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Safely Speaking is seekingeditorial board members

Safely Speaking is looking for interested transportation superintendents,SBDIs and MIs to serve on the editorial board.

This newsletter depends on the creative contributions and expertise ofits board members. Unfortunately, the participation from our 10-memberboard has dwindled because of their professional and personal obliga-tions.

We want to fill these seats with a sampling of transportation professionals from across New York State.

The roundtable of board members makes suggestions for upcoming publications based on issues facing the industry andimportant human-interest perspectives that will enhance our readership.

Bimonthly editorial meetings are held at Capital Region BOCES in Albany.

Distance from the Albany site is not a factor. If a member is unable to make a pre-publication meeting in person, he or she willbe asked to contribute their story ideas via telephone, e-mail or snail mail.

Safely Speaking should be a reflection of the pupil transportation industry based on the input of board members.

Our phone number, fax number and address are listed below.

12

NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 293

ALBANY, NY

New York State Education DepartmentEducation Management Services876 EBAAlbany, New York 12234

Safely Speaking is a bimonthly newsletter forSchool Bus Driver Instructors published by NewYork State Education Department

Editorial Board:Peter Finn, SBDI, MI, Chair

Marion Edick,NYS Director, Pupil Transportation Service

Dona Beauchea, General Manager,A&E Transport Services

Heidi Bippus, Dispatcher,Baldwinsville Central School District

Al Karam, Transportation Director,Bethlehem Central School District

Cindy Raulli, MI,Liverpool Central School District

Peter Tunny, Transportation Director,South Colonie Central School District

Nancy Wescott, Master Instructor

Written and designed by Capital Region BOCES Communications Service.

Editor: Erinn EschlerSend any comments, suggestions or story ideas to:

Safely SpeakingCapital Region BOCES Communications Services 6 British American Blvd., Suite G, Latham, NY 12110Phone.: (518) 762-0271, ext. 113 Fax: (518) 736-1915 e-mail: jkerwood@admin.hfmboces.org

for School Bus Driver InstructorsNYS Education Department Newsletter

Table of contents

Upcoming SBDI Training Classes . .3

MI Mentoring Program . . . . . . . . . .4

Remembering Lauren Wentworth . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Retrofit for the Future . . . . . . . . . . .6

A Moment of Silence . . . . . . . . . . .8

From the Critic’s Chair . . . . . . . . . .10

News from the State Education Department . . . .11

ISSUE 72003-04 SCHOOL YEAR

(continued on page 3)

(continued on page 2)

As graduation draws near, another kindof moving-up celebration is occurring formembers of the transportation industry.Pupil transportation members are attendinga five-day course to become School BusDriver Instructors (SBDI).

Although safety is #1 for these wanna-be instructors, many of the classes teachthe importance of presentation.

“They are coming to us with knowledgeof the industry and safety. We need to showthem how to teach confidently,” said train-ing class advisor and Master Instructor(MI) Peter Finn.

To help achieve this, instructors useTom Jeary’s book “How to Speak Publicly”and Dale Carnegie’s “How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People with PublicSpeaking.”

What it takes RememberingLaurenWentworthLauren Wentworth –head bus driver andtrainer for theCanandaigua CitySchool District, 1996School Bus DriverInstructor (SBDI) ofthe Year and highlyrespectedtransportationprofessional – losther courageousbattle with cancer onApril 26, 2004.

(see page 5)

The Importance of the SBDI to the industrySchool Bus Driver Instructors are the front-line trainers to the 50,000-plus drivers

across the state.

“They are the people who take the information presented in the annual ProfessionalDevelopment Seminar (PDS) and see that it is disseminated to all our drivers. Theygive life to the written materials they receive. Without their professionalism, theirdedication and their caring, more children would be lost to preventable school bus acci-dents,” said Marion Edick, New York State Director of Transportation.

“It is only through their assistance that we have a School Bus Driver SafetyTraining Program in New York - which is in turn why the state has such an outstand-ing safety record,” she said.

As this prestigious team of professionals continues to grow, veteran SBDIs remem-ber what first brought them on board and reflect on the importance of the position.

Faye Stevens, transportation director for the Indian River Central School District

Master Instructor, Peter Finn helps School BusDriver Instructor candidates such as Zanetta Motleylearn how to be comfortable while speaking in public.

