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.
We ALL use toilet paper! Miles wants you to know that the wrap around it is plastic film and should be recycled! Bring it in to school!
In art class with Miss Lis, 1st graders from Ms Merriam’s class created Alma Thomas inspired paintings using dashed lines to create movement around their shape. Great job 1st graders!
Students in Mrs. Malenowski's 4th grade IFA Reading Group made tiger traps today. We're reading the Newbery-award winning When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller.
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.
Logan says: Did you know you can recycle cereal bags?! They are plastic film too!
Yesterday gave us great weather for a hike, and McConnellsville third graders were able to take advantage on a field trip to Potato Hill Farm!
The McConnellsville Pennies for Puppies, Coins for Kitties initiative is back! Contact Shelley Malenowski if you have any questions!
Need diapers (while supplies last) for your little one? Want to learn more about the resources available in your backyard? Connected Community Schools is happy to oblige! Join them on Monday, 10/28 along with several other community organizations for the Connected Community Schools Resource Fair and Diaper Drive! All are welcome!
Call Valarie at 315-271-8780 if you have any questions!
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!
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.
Today's plastic recycling tip comes from Everly, who shares that you can recycle clean and dry Ziploc bags!
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.
Today's plastic film recycling tip! Bristal would like to share that you can recycle bread bags!
McConnellsville Families! The McConnellsville Spirit Wear Online Store is live now for all your Bobcat Gear needs!
https://mcvillebobcats.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Act fast!!! The store closes on October 25th. Contact Miss Lis if you have questions.
Our Plastic Film Recycling Challenge begins Today and lasts until 11/8! Student Council will be sharing several recycling tips over the next few weeks. Here is the key to knowing if something is plastic film!
Camden Elementary School, Camden Middle School, and McConnellsville Elementary School families! Save the date for our 2024 Title One Fall Reading Spectacular, entitled "Reading Is My Superpower"!
This free event will feature exciting reading-themed activities, the chance to receive a free book, and we will have a special guest: author Eric Litwin, the acclaimed children's author of the widely-recognized Pete the Cat and Groovy Joe series!
The event will take place on Thursday, November 7th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at CES.
Our Plastic Film Recycling Challenge begins TODAY! Tyler would like to tell you that all bubble wrap and air pillows (popped) can be recycled!
