What Bus drivers mean to me

by

Catherine Rogers

Do you know why bus drivers are special to me?
Isn't it plain to see?
Doesn't matter if you're big, tall or small,
They are there for us all!
Over highways, rural roads, and even under a tree,
Steering those big, yellow buses as safely as can be.
They will say it's not for the love of money
But for the children that makes our lives sunny.
If there is a friend in need,
Our drivers are willing to give indeed!
That is why bus drivers are so special to me!

DEAR LORD
Please listen closely
( I'll try to keep the noise down)
I need you to help me
drive these kids all around.
Save me from distraction
when my peace they disturb.
And don't let me leave one in
tears crying on the curb.
JUST Bless every one of their muddy feet,
Bless the pennies and the raisins that
fall between the seat.
And if it wouldn't be too much fuss.
PLEASE send an angel to travel with us.

Author unknown

Bus Talk 1

By Barbara Johnson

Tahoma School District
Maple Valley, Washington.

'Tis the time of year school bus drivers dread;

the brewing storm clouds that turn dawn red.

They say the darkest hour is just before dawn;

'Tis true! can't see kids standing on the lawn.

Kids wear dark clothes and blend in so well,

With the foliage and brush that we can't tell

If it's them, a mail box, or stuffed scare crow.

If we can't tell, well… how do you know?

The flashing amber lights on the bus up high,

Mean there are kids around so please, don't speed by.

The dark is not all that we have to contend.

Long winter months bring rain without end.

All those warm, wet bodies that get on our bus,

Mean defogging windows is constant for us.

Our defrosters and fans they work overtime

So we can be watchful for hazards in this clime.

Road spray is a problem for all of us too.

Turn on your lights so we can see you.

School buses cannot stop on a dime.

On wet, soggy roads they need MORE time.

So stay off our tails, stay out of our spray,

Let's each of us be safe on our way.

And one more thing that we'd like to add,

About Johnny and Suzy and cute little Chad.

Those hats and umbrellas, and the coat with a hood,

You bought them to use in the rain like they should.

Well, they don't!

Kids will be kids, we've all heard it said.

To the bus they dash, but it's down with the head.

They think of keeping the rain off their face,

And don't see the car that's in a race

Trying to beat the big yellow bus.

To some drivers, it's them or us!

Please, be extra careful this wintry season.

Use common sense and patiently reason,

'round the big yellow bus,

and the special job that it does.

PS: White stuff to drive in? Oh no, No, NO!!!

       During Christmas vacation let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Bus Talk 2

Barbara Johnson

Maple Valley

Washington

What School Bus Drivers are Thankful for:

Cars that stop for our flashing red lights

Parents that wait at bus stops with their children

Kleenex – to wrap lost teeth

“Good Morning” from high school students

Cars that use their turn signals

Sympathetic and co-operative students

Sympathetic and co-operative parents

21 NEW BUSES– Thanks Maple Valley!

No ice on the windshield on a cold morning

Holidays and early dismissals

Automatic chains and sanders

Waves from pre-schoolers

SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVERS!!!

Children’s smiling faces

Children’s laughter (if not too loud!)

Hugs from kindergarteners

Bouquets of dandelions

A light load on Friday

Two-way radios

Mild winters

Daylight

Sunny days

June, July and August

...(10/19/02)

Bus drivers take your children to and from the daily stay
At their school that teaches them all week, throughout the day.
The drivers are professional and must be physically fit.
They undergo a school bus test while measured for their wit.
They’ve gone through excellent training and are valuable to us,
And we should all appreciate the fact they drive a bus!

A driver handles discipline while following a route,
With all perceptions full force when the riders scream and shout.
Those kids can be a handful when that yellow bus is full!
Yet when it’s emptied out it seems that life is very dull.

Please help bus drivers when you see them on the roads each day
By following the rules and watching signs along the way.
Our drivers have a lot to do when piloting their bus.
They deserve consideration from the rest of us.

I think of Senior Officers of a giant ship,
Every time I see a bus out on another trip,
Picking up or dropping off ­ it always shows to me,
An excellent, important member of society.