2

What it Takes...(continued from page 1)

“When people first come to class,they’re very timid – public speakingis one of the most difficult things todo – but when you see them at theend of the course, they really blos-som. It really feels good to be a partof that,” said Finn, who has beenteaching SBDI training courses foralmost two decades.

Once appointed as official SBDIs,instructors are expected to teach dri-vers their Basic Course lessons andrefreshers throughout the year.

“People take this step to furthertheir careers, but bus safety aware-ness and the kids are always the toppriority,” said Finn.

Final presentationTo complete the course, it is neces-

sary for participants to deliver anoral presentation in front of theirclassmates and instructors.

“Final presentations can be basedon anything. It’s to show a comfortlevel with public speaking and theability to get across an idea to anaudience,” said Finn.

For example, SBDI class memberZanetta Motley currently works forDurham School Bus Services inAlbany. She called on her previousexperience in the cosmetics industryto aid her in her final presentation.

Motley dressed as a cosmetologistand gave herself a makeover to showothers how putting their best faceforward can help boost inner confi-dence.

“Everyday when you get ready togo out there in the field – look yourbest and your best will come out,”she said.

Motley lightened the mood byshowing a video of herself with avariety of different hair-dos.

She continued with her theme byhanding out cards – each laminatedwith a sample of artificial hair – toall of her classmates. The memorablecards listed the four steps to becom-ing a good speaker.

1. Desire

2. Preparation

3. Confidence

4. Practice

Her funny and original presenta-tion was a stand-out.

Motley said the five-day coursehas taught her to overcome her fearsof public speaking and has also

The five-day agenda consists of:

Day One■ Candidate introductions

■ History of the New York State school bus safety program

■ What makes a good presentation?

■ Audio/visual 101

■ Planning your presentation/objectives (part I)

■ Homework

Day Two■ Review

■ Jeary book review

■ Instructor resource workshop

■ Planning your presentation/objectives (part II)

■ Effective communications

■ Review and quiz: Effective communications and lesson plans

■ Homework

■ MI open door – Help with your presentation

Day Three■ Review

■ Carnegie book review

■ Review and Quiz: Jeary and Carnegie books

■ Accident safety data for SBDIs: School bus safety is one bus stop at a time

■ Accident safety data for SBDIs: Improving school bus safety

■ Review and quiz: Accident and safety data for SBDIs

■ Participatory learning formats

■ Homework

■ MI open door – Help with your presentation

Day Four■ Review

■ Candidate presentations

■ Wrap up

■ “I Did It!” class dinner

Day Five ■ Review

■ Training regulations, procedures and forms

■ Physical performance test

■ Review and final exam

■ Post session assignment requirements and questions

■ Program wrap up

shown her how to put together aproper training program.

“I’m bringing a more personalaspect to my lessons now. It seems tomake people pay better attention andretain more information,” she said.“My confidence has really risenthrough this process.”

Durham is already looking to puther training to the test. “I’m sched-uled to do a presentation at the endof this month,” she said.

Finn said of Motley, “I met ‘Z’ twoyears ago at a 19A drivers course. Tosee her here now is great. She will bean asset to the industry.”

3

Importance of the SBDI...(continued from page 1)

said she was encouraged by her firsttransportation director to become anSBDI when she began driving in1987.

“My supervisor encouraged me tonot only be an SBDI but also aMaster Instructor (MI). She saw apassion in me to keep kids safe,” shesaid.

“I wanted – and still want – totake brand new drivers and givethem the information they need to dotheir job,” she said.

What can be tricky, Stevens advis-es new SBDIs, is training driverswith a long history behind the wheel.

“You don’t want to alienate theveteran drivers. Often times you needto go in and train drivers who havemore experience than you do, butyou still need to get the message ofsafety across to these drivers. Thetrick is to do it without looking like aknow-it-all.”

Stevens said she loves workingwith new SBDIs to help guide themthrough their first experiences andstrengthening their skills.

“I can pick out the future leaderswhen they walk into the room,” shesaid.

“Those who are going to make itknow that becoming a SBDI isn’tthe five days of training. You haveto stay involved and stay active inthe pupil transportation community.Through outreach you’ll find how theindustry ticks – from the legalaspect, to drivers rights, to the emo-tional and physical safety of stu-dents.”

