Around the state, several schools and LEAs created videos and some were covered in the media. Below are a sample of the very positive public awareness and appreciation of school bus drivers that occurred statewide.

"We love The Bus" ....

....sung by students at Petree Elementary School in Winston-Salem, NC. Click here to watch video

North Carolina Loves The Bus - 2016

State Superintendent Dr. June Atkinson waited at the bus stop then rode the school bus to Petree Elementary School on February 10, 2016 as part of the state’s Love the Bus celebration, which is combined with school bus driver appreciation week. After arriving at the school, Dr. Atkinson joined Winston-Salem / Forsyth County Schools bus drivers for a breakfast sponsored by HSM, a supplier of school bus seating products based in North Carolina (http://www.hsmsolutions.com/markets/transportation/).

HSM also provided the drivers with HSM T shirts featuring the STOP FOR A LIFE logo which highlights the need for motorists to obey the school bus stop arm law. The drivers heard not only from Dr. Atkinson, but also WSFCS Superintendent Dr. Beverly Emory, State Board of Education Member Buddy Collins and school principal Dr. Essie McKoy.

The event drew local media attention including live interviews by DPI’s Derek Graham and Forsyth County transportation director Darrell Taylor.

Dr. Atkinson chose to ride the bus to school in Forsyth County this year to acknowledge that district’s exemplary school bus safety videos which were made available statewide to educate students and school bus drivers about new processes for crossing students safely at the school bus stop.

	Local media was on-hand to see Dr. Atkinson board the school bus in Forsyth County. Transportation Director Darrell Taylor (also pictured) rode the bus as well.
	Forsyth County school bus drivers pictured with Dr. Atkinson, Kathy Everett (in blue, representing event sponsor HSM), State Board of Education member Buddy Collins, Superintendent Dr. Beverly Emory, Petree principal Dr. Essie McKoy, transportation directors Darrell Taylor and Forsyth transportation staff.
	Dr. Atkinson watches a student cross the street to join her in boarding the school bus.
	Dr. Atkinson arrives at school!
	Breakfast sponsored by HSM.

Below are more pictures from a very positive public awareness and appreciation of school bus drivers that occurred statewide.

	Camden County Schools Bus Drivers Post after their School Bus Driver Appreciation Lunch
	Craven County Schools Bus Drivers pose at their Love the Bus Celebration
	Craven County’s LOVE THE BUS Cake!
	Craven County Schools Transportation Staff decorated for the Love the Bus celebration honoring their school bus drivers.
	In Duplin County school bus drivers at Chinquapin Elementary were treated to an appreciation breakfast.
	The Appreciation Banner at Chinquapin Elementary School.
	A student’s thank you note to her school bus driver.
	Drivers show off the banner at Southeast Middle School in Guilford County.
	HSM Sponsored STOP FOR A LIFE shirts for drivers at Petree Elementary in Forsyth County and Holly Springs High School in Wake County.
	Celebrations at Harmony Elementary School in Iredell County included an appreciation breakfast for the drivers pictured here.
	Bus Driver Appreciation Cake at Riverwood Elementary in Johnston County.
	A token of thanks from the transportation department in Johnston County for each driver.
	The Box O’ Goodies for drivers at Murray Elementary in New Hanover County.
	Drivers for Murray and Ashley schools in New Hanover pictured at their appreciation event.
	Students showed the love to their school bus drivers across the state.
	The banner says it all at Kensington Elementary School in Union County.
	Drivers at Forestville Road Elementary School received various goodies in celebration of School Bus Driver Appreciation Week.
	Fuquay Varina High School drivers pictured at their appreciation breakfast.
	Holly Springs High School in Wake County. The drama club performed an original THANK YOU skit for school bus drivers.
	Holly Springs High School in Wake County. A happy group of school bus drivers pictured at their catered luncheon.
	Holly Springs High School in Wake County. State Superintendent Dr. June Atkinson enjoyed the skit along with the HSHS school bus drivers.
	Holly Springs High School in Wake County. DPI Transportation’s Kevin Harrison thanked the bus drivers for the role they play in keeping kids safe at the bus stop as well as on the bus.
	Holly Springs High School in Wake County. Students painted their rock for school bus driver appreciation week.
	Wayne County school bus drivers at Northwest Elementary were thanked with Valentine cards and boxes along with coffee and donuts.