By Judy Adams
Walworth, Wisconsin
Copyright 2002

Subject: I wrote this poem and I want to share it with you

My job is to deliver America's future to school,
But to do that safely, you must understand some rules.
These children are our future
I must deliver them safe and sound.
So please show me a little respect,
When I'm driving my bus thru town.
If I need to change lanes, don't rush up beside me.
If my stop sign is out, Don't rush right by me.
Do you know how frustrated I get every day when I get to the school and your car is in my way?
If the sign says "BUSES ONLY", don't drive your car thru that street.
If the caution lights are flashing, Thats a school zone. Please don't speed.
Could you live with yourself if a child got hurt,
Because you ran my stop sign,Because you were late for work?
Could you look those childrens parents in their eyes and explain why getting to work on time was more important than their childrens lives?
We can avoid such tragedies if we could find a way to work together.
Your consideration and understanding will keep our children safe forever.

Written by: Robin Gail Middleton
Bus 7 Glynn Co. Schools
Bruswick, Georgia

...(8/23/02) Franklin County's Bus Driver's Anthem

I am the secretary for the Franklin County Public Schools Transportation Department in Franklin County, Virginia and we now have a Bus Driver's Choir called the "Transportation Tones".
At our annual banquet which closes out the school year, they sing this song written by me. Thought you might want to sing along with us - it's to the tune of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" - here goes. . .

Our eyes have seen the glitter
In our little student's eyes
When we roll up to their stop
With our lights a flashing bright
We will swing out the arm
That will keep them from harm
Our bus is rolling on!

Chorus

Glory, Glory, Glory Hallejuah
Glory, Glory, Glory Hallejuah
Glory, Glory, Glory Hallejuah
Summer is coming on!

We have seen it on the bus
And we've seen it on the grounds
When the kids are acting bad
And no one is standing round
We will write up our referrals
And they'll turn right back around
And do it all again!

Chorus

Hope you enjoy

Audrey

...7/24/02
I have modified "The Lost Dr. Seuss Poem, I Love My Job" ~author unknown to fit us school bus drivers.
I've been driving school bus for 12 years. (The past 3 have been with Special Needs.)

SILENT REQUEST

TODAY AS I BOARD MY YELLOW BUS
I ASK THAT YOU’LL WATCH OVER US
THE DRIVER NEEDS A GUIDING HAND
TO SAFELY DRIVE THIS ROUTE AGAIN
MAY YOU WATCH THE CHILDREN, EVERY ONE
UNTIL AT LAST THIS DAY IS DONE
THROUGH DARKEST NIGHT AND DEEPEST SNOW
WITH RAINS FROM THE HEAVEN AND WINDS THAT BLOW
MAY YOU HELP ME IN MY DAILY TASK
AND GUIDING THOSE WHO MAY NOT ASK
THIS JOB WE DO IS SOMETIMES BLEAK
IT’S OF THE DRIVERS THAT I SPEAK
WITH NO MENTION WE DRIVE EACH DAY
TO SEND THESE CHILDREN ON THEIR WAY
WE LIVE WITH ALL THE UPS AND DOWNS
THAT MAKE THESE CHILDREN GIGGLE AND FROWN
WE SEE THE LAUGHTER AND SOME TEARS
WE CHEERISH THE SMILES AND BANISH THE FEARS
WE FIND THE ITEMS THAT ARE LOST
WE’RE ALWAYS PATIENT NO MATTER THE COST
WE FIX THEIR COATS AND TIE THEIR SHOES
THERES NOTHING THAT WE DRIVERS WON’T DO
WE SAY GOOD MORNING AND GOOD NIGHT
AND WILL OCCSIONALLY, BREAK UP A FIGHT
WE PICK THE GUM FROM OFF THE SEAT
WE SMILE AT EACH CHILD WE MEET
WE WAVE AT PARENTS AND ENJOY THEM TOO
BUT IT SEEMS NO ONE APPRECIATES, EXACTALLY WHAT WE DO
WE DEAL WITH IRATE MOTORIST EVERY SINGLE DAY
WHO THINK THAT YELLOW BUSES ARE ONLY IN THEIR WAY
THEY FORGET THE PRECIOUS CARGO WE CARYY HERE INSIDE
THEY TAKE THEIR CHANCES, ACCELARATE-AND THEN THEY PASS US BY
WE ARE JUST THE DRIVERS WHO TRANSPORT EVERY DAY AND NIGHT
WE ARE JUST THE DRIVERS WHO WAKE BEFORE THE MORNING LIGHT
WE ARE JUST THE DRIVERS WHO NEVER GET ANY OF THE PRAISE
FOR CARING FOR THE CHILDREN WE TAXI EVERY DAY
WE ENDURE PAPER WADS, SPIT-BALLS ANYTHING THAT’S THROWN
WE TOLERATE SOME HAZARDS THAT MOST WILL NEVER KNOW
BUT STILL EACH DAY WE CARRY ON KNOWING THAT WE MATTER
AND MANAGE TO STAY FOCUSED THROUGHOUT THE ENDLESS CHATTER
A SILENT REQUEST BOTH HONEST AND TRUE
A SILENT REQUEST I GIVE TO YOU
THANK YOU LORD FOR ALL YOUV’E DONE
IN HELPING ME WITH THE LITTLE ONES.

