A Date Which Will Live in Infamy

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is observed annually on December 7th. This day commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and is a time to remember and honor those who died or were injured in the surprise attack that day. This tragic day in our nation’s history ignited American patriotism like never before, and our response to the attacks sent a message to the world that America will not go quietly. The attack on Pearl Harbor helped shape national defense policy and even today remains the subject of books, articles, documentaries, and movies.

BACKGROUND
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Although the attack lasted less than 2 hours, there was great loss. More than 2,000 Americans were killed and over 1,000 were injured. Almost 20 warships were sunk or damaged, and Americans lost nearly 200 aircraft.

CONSEQUENCES
The attack was intended to prevent the U.S. from interfering with their military actions in the Pacific. However, instead, the event led to the escalation of WWII. The very next day the United States declared war on Japan and entered WWII. In his speech to Congress, President Franklin Roosevelt stated that the bombing of Pearl Harbor was “A date which will live in infamy.”

COMMEMORATION
On this day, the United States Flag should be flown at half mast in honor of those who died in the attack of Pearl Harbor. Many other activities and special services are held to commemorate this event. Wreath-hanging ceremonies, parades, luncheons, media stories, and speeches by survivors are just a few. Memorials have also been built to remember this day. The USS Arizona and USS Utah memorials are two of the best known, located on or near the ships’ sunken wreckage. Congress also established the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal, awarded to those who participated in combat operations or who were killed or injured in the attacks.

INTERESTING FACTS

1.	The sunken USS Arizona is still leaking an estimated 2-9 quarts of fuel every day.
2.	In 1961, Elvis Presley, who had recently finished a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, raised over $50,000 to help create a national memorial at Pearl Harbor by performing a benefit concert at Pearl Harbor’s Block Arena.
3.	An estimated 30% of visitors to Pearl Harbor are from another country.
4.	23 sets of brothers died aboard the USS Arizona.
5.	17 pilots were able to reach a plane in time to defend Pearl Harbor from the sky.
6.	During the government shutdown service members stationed in Hawaii took care of the memorial.
7.	The USS Arizona’s entire band was lost in the attack.
8.	Veterans of the attack can be laid to rest at Pearl Harbor.
9.	Chief nurse Lt. Annie Fox was the first woman to receive the Purple Heart for her leadership and bravery fulfilling her duties after the attack.

Posted in Blog on December 5th, 2014. No Comments.

Online School Bus Driver Classroom Training in Florida

Florida’s Blended Learning Experience

The School Training Solutions (STS) Florida course, combined with a county’s behind-the-wheel training, exposes drivers to an ideal blended learning experience. The online course for bus drivers includes the 20 hours of training mandated by the State of Florida’s Department of Education (DOE), broken down into 13 lessons plus an end-of-course test. Students enrolled in the program are able to complete their required 20 hours of training within the total flexibility afforded by the STS online system.

The STS FL bus operator course includes the following online lessons:

• Operator Roles and Responsibilities (1 Hour)
• Becoming Familiar with a School Bus (2 Hours)
• School Bus Vehicle Inspections (1 Hour)
• School Bus Vehicle Operation (2.5 Hour)
• Traffic Control Devices (1 Hour)
• School Bus Critical Situations (2 Hours)
• Crash Procedures (1 Hour)
• Loading and Unloading Students (1.5 Hours)
• School Bus Passenger Management (2 Hours)
• First Aid (1 Hour)
• Students with Special Needs (2.5 Hour)
• Field and Activity Trips (1 Hour)
• Commercial Driver’s License Pre-trip Inspection (1.5 Hour)
• School Bus Operator Training End-of-Course Test (1 Hour)

Let us know if School Training Solutions (STS) can help you implement an online training program for your school bus drivers or other school employees.

Posted in Blog on December 4th, 2014. No Comments.

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

We are all familiar with the “Don’t Drink and Drive” message and its consequences, but many don’t realize that drugs — even those prescribed by a doctor — can affect your ability to safely drive. While alcohol-related driving deaths are decreasing in our nation, drugged driving has become rampant.

Law enforcement officials report that in the past drugged driving meant driving under the influence of illegal substances, but now it has become more commonly associated with prescription and even over-the-counter drugs.

Safe driving is a complex skill that requires clear judgment, perception, concentration, motor skills, memory, and reaction to your surroundings — all of which can be affected by prescription and over-the-counter drugs. It is important to read the warnings and side effects on the labels of drugs, to be aware of how your body reacts, and to discuss any effects with your doctor or pharmacist. Your life (and the lives of others on the road) depends on it.

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, and in order to raise awareness of this growing problem and its consequences, we are offering a discounted course:

Discounted Course:

Prescription Drugs Misuse and Abuse

This 2-hour professional development course familiarizes learners with the problems arising with misuse, abuse, and diversion of controlled medications. It also discusses the Controlled Substance Act (CDA) of 1970, and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) policy for prescribing controlled substances.

Regularly $30.00 / Now $20.00 all December

Posted in Blog on December 2nd, 2014. No Comments.

National Education Week is November 16-22!

School Training Solutions would also like to take a minute to thank school bus drivers across the country that ensure our children make it safely to and from school every day. As the school representative who is the first and last to see many of the children on a daily basis, we commend you for the job you do. Thank you!

Take the opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education. The weeklong celebration features a special observance each day of the week, including: