccinated

Preventing Respiratory Viruses

 
Posted in Blog on November 19th, 2024. No Comments.



Benefits of NAPT Certification – 2024

Benefits of NAPT Certification

“I would gladly recommend the NAPT Certification Program to anyone who is looking to advance their career in transportation and expand their professional network. The online classes were interesting and user friendly and provided a great learning experience.”

Karen Middleton, CDPT

Director of Student Transport, Inc.

Woodward Academy

Photo of Karen Middleton

Advance your career with the only nationally recognized credential, created specifically for student transportation professionals.

  • Demonstrate your commitment to the requirements of your profession.
  • Prove your knowledge and professional competencies.
  • Distinguish yourself among the profession’s elite workforce.
  • Launch your student transportation career to the next level.
  • Show you’re dedicated to doing the best possible job in the student transportation field.

Online Courses

Become Certified

Posted in Blog on November 13th, 2024. No Comments.



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