KARYN LOVELL
GOODRICH SCHOOLS, MI.
1ST YEAR DRIVER

JUST DRIVERS

The label "just drivers" is given to us 
by people who've probably never even driven a bus. 
Just let them try to fill our shoes 
And do it without singing the blues. 
Do they know what it's all about, 
To have to watch the road, and the mirrors, while forty or more kids shout? 
Could they catch the spit ball thrower, or the hitter 
While still remembering who goes to what sitter? 
Is this the night Mary goes to the McArthys, or the Philbricks? 
Oh, oh keep and eye on Tommy; he's up to his old tricks. 
Darn, he just reached around and punched Eddie Stout. 
Watch out, that car looks like it's coming out! 
"Sit down, you know when the bus is moving you don't stand up" 
"I said sit down or I'll write you up." 
"Eddie and Bill stop swinging your backpacks." 
God where's the plow? Guess I'll have to make my own tracks. 
Jeepers lady didn't you see my lights flashing red? 
Two seconds sooner and that kid would be dead. 
"Don't cry, Honey, we'll get to school before you get worse, 
And I'll radio for them to send out the nurse." 
"Here use this bag if you're going to get sick." 
"A couple more stops and we'll be there real quick." 
"Don't worry about the mess, Honey, I'll take care or it." 
"Just go inside to the nurses' office and sit." 
"Just drivers," that would be fantastic. 
Concentrate on nothing but the road, never mind that kid's sick. 
Let them kick and punch each other out. 
Let them scream and shout. 
If we only watch the road and bus gauges, 
How soon would all the parents be in rages? 
So, please don't casually label us 
Until you're willing and able to drive our bus. 

Janet Purnell
Driver for 29 years.

                              The street lights have a halo,
                              The trees with ice are glazed.
                              The snow still falls, degrees still drop,
                              Just like the last four days.

                              Instead, I pictured faces,
                              Like Kathy at the clock
                              I'll have to bribe poor Tim again,
                              To please defrost my lock.

                              I hope today's a good one,
                              Yesterday was not so nice.
                              The rear end of that big long bus,
                              Caught a mail box on the ice.

                              I helped Jenelle with homework
                              And really had to shout
                              I offered my suggestion,
                              "Darlin', take those earphones out!"

                              Though Steve is only eight years old,
                              He beats me out of bed.
                              He lives way down a half mile lane,
                              And keeps the livestock fed.

                              I hope his boots are clean today
                              He often tracks manure.
                              Kids tease, I wink, he grins.  No doubt
                              that this boy will endure.

                              As I compose my memo
                              To ALL parents, not just some.
                              Please take off your shopping list
                              That dreaded bubble gum.

                              The biggest bubble contest?
                              My biggest damn nightmare
                              For twice a week a great big wad,
                              Ends up in Becky's hair.

                              You'd think the spit-wad craze would die,
                              Yet one more on my neck.
                              I'll write him up and call his Mom,
                              DETENTION, what the heck!

                              I need to always watch this kid,
                              A six year old named Luke.
                              I've told him not to sit in back
                              Oh No, pale lips, He's Puked!

                              Kim buys makeup by the pound,
                              To share with her friend Heidi.
                              I think they're only ten years old,
                              Oh Man!  Thank God, it's Friday!

                              Rachel lost her glove again,
                              The standard daily issue,
                              Yep, there it is, down on the floor,
                              Among the snotty tissue.

                              There's an optimistic feeling though,
                              About this blustery day.
                              You see, I've won the battle,
                              I've got my Lysol spray.

                              It's always been a mystery
                              Why they paint these buses yellow.
                              Of course, I finally understand,
                              It keeps us nice and mellow!

