The Big Yellow Bus

 One of my fondest school memories includes the scratchy baritone stylings of my elementary driver, singing catchy songs behind the wheel of our big yellow school bus.  My driver was a grizzly old fellow, hairs sprouting from his ears, eyes twinkling, and a bolstering greeting for me and all of the new student arrivals.  I have always been sensitive to motion, so latching onto the refrains of many of my bus driver’s tunes was a form of survival for me as I focused straight ahead striving to keep my stomach contents where they belonged.

“Old Dan Tucker was a fine old man…washed his face in a frying pan…combed his hair with a wagon wheel, and died with a toothache in his heel….”  Exactly why these lyrics were comforting to a five year old is beyond my imagination.

Recently our four year old classes and DK students had the opportunity to get up close and personal with a school bus.  

Two drivers from Transportation Services came by to visit and brought bus number 66 along with them.  Mr. Jim and Mr. Dave had the students shuffle into the bus where they used the vehicle as a classroom and talked about all sorts of ways to be good, safe riders. 

Emergency exits were considered.  Who knew there were six ways to get out of a bus in an emergency?  It was news to me. 

Mr. Jim and his chorus of young voices reviewed the proper way to cross the street after bus departure.  He prompted the crowd situated in the back half of the bus.  “The arm on the bus comes out.  And where do we cross the street?” Small voices joined in crescendo, “IN FRONT OF THE BUS!!”  He’d made his point. 

Many of our young students will have their first opportunity to ride the bus to school when they return in the fall for kindergarten.

There was disappointment in the ranks when it became evident that bus company insurance would prevent a quick trip around the block during the safety presentation visit.  

Our young friends will need to come back on Country Auction Weekend to enjoy the shuttle for the riding portion of the experience.  There will be strawberry pie, a large overzealous chicken, and a kid’s tent to sweeten the deal! 

Future Penn View BUS RIDERS paying close attention to the crossing instructions.