Out of the Blue
October 25, 2024 Issue 7. Volume 5
National Bus Safety Awareness Week All About Safety
The third week of October is National School Bus Safety Week. This annual campaign serves as a reminder of the critical role our drivers play in ensuring the safety of our students as they travel to and from school and school-sanctioned events.
“This week gives us the opportunity to raise awareness and encourage the entire community —parents, students, teachers, motorists, and school staff — to follow the following safety reminders throughout the school year,” explained Laurie Crawford, PowerSchool Coordinator/TCSC Transportation Head.
Here’s how you can help keep students safe when they are riding the school bus:
STOP for school buses when they are loading or unloading students.
Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and be ready to stop.
Red flashing lights and extended stop arms mean children are boarding or exiting. You must stop and wait until the bus moves before driving.
Never pass a stopped school bus when the stop-arm is extended — it’s illegal and puts children at risk.
Stay alert in school zones. Avoid distractions like cell phone use, and always watch for children.
“When you see a school bus, it’s a signal to slow down and be alert,” said Crawford. “Our students’ safety depends on all of us — whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or a motorist. We all have a role to play in ensuring our children get to school and back home safely.”
School buses remain the safest mode of transportation for students, and the district’s proactive approach to upgrading safety protocols underscores its commitment to continuous improvement. In addition to the safety technologies, drivers receive regular training on best practices for road safety, student behavior management, and emergency preparedness.
"We have a dedicated team of 5 staff members, including 20 certified drivers, who safely transport over 900 (approximately) students every morning and afternoon,” Crawford added. “Our department manages 19 daily routes, and we are always working to enhance the safety and efficiency of our operations.
For more information on school bus safety, visit the NHTSA’s School Bus Safety Page at https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety, and don’t forget to thank your local bus drivers and transportation staff for their continued dedication and commitment to keeping students safe while in their care.
"TCSC has a wonderful group of local bus drivers. They not only get your students to and from school safely, but they also care about your students and strive to create relationships with them. At the start of the school year, I met with all elementary classes on a school bus to discuss transportation behavior expectations while riding the bus. I thought I might share with parents these expectations:
- Sit facing forward in their seats at all times
- Talk with the students they are sitting with in an inside school voice
- No eating or drinking on the bus
- Be respectful of others as well as the bus driver at all times
I explained and demonstrated how bad behaviors could be distracting to a bus driver and their safety. I have worked at TCSC for several years as a substitute teacher, library aid, TMS Athletic Secretary, TMS Main Secretary, PowerSchool Coordinator/Assistant Transportation, and now as PowerSchool Coordinator/Transportation Head and have enjoyed every year of it. I keep coming back because of the students, staff, and parents. I totally believe that TCSC School Corporation works with parents to make children succeed. So, I am asking parents to have a discussion with their children about buses and behavior and what I discussed with them. Together we can make the ride to and from school safe and enjoyable for everyone!"
-Laurie Crawford, PowerSchool Coordinator/Transportation Head
No Bullying Zone
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that fostering a friendly, secure environment for all students and staff is one of our top priorities. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable, and we take it seriously.
This is why. Bullying has real implications for our children’s education, health, and safety, now and well into their future. Bullying can directly affect a student’s ability to learn and interest in going to school. Bullying can also be detrimental to a student’s self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth. Students who are bullied often report more physical symptoms than other students, such as headaches or stomachaches, and mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Bullying can include unwanted aggressive behavior, observed or perceived power imbalance, and repetition or a high likelihood of repetition of negative or harmful behaviors. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, one out of every five students report being bullied each year. Research shows that bullying can have negative effects that can last a lifetime.
Bullying is not just a school issue and can occur wherever youth come together: youth groups, athletic and academic competitions, neighborhoods, and online. Common types of bullying include physical, such as hitting, kicking, and tripping; verbal, including name-calling and teasing; relational/social, such as spreading rumors and leaving someone out of the group; or damage to the property of the victim. Cyberbullying can also occur using technology.
No matter where learning takes place, all students have the right to feel safe at school regardless of race, gender, religion, ability, national origin, sexual orientation, or any other perceived differences. At TCSC, we believe in creating warm and welcoming classroom environments where all students and staff feel accepted and included. By fostering positive relationships, we are helping students practice positive social skills and reduce bullying behaviors. In addition, we have a strong network of professionals and partnerships on and off campus to help protect the safety of students through education/information/prevention, engagement, and support in making positive choices in their lives.
If you have concerns regarding bullying at TCSC, please contact your child’s school building counselor or principal. You can also use our confidential, online reporting tool at: https://tcsc-in.safeschoolsalert.com/
We believe it takes all of us to prevent bullying - parents, students, staff members, and the community. By working together, we can ensure our schools, and the greater Tipton County community are safe, inclusive, and respectful environments to teach, learn, and play.
Below are links to access resources to learn more about bullying and how you can help prevent it:
The latest edition of the FEED is out. This monthly newsletter chock full of news, information, links, and happenings on all things TCSC Food Services, lunch menus, and more. Check it out at
https://www.tcsc.k12.in.us/food-services.
With the election season underway, I want to emphasize the significance of participating in the voting process. Voting is not only a civic duty but a powerful way to shape the future of our community and our children's education. Each vote reflects our commitment to ensuring a better future for our students, schools, and society. Our students look to us as examples of engaged, responsible citizens. Let's take the opportunity to show them how important it is to make their voices heard. To check your registration status and for additional election resources go to: <https://www.tiptongov.com/county/department/index.php?structureid=46>
Voting & Elections / Tipton County, IN