Director of Transportation forEastern Suffolk BOCES LorraineMisciagno has been an SBDI for sixyears.

“I had a very good driving recordand often thought, ‘What can I do to

help others through training?’”

Misciagno said seeing other SBDIswork inspired her. “It’s amazing tosee a group of people sit downtogether to find, and then fill, gaps insafety training that will make ourprograms stronger. I wanted to bepart of that.”

Misciagno recommends that newSBDIs get involved in local andstatewide groups to broaden theirexperience. Long Island has an SBDIAssociation that meets bi-monthly.

“Meeting and speaking with otherSBDIs is where you will get trainingmaterials and network to find outthe latest happenings in the indus-try,” she said.

Extra hours are part of the newresponsibility, she said. “You have tobe dedicated. You are the liaisonbetween the state, the drivers andthe children and families.”

SBDI and educator Ted Finlayson-Schueler of the Pupil TransportationSafety Institute (PTSI) said all

SBDIs serve independent and dependent functions.

“We need to be aware of our ownoperations and know how to addressissues facing our own fleets – but wealso need to pass along informationrelative to statewide issues,” he said.

“The person who makes a suc-cessful SBDI is committed to safety.He’s not in it for the extra $2 perhour,” said Schueler.

“It also takes an ability to commu-nicate,” he said. “Some people caredeeply about safety and training butjust cannot relate to people in a posi-tive way. If you can’t get a connec-tion with your audience – the mes-sage will be lost – whatever it is,” hesaid.

Collaboration with other SBDIscan help, he said. “You can get feed-back on your presentation skills anddevelop your personal strengths,” hesaid.

Upcoming SBDI Training Classes

The Pupil Transportation Safety Institutewill be holding School Bus Driver

Training Classes in Syracuse, NewYork on June 30, July 1, 2, 7, 8.

Please contact Karen Baris, courseregistrar at 1-800-836-2210

Eastern Suffolk BOCES will be holding SBDI Training Classes in Holbrook, NY onJuly 24, 31, August 14, 21, 28.Please contact Lorraine Misciagno at

1-631-472-6480 for further information.

NYS Education Department newsletter for School Bus Driver Instructors

4

Is this program for me?The following questions are askedon the application to become aMaster Instructor Mentor:

1. As a Mentor, what do youfeel you can bring to the pro-gram that will guide and assistcandidates in reaching theirgoals?

2. As a Mentor, how do youfeel you would guide your can-didate? Would you walk aheadof your candidate thus wantingthem to follow your lead, walkbeside them thus learningtogether along the way, or walkbehind them to give support asthey reach obstacles and askfor guidance? Explain why.

3. What do you feel are yourstrongest attributes as an MIInstructor?

4. How do you feel about the“Team Mentoring” concept?

5. What qualities would youprefer your mentoring partnerhave that would enhance yoursuccess as a supportive team?

6. Will your employer affordyou the time and give you thesupport needed to be involvedin taking on this commitment?

7. Are there any limitations, (forexample geographical area,transportation, scheduling, etc.)that you want us to considerwhen we match you with acandidate?

Invitation to Master Instructors to Become a MentorThe State Education Department is accepting applications from Master Instructors to

volunteer to serve as a mentor for one of the new MI candidates. The MI Mentor is theheart of the new training or formation program for new MIs.

Volunteers will work closely with candidates to guide and instruct them through thecompletion of their MI project. They will also work with and coach the new MI in co-teaching at least one Professional Development Seminar (PDS) and portions of an SBDICertification Course.

Master Instructor Mentoring Program

A Master Instructor Mentoring Program is being developed and we areseeking interested MIs to make this project a success. The State EducationDepartment is currently seeking individuals who are interested in becomingMaster Instructor Candidates. Our mentoring program will be the catalyst forthe new MI candidates and their year-long program requirements.

We are looking for MIs who are willing to spend the time and can make acommitment to an MI candidate over a one-year period beginning July 2004.Even though the candidate will become an MI following the year of mentor-ing, the relationship must be viewed as a long-term commitment. The men-tor must devote him- or herself to the program and have sufficient time andemotional endurance to be involved. As a mentor you will be expected to sup-port, counsel, provide friendship, promote learning skills development, sup-port reachable goals, provide reinforcement, and be a constructive examplefor your assigned candidate. A mentor will help the candidate “be all thatthey can be.”

