*ONLINE* STS Highlights: July 2025
STS Highlights: July 2025
Smarter Training, Safer Roads, and a Few Surprises
As school winds down and summer kicks off, we hope you find time to relax, recharge, and enjoy a slower pace. Whether you’re planning a getaway or just catching your breath, here’s to a safe, restful summer. You’ve earned it!
This month, we’re spotlighting tools and training designed to keep transportation professionals sharp, prepared, and informed. From CDL prep and HAZMAT theory to defensive driving for non-bus vehicles. You’ll also find highlights from the upcoming NAPT ACTS 2025 conference, a modern take on the classic pre-trip checklist, and news from across the pond that might just make you double-check your trash. Whether you’re behind the wheel or supporting those who are, there’s something here for everyone.
Wishing you a safe and sunny summer,
Patrick
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Pursue Your H Endorsement: Start with Theory Training
Our HAZMAT curriculum is our most in-demand ELDT training track. Any driver with a valid CDL can pursue a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement by completing the required THEORY training and passing the associated knowledge test, so long as they are also at least 21 years old, pass a DOT medical exam, undergo fingerprinting, and clear a TSA background check.
HAZMAT Theory Training
ELDT Theory Training Options
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CDL Preparation and Refresher for School Bus Drivers
CDL Preparation and Refresher training helps school bus drivers build confidence, stay sharp, and stay compliant. Whether you’re preparing for the exam or returning to the driver’s seat, this training reinforces safe driving habits, essential skills, and readiness for real-world situations on the road. This content is intended for in-service. It is not an ELDT curriculum.
See Our Training
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Favorites at NAPT ACTS2025
This year’s conference in Grand Rapids, MI, is packed with experiences designed to inspire, inform, and connect! Look for these participant favorites at NAPT ACTS:
- Conference Workshops
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for eligible sessions
- Professional Development Series (PDS) Courses
- NAPT Certification Exams
Explore the Conference
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When You have More than School Buses in Your Fleet
School Training Solutions (STS) offers a cost-effective defensive driving curriculum designed for anyone operating a school-owned vehicle, including vans, suburbans, and cars. Our convenient online courses make it easy to stay compliant while promoting safer driving practices across your district.
See the Details
Contact Us to Enroll
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A Modern Pretrip Checklist
The technology inside today’s school buses has come a long way since 1977. While the exterior may look familiar, the differences are significant. We’ve created a free resource that reflects the latest technology and safety considerations, designed to help your team stay ahead.
Download a Pretrip Checklist
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Pretty Darn Interesting: Film to be Made About Man Who Lost £570m of Bitcoin
Have you ever accidentally thrown something away? I can relate. For the last decade, James Howells has been trying to retrieve a hard drive containing his lost bitcoin fortune, which he believes is buried in a Newport, Wales landfill site. His story is being adapted into a major motion picture.
Read the Article on BBC News
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Posted in
Blog on July 17th, 2025.
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STS Highlights: June 2025
Get Ready for a Fresh Look at Training, Tools, and Real-World Resources
The world of student transportation is always evolving, and so are the needs of the people who keep it running safely and smoothly. Whether you’re behind the wheel, managing a fleet, training drivers, or supporting operations, this edition includes a variety of resources to support your work. From CDL prep and refresher courses to new workshops, regional gatherings, and updated resources, everything below is intended to help you build confidence, stay sharp, and stay compliant.
You’ll find practical training like defensive driving and special needs transportation courses, plus valuable insights into the latest school bus technology and safety strategies. We’re also sharing free resources like a state-by-state guide to school bus stopping laws and an updated pretrip inspection checklist to help keep your community better informed and your team better prepared.
This is your chance to dive into engaging learning experiences, connect with peers from across the country, and bring fresh energy and ideas back to your district. Whether you’re building your career or simply staying informed, we’re here to support your journey. Let’s get started!
Onward together,
Patrick
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CDL Preparation and Refresher for School Bus Drivers
CDL Preparation and Refresher training helps school bus drivers build confidence, stay sharp, and stay compliant. Whether you’re preparing for the exam or returning to the driver’s seat, this training reinforces safe driving habits, essential skills, and readiness for real-world situations on the road. This content is intended for in-service. It is not an ELDT curriculum.
See Our Training
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Thinking About Driving a Class A Vehicle?
To earn your Class A CDL, you must complete theory and behind-the-wheel training and pass a skills test. Smart Horizons’ theory training meets all federal ELDT standards and is reported to the Training Provider Registry (TPR).For those aiming to drive a Class A vehicle, the benefits go beyond just getting licensed:
- Higher Earning Potential
- Greater Job Opportunities
- Job Security
- Travel and Independence
Class A Theory Training
ELDT Theory Training Options
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Why Attend NAPT ACTS2025?
Dive into a world of diverse student transportation experiences designed to captivate your attention, enrich your knowledge, and expand your network. Look for these new editions to the program at this year’s NAPT ACTS:
- A Three-Part Special Needs Transportation Workshop
- Regional Assemblies
- State Affiliate Competition
Explore the Conference
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When You have More than School Buses in Your Fleet
School Training Solutions (STS) offers a cost-effective defensive driving curriculum designed for anyone operating a school-owned vehicle, including vans, suburbans, and cars. Our convenient online courses make it easy to stay compliant while promoting safer driving practices across your district.
See the Details
Contact Us to Enroll
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Can I Pass a Stopped School Bus?
Every year, the number of motorists illegally passing school buses increases, indicating that many drivers are either unaware of or choosing to ignore school bus laws. To help inform, we’ve created a free resource that compiles school bus stopping laws from every state.
See School Bus Passing Laws
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A Modern Pretrip Checklist
The technology inside today’s school buses has come a long way since 1977. While the exterior may look familiar, the differences are significant. We’ve created a free resource that reflects the latest technology and safety considerations, designed to help your team stay ahead.
Download a Pretrip Checklist
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Emergency Response at Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega Superspeedway utilizes Premier Responder with portable radios at the track to respond to the typical emergencies associated with large gatherings, weather, celebration, and excitement. Is your emergency response software this adaptable?
Discover Premier Responder
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Pretty Darn Interesting: 7 Shocking Facts About Drinking Water Cold vs. Room Temperature
The stomach reacts differently to cold water, than it does to warm water, which can in turn affect digestion. The temperature of water can also impact your circulation and can even contribute to things like headaches.
Read the full article from Bustle
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Posted in
Blog on June 12th, 2025.
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