STS Highlights: February 2024

If you don’t already know, Each month I sit down, comb through articles, research initiatives, identify themes, read posts, and explore message boards to see what everyone is doing. February is consistently the busiest month, and I haven’t figured out how so much can be stuffed into the shortest month. This year is a Leap Year so at least we have an extra day to work with 😉

We are currently in the middle of: Black History Month & Love the Bus Month. Some lesser known “February Themes” are Random Acts of Kindness Month and Canned Food Month. I talked about those last year so I skipped them in this edition. They are pretty self-explanatory: be kind and donate food to your local food bank.

If you aren’t already participating, the Love the Bus campaign is in full swing and helps draw national attention for your transportation team. Black History Month provides an applicable back-drop to discuss diversity, communication, tolerance, and respect. Valentine’s Day also provides a great marker for your annual discussions surrounding sexual harassment awareness and related training.

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.

Be kind and considerate,
Patrick

Embrace Love the Bus MONTH

February marks a month-long celebration of Love the Bus to express gratitude towards dedicated professionals who ensure the safety of children to & from school!

Love the Bus Resources

The difference between good and great… is training.

Cultivate great employees. Our Employee Readiness training proudly includes a broad selection of topics that facilitate skills, refresh knowledge, and expand traits associated with growth, productivity, and performance.

Unlock Excellence

Diversity Matters

This is a perfect time to cultivate diversity & inclusivity, communication, tolerance, and respect. Consider our 3-hour online diversity training package.

Make Diversity a Priority

Sexual Harassment Awareness Training

Learn how to fight sexual harassment in the workplace with our 4-hour online Sexual Harassment Awareness training package.

Enroll

NAPT Certification

Become certified and proudly use your designation to advance your career AND show your commitment to the pupil transportation profession.

NAPT Certification

OAPT Conference & Trade Show 2024

Registration is open! OAPT facilitates quality education by disseminating knowledge and assisting those responsible for safe pupil transportation AND our Conference is one of the BEST in the industry.

Join Us

Hazmat – ELDT – Theory Curriculum

Want to drive a truck carrying hazardous materials? Adding the appropriate endorsement to your CDL means taking training, passing a knowledge test, and fulfilling certain age/medical/fingerprint requirements. We offer the TRAINING!

Hazmat

ELDT Theory

Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month remains a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans. This year’s theme is: African Americans and the Arts

Celebrate Black History

Just for Fun: The Science of Leap Year

Almost everyone is familiar with the concept of leap year, but the reasoning behind it is a little complicated. The article is from 2020, but the science hasn’t changed.

Hello, Science

President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” The Black History Month 2024 theme is: African Americans and the Arts.

For departments, this is a perfect time to cultivate diversity and inclusivity, communication, tolerance, and respect. Consider this online diversity training package:

• Diversity in the Workplace
• Communication and Diversity
• Tolerance and Respect

Have a great day!
Patrick

Enroll Now

African Americans and the Arts

STS Highlights: January 2024

If you don’t already know, January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. It’s a hard topic to broach, but it is one that EVERYONE should take the time to learn about. Our friends at Busing On the Lookout and Truckers Against Trafficking provide the training resources you need to make a difference. We’ve also curated some important safety reminders and resources for the new year.

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 requirements and goals.

All the best,
Patrick

Make a Difference During Human Trafficking Month with Training

Frontline employees in the transportation industry may be coming into contact with victims of human trafficking in the course of their everyday jobs. Learn how to help.

Busing on the Lookout (BOTL)

Class A & Class B – ELDT – Theory Curriculum

Any driver seeking a Class A or B CDL is required to complete THEORY training. Smart Horizons online training satisfies the THEORY training requirement with completions reported to the National Registry.

Class A

Class B

ELDT Theory

Inclement Weather & Adverse Conditions

This course describes adverse driving conditions and discusses techniques bus operators should use during these conditions to ensure students are transported safely.

Enroll in Course

Disinfect During Flu Season

Like it or not, it is Flu Season. Periodically disinfecting a school bus can help stop the spread of ANY contagion. This infographic details best practices.

Download Best Practices

NAPT Certification

Become certified and proudly use your designation to advance your career AND show your commitment to the pupil transportation profession.

NAPT Certification

Online Option for Annual School Bus Driver In-Service

School Training Solutions is proud to offer an affordable and effective online option for annual school bus driver in-service training.

Immediate Enrollment

Just for Fun: 8 Simple Ways to Fit Stretching Into Your Day

You know you should stretch consistently for better health and mobility. Get started with these tips.

Stretch!

