NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK
As we replace portions of our transportation fleet on an ongoing basis, it’s important that the safety equipment on our new vehicle acquisitions is up to the task of keeping our kids safe.
Very recently, we took delivery of four new school buses equipped with modernized internal and external camera systems.
Negative behavior on buses has the ability to detract from a driver’s focus, which can increase risk for everyone on the bus. The new internal camera systems will equip our District with more tools to help manage and address incidents on buses. They have a comprehensive range of angles that can look into virtually all areas of the bus, including into seats from above, and offer vastly improved visual and audio clarity over existing systems. The internal cameras also have night-vision capability for coverage in the evening and early morning hours.
The buses also feature multiple external cameras with sensors that can detect and record school bus passing violations. In the event of a potential violation, the system creates an on-the-spot evidence package of still images, videos, and GPS coordinates that can be quickly and easily turned over to law enforcement so that a citation can be issued to the owner of the passing vehicle.
These citations carry significant fines. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, under the law, the fine for passing a school bus ranges from $250 for a first violation, to a maximum of $1,000 for three violations in three years. Additionally, if a vehicle owner is convicted of three violations in three years, their driver’s license can be revoked for a minimum of six months.
Automated systems just like these have been implemented on buses all over Oneida County. In the 2023-24 school year, over 850 citations were issued by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office across eight different school districts with stop arm camera implementation.
The addition of these internal and external cameras is an important step, but it is also just one step along the way toward modernizing the fleet with new safety technology. A wider implementation is planned, including the addition of these camera systems on new bus purchases. We are also looking at other opportunities to enhance safety, security, and peace of mind for our families when it comes to transportation.
On Wednesday, Camden High School students came together to give the gift of life by donating blood through the American Red Cross Fall Blood Drive! 23 students stepped up to offer generous blood donations. Be on the lookout for another one this spring!
Camden High School FFA Member Patrick Eveleth is making some history this week as the first member of our current-generation FFA Chapter to attend the FFA National Convention!
Along with FFA advisor Erin Curtis, Patrick is traveling with a group of FFA members and advisors from the Catskills to the convention, which is held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
On the way there, they’ve had plenty of memorable adventures.
After meeting up with their traveling companions, Day One featured a fascinating tour of the Presque Isle in Erie, PA. The group learned about the area’s native species, and even got to take a walk on the sand dunes.
On the second day, the group toured Lincoln Electric to try their welding simulators, see their facilities, and talk with some of their staff instructors. They then proceeded to Columbus for a lunch at North Market, and a tour of Ohio State University! To cap off the day, they visited the Scene 75 Entertainment Center for some evening fun!
Today, they are in Indianapolis for the start of the 97th National FFA Convention, and it might also be a certain FFA Advisor’s birthday….. Coincidence? We think not.
We’ll keep you up to date on their travels as we hear more!
NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK
Did you know that school buses are some of the most highly regulated vehicles on our roadways today? They undergo rigorous testing and have very strict design standards that must be followed in their design. They are built to be safer than consumer passenger vehicles in preventing crashes and injuries.
Less than one percent of all traffic fatalities nationwide involve children riding school buses.
That said, one fatality anywhere, is still too many. And a little attention from everyone goes a long way.
The most dangerous time for school bus related incidents is during loading and unloading. Over the last 53 years, more than 1,200 young people have been killed while loading and unloading school buses across the country, and so many of these incidents were easily avoidable.
When you’re around a school bus, slow down, be alert, and mind the lights.
It's no secret. To get the most out of all that school has to offer, you have to be here. #CCSDAttendanceAwarenessMonth
The Section III Field Hockey brackets are out, and look who locked down the #1 seed in Class B!
If that's not enough excitement, we are this year's host for the Section III Semifinals and Finals, so the Blue Devils' road to a title defense runs right through the Queen Village.
More information to come.
NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK
For obvious reasons, motorist conduct is a huge focus when it comes to safety at the bus stop, but what can students and families do to help protect themselves? The good news is, it’s easy to be bus stop smart!
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following tips using a method called SAFE.
S - Stay. At least 10 feet from the edge of the road or the curb while waiting for the bus.
A - Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, and the bus driver has signaled for you to board.
F - Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.
E - Exit the bus only after it stops. Look both ways for any moving traffic before crossing, even when the driver has signaled you. Two sets of eyes is even better than one.
October is National Principal's Month in the United States! Please join us in recognizing the work that our principals, Aaron Fiorini, Brittany DerCola, Craig Ferretti, and Heidi Allen, do each day in support of our students, staff, and families. Thank you!
Connected Community Schools will hold Open Hub Hours on Thursday at CHS!. Families will be able to get extra grocery items and talk with the team about other community resources. Bring a bag!