                              We  have one thing in common,
                              We go those extra miles.
                              It's not the thanks, it's not the pay,
                              It's children and their smiles.

The War Wagon

What is this ominous creature, This "War Wagon"?

It is a vehicle that a lot of us see every day, and most of us ignore or


down right detest. It holds us up, it gets in our way, and it slows our
daily routine.


This is the one most important vehicle on the road, it carry's a cargo
that every one should watch out for and be very careful of at all times.


This vehicle should demand the utmost respect and caution, but instead
is the brunt of many cross words and gestures.


The "War Wagon" must avoid every obstacle, from the largest mobile
warehouse to the smallest of compacts that are lost in the rear view
mirror.


This monster must be herded around the tightest of corners, up the
steepest hills, wet or dry because the cargo must get there.


Just who is this Human being that is in control of this "War Wagon"?
This person who prays for another victory every morning while checking
that everything is safe?
The one who at all times is ready to avoid everything that is thrown
in its path?


Who is it that is prepared to take this "War Wagon" into battle?


Could it be someone's Grandma, or Grandpa? Could it be a Mother
or Father, or maybe someone who just cares about this precious  "cargo"?


Just who is in control of this "War Wagon"?


The
School Bus
Driver!!!

By 
Steve Ingram
Bus #9

Dedicated to all School Bus Drivers everywhere.

Of All The Jobs There Are......

                         by Nancy McCaffrey



You drive a bus you say?
Yes, I do it for the children every day.
Why, with all the jobs there are?
Well, quite frankly, for me it's the best by far!

How can I explain it to you?
I guess the truth will have to do!
It won't be easy, but I'll try
To explain the reasons why.

You see these children are incredible to me,
even though you find that hard to see.
Each one is an addition to my day,
in a unique and special way.

Personalities as different as they can be
but they need attention, just like you and me.
Some come with smiles, some with frowns,
some with anger and some act just like clowns!

Being a bus driver is almost like being Mom and Dad.
Sometimes I'm happy, sometimes sad, sure I can even get mad.
We've reached their stop, a smile and way and they're on their way.
Anxious to share at home what happened in their world today.

I love being a small part of their life day in and day out,
my job is about them no doubt!
It's a pleasure for me to see them all,
the big, the small, the short and tall.

Their ages span the years,
kindergarten to eighth grade to be clear.
Every child, my child, each one very dear.
My life is more complete having them near.

Have you ever had a child tell you they love you or give you a hug,
just because you made them feel safe and snug?
Well, then, now you understand why I drive that bus,
it's for the children, for me, it's all about "us".

A creative essay by Ken Janiak - Lamenting a day in the life of a school bus driver.


   
It's 4:30 a.m.
     Oh the joy of getting up at the crack of dawn! But wait, we wont see any sun for two hours
yet. Go potty, take a shower, brush my teeth, comb my hair, make breakfast and pour some
coffee down the gullet. (Gee, wasn't  I up till 11:00 p.m. last night doing a sports trip?)

It's 5:51 a.m.
     Now for the two blocks walk from the parking lot to the garage. Hot, cold, snow, ice or
fog, it doesn't make a difference. It's good exercise and we enjoy Mother Nature and we know
our bus will always (just like our car)  be ready to go because they are weatherproof and
nothing stops a bus from starting.

It's 6:30 a.m.
     We pick up the High School students. They are the best group in the morning because 
they stayed up late and are tired from doing their homework and other special events. 
(television, talking on the phone, hanging out with their friends till 1:00 in the morning.)

It's 7:00 a.m.
     Yea, Jr. High students. They are a little more alive. They only stayed up till midnight. 
They like to tell you about all the new words they learned in sex education, on the corner
 with their friends, or the ones they found in the dictionary. A dictionary somehow validates
 their usage (just ask Homer or Bart Simpson, their idols)

It's 7:30 a.m.
     The all call goes out. We have last minute trips to cover during the day between PM
afternoon High School and Elementary Routes. Pick ups for sports are usually at 3:10 - 3:30
and don't forget the take home ride back from the game. Wont see my spouse or my kids
again tonight.

It's 8:00 a.m.
     Grade School, these people are roaring to go. Mom fed them all cereal with lots of sugar
so they would be ready when you come to pick them up. They like playing tag on the bus,
 but musical seats (chairs) is their favorite game. As you are dropping them off at school, 
you realize why Mom was so happy (even dancing in the streets) to see them go for their
 daily dose of education.