The logistics of this program are being worked out but we can tell youthat you will “team mentor” which means more than one mentor will beassigned to each candidate. All parties will develop a schedule for meetingthat suits all involved. You will be expected to meet at least 4 times a yearon Saturday during the NYAPT board weekends. A training session will beheld for all MI mentors who will be involved in this project at the July con-ference. The training session will explain the program and its expectationsand requirements. You will also meet with your candidate and discuss theproject idea they submitted to the State Education Department for their MIcertification.

If there are MIs that feel they do not have the time to commit to this pro-ject but would like to be available as a mentor in the future, we are stillinterested in hearing from you. We are always in need of individuals whoare willing to share their expertise and assist others when needed.

Contact Maureen Arnitz at (315)-986-4278 ext. 18, should you have anyquestions or comments concerning this program.

“Mentoring is a way to bridge the gap between where someone is in theircareer today and where they would like to be tomorrow.”

NYS Education Department newsletter for School Bus Driver Instructors

5

Lauren Wentworth – head bus dri-ver and trainer for the CanandaiguaCity School District, 1996 School BusDriver Instructor (SBDI) of the Yearand a highly respected transportationprofessional – lost her courageous bat-tle with cancer on April 26, 2004.

Her friend and colleague, MaureenArnitz wrote the following aboutLauren:

Lauren Wentworth was my friendand a friend to many others through-out her lifetime. It was an honor toknow her and to have had her as apart of my life.

She was best known for her dedi-cation to the Canandaigua City SchoolDistrict, where she worked for the last12 years.

Lauren was one of the best 19-Aexaminers this industry has seen. Shewas determined to make each personshe trained the best at their job.

I often tried to talk Lauren intobecoming a Transportation Supervisorbut her answer was always the same.“I want to be a part of the lives of thepeople who are picking up and drop-ping off the children every day, notstuck behind some desk doing paper-work.”

She was a hands-on type of per-son, dedicated to bus safety. She had“yellow blood” running through everyinch of her body.

Everything she did and every deci-sion she made was for one reason:the children. It was always about thechildren for Lauren.

From her involvement as presidentof her local SBDI group to her dedica-tion to the New York State Fair exhib-it, “Road-eo’s” and the mall safetyshows she organized. All of her ener-gy was for the safety of children.

Lauren was instrumental in thesuccess of the 30-hour Basis Courses

Remembering Lauren Wentworthin the Wayne-Finger Lakes area. Shewas at each and every class from themoment it started until everyone hadcompleted it. Feeling good or not – shewas determined she would not letthese people down.

Lauren was selected SBDI of theyear for the state in 1996. She alsoreceived the honor of TransportationEmployee of the Year on two differentoccasions.

There are only two SBDI associa-tions in NYS: one on Long Island and

Earth angel Scott Goble, transportation director of the Canadaigua City SchoolDistrict, worked with Lauren for 12 years.“Lauren was a consummate professional in her approach to the trainingand retraining of the transportation staff. Even over the past severalmonths, after learning she had cancer, she continued to come to workwhen she was able and do her part in the daily operation of the depart-ment,” said Goble. “She’s up there with a group of heavenly bus driverswho are going to be much better off with Lauren in their midst.”

Transportation professional Mary Miller said of her friend:“Lauren’s life was totally dedicated to children and safety – right to herdying breath.” She concluded, “Lauren knew what you needed - whether she neededto lead you, walk beside you or give you support from the background.”

Jim Ellis, Curriculum Development Specialist for the PupilTransportation Safety Institute (PTSI), was also close with Lauren. Ellis said on one occasion when he visited Lauren in the hospital shealready had visitors at her bedside – a mother and teenage daughter. The mother asked Jim if her daughter and Lauren could have a momentalone together.As Jim waited in the hallway, the girl’s mother explained that her daughterrode Lauren’s bus in kindergarten. She was being picked on for being of adifferent race. Lauren made it understood to the children on her bus thatthis would not be tolerated. She made the young girl feel safe and caredfor. Over the years, Lauren kept in touch with the girl’s family.“This is the kind of person Lauren was and how she will be rememberedby many. She was exceptional, “ said Ellis.

