STS Highlights: October 2023

My local heat wave is finished, and I sincerely hope your weather is cooling as well. It was a brutal summer. As we transition into the Autumn season, a lot of focus can change which is why I’ve selected resources that should align with this time of year. Look for information about National Bullying Prevention Month, ELDT theory training, flu season, the upcoming NAPT Conference & Trade Show, Halloween, and a few other tid-bits.

I’m also personally excited to attend and to see everyone at this year’s NAPT Conference!

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.

Enjoy,
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

NAPT Conference & Trade Show

The conference offers Professional Development Series (PDS) opportunities, dynamic and interactive sessions, fun evening events, and the unequaled Trade Show.

Register

October is Bullying Prevention Month

When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior, they send the message that it is not acceptable. This intervention can stop bullying behavior over time.

Prevent Bullying Today

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

A Lighted LEFT Arrow

Lighted left arrows are advanced traffic signals that are being integrated in place of older solid traffic lights to improve traffic flow and clarify turn options.

Learn More

Necessary Halloween Safety

Halloween is a dangerous day for children and families. To help ensure a safe holiday, the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list of safety tips.

See Safety Tips

Just for Fun: An Ode to the World’s Most Average Dinosaurs

They lacked the gargantuan size and spikes of the species museums often celebrate, but these species are how paleontologists learn about the Mesozoic.

Read Article

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

Online ELDT Theory Training Available for Immediate Enrollment

As you know, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required in the United States to operate large and heavy vehicles, including trucks, buses, and trailers. Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for drivers seeking a CDL or additional endorsements. Federal regulations set the minimum requirements for training before driver’s are permitted to take certain CDL skills or knowledge tests.

Smart Horizons, an approved Training Provider for THEORY curriculum, offers online ELDT curriculum tracks that align with federal requirements. Course completions are reported to the Training Provider Registry and the training is available for immediate enrollment!

Enrollment Options

STS Highlights: September 2023

Repeated Warning: If you are outside in hot and/or humid weather, stay hydrated, take breaks, and allow yourself time and opportunity to cool off. Heat related illnesses are very dangerous. Warning aside, I truly hope you are getting some sort of break from the recent, lasting hot weather. September is typically our marker for autumn and cooler weather, and cooler temperatures cannot get here soon enough.

Schools are back in session. A lot of our customers are training new employees and finishing up annual training requirements for their returning workers. I’ve included a rich variety of resources this month, including information about Bullying Prevention, Pre-Trip Inspections, Cleaning and Disinfecting, and more.

I’m also personally excited to attend and to see everyone at this year’s NAPT Conference!

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.

Thank you for your time,
Patrick

Tips to Stay Cool in Hot Weather

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.

CDC’s Tips

Benefits of Disinfecting a School Bus

A few good things came out of the pandemic like disinfecting a school bus to help stop the spread of ANY contagion. This infographic details best practices.

Download Best Practices

NAPT Conference & Trade Show

The conference offers Professional Development Series (PDS) opportunities, dynamic and interactive sessions, fun evening events, and the unequaled Trade Show.

Register

Support for a Telecommuting Workforce

Companies are embracing the remote, telecommuting, and hybrid employment models in 2023. Support your workforce with online training!

View Online Options

A Revised Look at the Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Your current fleet may have gas, diesel, propane, CNG, or electric powered vehicles. When was the last time you revised your Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist?

See the Checklist

NAPT Certification

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

NAPT Certification

October is Bullying Prevention Month, BUT why wait?

When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior, they send the message that it is not acceptable. This intervention can stop bullying behavior over time.

Prevent Bullying Today

Just for Fun: Marine Scientists Discover a Terrifying New Sea Creature

Research published in the journal Invertebrate Systematics confirms the species’ discovery. It looks terrifyingly like a face hugger from the movie: Alien.

Read Article

Annual In-Service for School Bus Drivers

In most cases, school bus drivers are required to complete training each year to maintain their license. Online training is an affordable option to maintain compliance.

Enroll Drivers

Child Care Provider Certifications

We provide training for a variety of industries. Child Care Providers can become certified and are required to renew that certification every 3 years. We can help!

Learn More

Consider Revising Your Pre-Trip Checklist

To say there are differences in technology within a school bus from 1977 compared to a school bus from this year is an understatement. While the exteriors among modern school buses are similar to the causal observer, under-the-hood, powertrain, and fuel source can be very different. It is entirely possible that within your current fleet, you may have gas, diesel, propane, compressed natural gas, or electric powered vehicles.

When was the last time you revised your Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist?

We’ve put together a free resource that incorporates additional checklist items that have developed as technology has improved.

Download Checklist

Online Training

STS Highlights: August 2023

This is going to sound really familiar but, as I write this, it’s STILL dangerously hot outside in a vast majority of the country. For that reason, I am keeping the information about heat-related illnesses in the August Newsletter.

We are quickly approaching the end of Summer Break and the beginning of the new school year. While children may not be outside playing during the day, they are still catching school buses in the morning and walking home in the afternoons. Remember to be aware of your surroundings while driving and safely share the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, school buses, and other automobiles. Enjoy and use this month’s resources.

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.

Thank you for your time,
Patrick

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)

This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. Talk to your healthcare provider to ensure you and your family are protected against serious diseases by getting caught up on routine vaccinations.

Learn More

Recognize Signs of Heat-Related Illness

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Learn the symptoms and what to do if there are signs.

Heat-Related Illness

Tips to Stay Cool in Hot Weather

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.

CDC’s Tips

NAPT Conference & Trade Show

The conference offers Professional Development Series (PDS) opportunities, dynamic and interactive sessions, fun evening events, and the unequaled Trade Show.

Register

Just for Fun: 25 Best Places to Visit in August

August is one of the best times of the year to go on a fun vacation. It’s still summer, so many businesses are open and tons of attractions are waiting for visitors.

Read Blog

Online Professional Development Options

Smart Horizons is focused on helping employers and employees across the U.S. access necessary training. We offer a full and ready catalog of relevant online courses.

Learn More

NAPT Certification

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

NAPT Certification

Security Officer Training

The role of a security force may be expanding in your organization. We offer an online course designed to be the first training initiative for professional security officers.

Security Officer Training

Annual In-Service for School Bus Drivers

In most cases, school bus drivers are required to complete training each year to maintain their license. Online training is an affordable option to maintain compliance.

Enroll Drivers