Jadyn Fredrick, a bus driver contracted with EIPS

Sherwood Park, AB. — On May 5, students and staff across Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) are celebrating all bus drivers across the Division this Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Not only do bus drivers ensure the safety of students on their trip home, but many also go above and beyond to make daily life brighter for those who ride. “It’s all about making connections,” says Jadyn Fredrick, a contracted bus driver at EIPS. “I’m firm but friendly with the kids. Throughout the year, you build those positive relationships with them, and you see amazing results. You have the quiet kid open up to you about their life, and you start to make it through to the tougher ones.”

Fredrick is a new bus driver, starting with the Division last September. “I used to run a day home so becoming a bus driver made sense to me—I love the kids. And you get to know their parents too. It’s been really interesting so far, and I’ve found lots of support from other bus drivers and the Student Transportation department at EIPS.”

As she’s new to the profession, Fredrick is part of the EIPS Competency Training program that pairs seasoned bus drivers with new bus drivers to hone their skills. “I’ve been paired with a bus driver of 20 years,” says Fredrick. “It’s been so beneficial. I get knowledge I didn’t have before, and I can talk through those situations with someone who can offer great advice.”

Fredrick has also joined the EIPS School Bus Driver Committee, a voluntary group that allows contracted bus drivers to share information and address topics important to their jobs. “The committee gives me a behind-the-scenes look at what’s going on, and I get to hear other perspectives. Bus drivers can bring forward their concerns so Student Transportation can deal with them.”

Since last Monday, staff from Student Transportation have been travelling around the Division to give a token of appreciation to each bus driver contracted with EIPS. “Bus drivers are essential for many students and their families,” says Lisa Weder, the Director of EIPS Student Transportation. “Parents and caregivers depend on them to ensure the safety of their children to and from school. Without them, it’d be much more difficult for students to attend classes and field trips. Thank you to all our bus drivers—you make a difference in our communities every kilometre you travel.”

Bus Driver Appreciation Day marks a time to celebrate all the hard work, problem-solving and relationship-building bus drivers do every day. “The most rewarding part of driving the bus is seeing the kids every day and listening to their wild stories,” adds Fredrick. “I’m definitely going to continue on with bus driving. It’s been so enjoyable, and you touch so many lives. Even for the students not on my bus, I see them at the school, and they always wave and smile—they expect it. You become a part of the community. Even if it’s just 20 minutes, you make a big impact in a student’s life.”

Thank you to every bus driver on routes throughout the Division!

Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,950 students in 42 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.

RELATED INFORMATION
EIPS: Student Transportation

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For more information, media can contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902