October is Camden CSD Attendance Awareness month. It takes a community-wide partnership to make sure our students get to school each day. Even a few days per month can cause difficulties in the future.
National School Bus Safety week is here! Held annually during the third full week of October, the goal of National School Bus Safety Week is to bring school districts together with the community to talk about the importance of school bus safety.
Did you know that the most dangerous part of a school bus ride is loading and unloading? Often, it involves someone who has illegally passed a stopped school bus, and incidents of illegal passing have been increasing nationwide at about four percent per year.
We’ll be covering bus stop safety a few times this week. If you encounter a school bus on the roadway, you should be doing the following:
1. Slow down and be attentive. Buses make frequent stops, so patience and a reasonable rate of speed are important to protect the children, staff, and yourself. Also, remember that school buses are required to stop at railroad crossings. Be even more patient during the winter months, as slick conditions can pose a greater challenge.
2. When yellow lights are flashing, slow down and prepare to stop. When the red lights are flashing and the stop sign/arm is deployed, you must stop completely. It is suggested that you stop at least 20 feet from the bus, as 10 feet or less can be very dangerous. When in doubt, always stop your vehicle until you know it is safe to proceed.
3. Remember that on multiple lane or divided highways, traffic must stop in both directions for a school bus that has its stop sign/arm deployed.
4. When the red lights turn off, and the stop sign/arm comes inward toward the bus, you may continue. However, use caution in the vicinity of the bus. Look around before moving your vehicle, as children may be walking in front of, behind, or on the side of school buses. Check for pedestrians - especially near schools, bus stops, playgrounds, parks, and behind parked cars. Never assume.
5. Even if a bus isn’t loading or unloading right away, be extra careful around buses near our schools, as children may be close by.
6. Obey posted school zone speed limits, such as the one near Camden Elementary School on Oswego Street. Also be mindful of our school zone crosswalks and stop signs throughout the village, especially before and after school. These play an equally important role in getting our students to and from school each day.
If we all do our part, we can keep everyone safe this school year, including our students and transportation staff.
The show will be here before you know it! Opening night of the CHS Drama Club's Fall Play Production, "Emily Bronte: Teenage Ghost Hunter" is almost here!
Don't forget about the coloring contest and the opportunity for your child to trick-or-treat with the cast at the show!
MORE INFO: https://www.camdenschools.org/article/1822362
Presenting the Camden Boys' Varsity Soccer Class of 2025! The Blue Devils took a moment to recognize four seniors for their contributions to the program ahead of Thursday's match against Holland Patent.
Congratulations to James Murphy, Brodie Buckingham, Owen Perusse, and Zayne Geer!
We're just two weeks from opening night of the CHS Drama Club's Fall Play Production!
Don't forget about the coloring contest and the opportunity for your child to trick-or-treat with the cast at the show!
MORE INFO: https://www.camdenschools.org/article/1822362
Winter Sports registration for all JV and Varsity teams, plus Modified Volleyball, Modified Wrestling, and Modified Nordic Skiing is now open! Practices for these sports begin on November 18th.
Registration for the remaining modified sports not listed above will open on November 2nd, and their practices will begin on December 2nd.
Register today on the Arbiter Sports FamilyID platform!
https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/camden-central-schools-athletics
For more information, including start dates and a date and time for the Family/Player Information meeting, visit https://www.camdenschools.org/o/ccsd/article/1826898
It's Gameday in the Queen Village! Tonight, Blue Devils varsity football hosts Oneida at 6:30 PM at the Camden High School Stadium as the team closes out the regular season with the first outing of a two-game homestand. As always, admission is free for Blue Devil home games.
Live Stream: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ny/camden/organization/17261/camden-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MTExODExMA%3D%3D
Some helpful reminders for tonight's game:
-An adult must accompany all elementary and middle school students. Students not accompanied by an adult will not be allowed in.
- Playing catch or games of any kind will not be allowed.
- Students should not wander around and should be cheering for our Blue Devils!
- Capital project construction is still happening. Please stay away from any taped-off areas.
- Spectators are expected to abide by the Camden Central School District Sportsmanship Policy.
Remember: Senior Night is next week!
Go Blue Devils!
We hope to see you this evening as Camden Girls Varsity Soccer battles Whitesboro, while supporting the globe's ongoing battle against Breast Cancer with their annual awareness game. Kickoff is set for 4:30!
Training Opportunity
Be here. Be on time. Every day. #CCSDAttendanceAwarenessMonth
Scenes from yesterday's modified and varsity cross country race at Oneida!
Photos: Alana Golden