(continued on page 7)

6

The mission to reduce emissionsfrom school buses is being activelypursued by the pupil transportationindustry.

The New York Association forPupil Transportation (NYAPT) signedan agreement with theEnvironmental Protection Agency(EPA) in July 2003, committing todecrease harmful emissions throughretrofitting school buses, replacingolder buses and reducing school busidling as part of New York State’sClean Air Act.

Through this understanding, theNew York State Energy Research andDevelopment Authority (NYSERDA)arranged for $5 million in grantmoney to be available to school dis-tricts for bus retrofitting and anti-idling programs.

Leading the charge to change isBethlehem Central School Districtwhich received $889,910 to retrofit57 buses on their 111 fleet of buses.

Bethlehem Superintendent ofTransportation Al Karam said his dis-trict has always been proactive inreducing emissions.

“Whatever we can do to minimizepollution – we’ll do it. Especially if wecan do it in a cost effective manner.”

Before the agreement betweenNYAPT and the EPA, Bethlehem hadpurchased approximately four com-pressed natural gas buses.The buses,though environmentally friendly,were maintenance intensive.

“We decided to phase them out –but have had our eyes open to otheropportunities for awhile,” saidAssistant Superintendent ofTransportation Cindy Jurewicz.

Karam and other Capital Regiontransportation professionals havebeen meeting for the past year to

Retrofit for the futuredecide the best technologiesfor retrofitting buses.

“We brought representa-tives from each technologycompany in to speak with us,”said Karam.“The CapitalRegion directors made astrong and formidable groupof professionals for thisendeavor.”

The group decided whattechnologies would be used forcost and use efficiency.

“There are several tech-nologies available that workfor different districts.Bethlehem CSD went with theoxidation catalyst, whichworks with ultra-low sulfurfuel as well as regular diesel,”said Karam. The process does-n’t affect the engine, but sim-ply replaces the muffler.

He noted that ultra-low sulfurdiesel is currently not available inthe Capital Region.

“By 2006 we will all be using lowsulfur fuel and we’re ready for thateventuality – but for now it is morecost effective to go this route,” hesaid.

With the NYSERDA grants nowavailable, vendors have been chosenby Karam to do the work. “We willrotate four buses a day starting inJuly. It won’t effect our operation atall,” he said.

Mechanics were part of theprocess of meeting with vendors tosee how the new equipment works.

“We all learned together about theup and coming changes. Goingthrough this will not cause any prob-lems,” Karam said.

He said the cooperation of thestaff, as well as district officials and

community members, is imperative.“Our people have been very profes-sional and open minded to thesechanges. It’s not going to cost the dis-trict anything and the benefits arefar reaching,” said Karam.

“We’re reducing emissions by 45percent right off the bat. What dis-trict wouldn’t want that for their resi-dents?”

District officials can also help withclean air initiatives by approving thereplacement of worn-out buses.

“We practice our environmentalbeliefs with an excellent bus replace-ment plan. We receive 11 to 14 newbuses each year,” he said. “We have ayoung fleet and with the current tech-nologies, the engines produce lessemissions.”

“Districts that have to fix, fix, fixhave buses that are more costly to

Cindy Jurewicz and Al Karam lead the Bethlehem CentralSchool District Transportation Department in their mis-sion to reduce diesel emissions from the 111 buses serv-ing the district.

maintain and produce more toxins.That’s not good for your fiscal orphysical environment and our peopleknow that,” Jurewicz added.

Anti-idlingBethlehem staff have also led the

way with anti-idling initiatives.

Peter Iwanowicz from the NationalLung Association has worked withtransportation officials to educate dri-vers and parents of the dangers ofidling buses and cars.

“I suggest getting together a rep-resentative team with veteran dri-vers and have them be your targetgroup. Once you get them on board,others will follow,” said Karam.

Iwanowicz dispelled worries andmyths held by veteran drivers.

“If someone thought their batterywould die from turning the bus offwhile leaving the lights on, we’d testit. Once the myth was dispelled, wewouldn’t hear any more about it. Ifbuses are well maintained you don’thave anything to worry about,” saidKaram.

School districts can also raiseawareness and support through theschool board, district newsletters andWeb sites, and press conferences.

The pay-off“We’re not looking for kudos here,

we just want to do the right thing,”Karam said.