STS Highlights: December 2023

Can you believe we’re weeks away from Christmas?! We’re into cold weather and seeing increases in Flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). I also mentioned last month that the holiday season and associated stress can contribute to mental and physical fatigue. The decreased amount of daylight on any given winter day can add to the discomfort some people experience with seasonal affective depression (SAD). There is a lot to consider, healthwise, this time of year. Lessons from the pandemic are still relevant meaning simple precautions like handwashing, social distancing, and masks when appropriate can help most people stay healthy.

Be safe during the upcoming heavy travel season. The winter holiday season can be very busy and exciting, but PLEASE remember to be aware of your surroundings while driving and safely share the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, school buses, and other automobiles.

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 requirements and goals.

Have a Happy Holiday Season & New Year’s Celebration!

Patrick

COVID-19 At-Home Tests

Beginning November 20, every U.S. household can place another order to receive 4 free rapid tests delivered directly to their home.

Learn More

Online Option for Annual School Bus Driver In-Service

School Training Solutions is proud to offer an affordable and effective online option for annual school bus driver in-service training.

Immediate Enrollment

Flu Season = Flu Shot

The exact timing and duration of flu season varies, but flu activity often begins to increase in October and peaks between December and February. Get vaccinated!

23-24 Flu Season

Prevent Seasonal Flu

Disinfect During Flu Season

Like it or not, it is Flu Season. Periodically disinfecting a school bus can help stop the spread of ANY contagion. This infographic details best practices.

Download Best Practices

Focus on Mental Health during the Holidays

It is important to check-in with your own emotional health during the holidays. Research shows that learning new skills can improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Our Online Course Library

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) – Theory Curriculum

Smart Horizons offers an online ELDT curriculum that aligns with federal requirements, is reported to the National Registry, and is available for enrollment!

See ELDT Theory Options

Just for Fun: 10 Mysterious Incidents at the Bermuda Triangle

Most shipwrecks can usually be blamed on weather, currents, or mechanical failures. For others, the Bermuda Triangle could be the culprit.

Read Article

Training to Fight Human Trafficking from Busing on the Lookout (BOTL)

As you travel during the holiday, remember to watch for and report signs of human trafficking. This FREE training and certification should be completed by everyone.

Fight Against Human Trafficking

IF Being Pulled Over…

If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer, there are specific best practices that keep the interaction relatively quick and help everyone involved stay safe.

Read Tips

NAPT Certification

Become certified and proudly use your designation to advance your career AND show your commitment to the pupil transportation profession.

NAPT Certification

STS Highlights: November 2023

The Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of a season for family gatherings and celebrations. It’s also Flu season and research suggests seasonal spikes for COVID as well. While the holidays generally bring joy and celebration, many people experience increased illness, stress, anxiety, isolation, or depression. It is important to consistently check-in with your own physical and emotional health.

Health and safety PSA aside, I’ve included resources aimed at keeping yourself, your family, and your community safe and healthy. I’ve also incorporated resources useful in your bus garage during these colder months.

The goal with these monthly resources is always to help elevate your career, department, or organization. As always, we take pride in helping you meet your training requirements and goals.

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving,
Patrick

Flu Season = Flu Shot

Take measures to stay cool and stay hydrated, especially during a heat wave. Getting too hot can make you sick. You can become ill if your body doesn’t cool off.

23-24 Flu Season

Prevent Seasonal Flu

Disinfect During Flu Season

Like it or not, it is Flu Season. Periodically disinfecting a school bus can help stop the spread of ANY contagion. This infographic details best practices.

Download Best Practices

NAPT Certification

Become certified and proudly use your designation to show your commitment to your career and the pupil transportation profession.

NAPT Certification

COVID-19 At-Home Tests

Beginning September 25, every U.S. household can place another order to receive 4 free rapid tests delivered directly to their home.

Learn More

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) – Theory Curriculum

Smart Horizons offers an online ELDT curriculum that aligns with federal requirements, is reported to the National Registry, and is available for enrollment!

See ELDT Theory Options

Focus on Mental Health during the Holidays

It is important to check-in with your own emotional health during the holidays. Research shows that learning new skills can improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Our Online Course Library

Just for Fun: The Best, Worst, and Wildest Pumpkin Spice Products

Starbucks’ legendary pumpkin spice latte started it all, and now it is normal to see “the spice” everywhere. This list presents the best, worst, and wildest products.

Read Article

Online Option for Annual School Bus Driver In-Service

School Training Solutions is proud to offer an affordable and effective online option for annual school bus driver in-service training.

Immediate Enrollment