Kindy and Field Trips
     These are some of the fun activities we have during the day. Trying to fit 60 pumpkins on
the bus without them rolling down the aisle. The hikes through the mud and grass at Veterens
Acres, Glacial Park, and the plant site.
The sweet smell of a sports team after a brutal game. We truly enjoy the peace and quiet we
get from the coach who gets on the bus and tells the team "No talking, you should be 
focusing on the game you're about to play!"
     The real afternoon begins with Jr. High, they again tell you all the new words they have
learned through the day. Love notes to read, boy loves girl, girl hates boy, and all the
hormones are running amuck.
     After pulling the bus over several times because of kids crawling over seats, screaming,
and throwing things out the window. You now roll into High School (already 10 minutes
late). Time to put your football helmet on. The lions are finally awake. This group will give
you a real education!!
     Then there is Grade School. Teacher has given them all a cookie for their long journey
home (because now you are 20 minutes late because of construction, going around railroad
crossings, traffic accidents, sport team pick up, and weather) and as you leave the school 
the teachers are happy (even dancing in the playground) and you just wonder why?

It's 5:00 p.m.
     Home again. 12 !/2 hours after we got up but we're not tired. Maybe we will stay up to
11:00 again and do some of those fun household chores. Who needs sleep when you have
such a fantastic and fun job being a bus driver.
Whoops my kids have a scout meeting and sports practice tonight. Well, chores will have to
wait.


(Ken has been driving a school bus for 18 years.)

Letter from a School Bus

Dear Editor:

I am a big yellow school bus.
I come equipped with head lights, clearance lights, and tail lights.
These are on when I am on the road transporting students to and from school. The students are my precious cargo, they could be your children, grandchildren or someone you know.
Please help me transport them safely.

"Read my warning lights", I come equipped with an eight light warning flasher system also a stop arm with red flasher lights.
Prior to stopping for a pickup or discharge of students my yellow lights will be activated to warn you to slow up. "Prepare to stop"

Once I have come to a complete stop my door will open and activate the red flashers and also the stop arm with two red flashing lights. "Your warning to stop".
Once you have made a complete stop, my driver will give the students the proper hand signal to cross the road safely.

There are times I may have to do a turn around, (Back into another roadway.) For those of you who might be following me up the road, my driver will tap the brakes a few times, or activate the strobe light, when weather deems it necessary, and prior to the road to be backed into, will activate the hazard lights.

These are all warning signals to let you know something is about to happen.
"Please stop. Do not pass me" Allow me enough space to back up. Give my driver a few seconds to back into the road and out of your way, for the safety of my cargo.
"Please read my warning lights"

Dorothy Bagent
Bus driver for 23 years
Martinsburg, Ohio

(3/15/00)

A BUS DRIVERS PRAYER


PLEASE LORD , WATCH OVER ME THIS DAY.
PLEASE HELP ME TO REMEMBER TO WATCH ALL FIVE MIRRORS, TWO DOZEN WINDOWS,EIGHT GAUGES, SIX WARNING LIGHTS, SIX DOZEN FACES AND THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC, AND TO KEEP A THIRD EYE OPEN FOR WOBBLING BICYCLES AND DAYDREAMING PEDESTRIANS, ESPECIALLY TEENAGERS WEARING HEADSETS WHO ARE IN ANOTHER WORLD.
PLEASE LORD, HELP ME HEAR ALL TRAIN WHISTLES ,TRUCK AND AUTOMBLE HORNS, POLICE SIRENS AND THE TWO-WAY RADIO.
PLEASE LORD GIVE ME A HAND FOR THE GEAR LEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL, THE ROUT BOOK, THE RADIO MICROPHONE AND THE TURN-SIGNAL LEVER, AND LORD, PLEASE GRANT ME THE SELF-CONTROL TO KEEP MY HANDS AWAY FROM JONY'S NECK AND ONE MORE THING,DEAR LORD, PLEASE DON'T LET MARY BE SICK ALL OVER THE BUS, AND FINALLY LORD, PLEASE WATCH OVER US ALL SO THAT WE CAN DO IT ALL AGAIN TOMORROW.

ST.MARY'S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL BUS DIVERS

MARYLAND

Any more poets out there with original SCHOOL BUS type poems? If so, and you would like them published here, just send them in.