“This cost us nothing but a littlebit of our time.”

“For anyone hesitant, why resistthis? It’s going to happen. It’s betterto be ahead of the pack,” he added.

There are a lot of resources avail-able. Karam invites any district cur-rently going through this process tocall him at (518) 439-3830.

NYS Education Department newsletter for School Bus Driver Instructors

27

the one Lauren piloted in central New York. Lauren was the reason oursremained successful.

Everyone wanted to be in her presence to absorb what they could of herdedication, determination and passion for whatever task was at hand.

The “smiley face” was Lauren’s trademark. It really summed up who shewas. She never did anything without a smile and no matter what she was upagainst, she always found the positive in a situation.

We will all remember her wonderful smile – a smile that came from the loveof her job and this industry.

I often questioned Lauren about her positive attitude and she responded bysaying, “You have to look on the bright side.. There is no other side to see.”

Even when times seemed the grimmest for Lauren, she helped the rest of uscope with her illness.

She will not be forgotten and to me she will remain one of the best examplesof a leader that student transportation will ever see.

Those who love her and miss her will see to it that her legacy of safety andcaring will be carried on.

Maureen Arnitz is the transportation supervisor for the Gananda CentralSchool District.

We want to hear from youHave a story to tell, a comment to make or a question to ask?

You don’t have to write it, you don’t have to research it,you just have to tell us about it. Call, e-mail, fax or write to Safely Speaking any time you want to share something with our readers. The phone number is (518) 762-0271 ext. 113.The fax number is (518) 736-1915Our e-mail address is jkerwood@gw.neric.org and or mailing address is:Safely Speakingc/o Jennie KerwoodHFM BOCES25 West Main St.Johnstown, New York 12095

Remembering Lauren Wentworth...(continued from page 5)

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Building public support and awareness

Take a tip from the BethlehemCentral School District in Delmar: Drivers bring their buses toparticipate in local parades rightalong with the fire trucks,ambulances and police cars asanother symbol of safety.

� The Bethlehem Beat Team — a group of drivers that travel aroundtheir community educating children and parents on bus safety – participated in the local Memorial Day Weekend Parade.

A moment of silence

On May 21, seven-year-old Mallory Eddywas struck and killed by an 18-year-olddriver as she stepped off of herStockbridge School District bus inSmithfield, New York.

Oneida officials reported that the teenage driver came upon thestopped bus – which had its warning lights activated and a carparked behind it. In an attempt to avoid the parked car and bus,the driver allegedly passed both vehicles on the right and struckthe girl who was on the shoulder of the road.

Thanks to the quick thinking of the bus driver who shut thebus door when he saw in his mirror that a car was approaching,two children were spared.

This is the first school bus-related child fatality in New YorkState in 63 months.

THE SEARCH IS ON...Feature spotlight Safely Speaking continues to searchfor individuals who are doingsomething different and creative toimprove safety along the roads ofNew York State. If you know a dri-ver, SBDI or MI who fits this catego-ry, we would be interested indoing a feature story. Is there a cut-ting-edge program out there thatmore people should know about?We’ll spread the word.

The more unusual, the morecreative, the morerewarding...the better.

Give us a call, send us an e-mail orjot us a quick note. We’ll be on thecase. Contact Jennie Kerwood at(518) 762-0271 ext. 113 or e-mailjkerwood@admin.hfmboces.org.

NYS Education Department newsletter for School Bus Driver Instructors

9

Operation Safe Stop forms

Please makecopies of thefollowing formand make surethat drivers havethem on hand incase of offenses.

10

Critic at large Callthem Asi Seethemis turning the reignsover to a guest criticthis issue

Video ReviewTERRORISM ON SCHOOL BUSES

By the Iowa Department ofEducationVideo narrated by MaxChristensenReviewed by Peter Brockman

Running time: 14 minutes

Audience: Drivers

From the Critic’s Chair

The video “Terrorism on SchoolBuses” presents good, solid, practicalinformation and would be an excel-lent staple video for basic driver andattendant training.

The presentation is directedspecifically at bus drivers, dealingwith both the “what to do” and the“what not to do” in a terrorist situa-tion.

It covers, in straightforward lan-guage, what drivers should look forduring their pre-trip inspections(whether at the bus garage or athome) and during their ride.

The movie also includes materialon weapons concealment, and givespractical direction to drivers shouldthey ever find themselves in a high-jacking situation.

If you’re fond of action videos,however, you might be a little disap-pointed. The video consists of aseries of PowerPoint slides (mostlyfrom the Georgia EmergencyManagementAgency) narratedby Mr. Christensen.

The slides arenicely arranged,however, and thevideo can bepaused for moredetailed discussion. I recommend aslarge a television screen as possible,so that the bulleted points can beseen clearly by a large audience.

I was very impressed by the clar-ity and positive tone of the narrator.Unlike some of the presentations I’ve

seen, where the audience is eitherscared by the information or frustrat-ed by the inferences that there mightnot be anything a driver could do incertain situations, this presentation is

a positive, “you-can-do-this” guidefor the viewer.

The video is 14minutes long andcosts $30. You can get an orderform and synopsis

memo by e-mailing Max atMax.Christensen@ed.state.ia.us ormyself at pbrockmann@gcsny.org.

Score for this video: 4 buses

...this presentation is a positive,

“you-can-do-this”guide for the viewer.

Upcoming Conferences

NAPT’s 30th Annual Conference & Trade ShowThe National Association for Pupil Transportation’s 30th Annual Conference & Trade Show will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio from October 31until November 4, 2004.

The 30th Annual NAPT Trade Show will be held at the Cincinnati Convention Center. The dates of the trade show are Tuesday, November 2nd & Wednesday, November 3rd, 2004.

Exhibitor Packets have already been mailed.

If you were not an exhibitor at the 2003 Trade Show in Salt Lake City, Utah andwould like to be included in the upcoming show mailing, please email yourUSPS mailing address to info@napt.org.

Visit NAPT’s web site at www.napt .org for more information.

News from the StateEducation Department

Request for Proposal for aPupil TransportationReports System

The SED is seeking applications inresponse to a Request For Proposalfor a Pupil Transportation ReportsSystem. School districts, BOCES andnonprofit agencies are eligible to sub-mit an application.

Please visit the State Register orthe Pupil Transportation web site foradditional information:www.emsc.nysed.gov/schoolbus.

The deadline for submission is in July.

Nonpublic School Bus Driver Regulation

Chapter 270 of the Laws of 2003directed the Commissioner ofEducation to establish qualificationsas well as testing and trainingrequirements for drivers of vehiclesthat are owned, leased or contractedfor by nonpublic schools.

It further required theCommissioner to develop require-ments that are consistent with thoserequired for drivers of vehicles thatare owned, leased or contracted forby public schools.

The proposed regulations werescheduled to be published on June 16,2004. There will be a 45-day publiccomment period. A copy of the pro-posed regulation will be available onthe Pupil Transportation web siteafter publication. That address is:www.emsc.nysed.gov/schoolbus.

NYS Education Department newsletter for School Bus Driver Instructors

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Upcoming Conferences

NYAPT Annual ConferenceThe New York Association for Pupil Transportation’s 46th Annual Conference

- 2004: Steering Our Future will be held from July 10 - 15 at the Holiday Turf Innon Wolf Road in Albany.

The event opens Saturday with the NYAPT Big Three-Road-eo Day with out-door lunch and evening banquet.

The following day is NYAPT’s 3rd Annual Golf Tournament.

Monday, July 12 starts off with the annual business meeting followed by thekeynote speaker, Stephen Douglas, at 10:30 a.m. Douglas is a nationally recog-nized speaker, who participated in the 2002 NAPT conference in Greensboro,North Carolina. Douglas is touted as a low-key but hard message speaker whowill help focus transportation professionals on what matters in life and at work.The 2004 Trade Show will follow.

Tuesday through Thursday is full of informational and educational workshopsfor all areas of the industry.

Another special guest speaker scheduled for the conference is Peggy Burns,president of Education Compliance Group, Inc. She will help supervisors take alook inside emerging trends and practices in Special Education and in the day-to-day management of drivers and colleagues.

Visit NYAPT’s web site for a full agenda and registration information atwww.nyapt.org.

If you see Andy Lundgren tell himcongratulations on his retirement after 36years as director of transportation for theKatonah-Lewisboro School District. Andy plans to move to North Carolina toenjoy his retirement years.