STS Highlights: October 2025
Staying Safe on Halloween, Staying Connected, and Looking Ahead
This fall brings both exciting opportunities and important reminders for our community. Safety remains a top priority, whether it’s staying alert on Halloween night or making sure your department is prepared with updated emergency procedures. We’re here to provide resources that help with planning, training, and response so you can stay focused on what matters most. At the same time, we’re looking forward to the NAPT 2025 Conference and Trade Show in Grand Rapids. As a longtime NAPT Partner, we’re eager to connect with you, share updates on our online training courses, and work together to meet training needs at every level including state, district, school, and department.
Thank you for your continued partnership,
Patrick
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Our Annual Halloween Reminder – Vigilance Saves Lives
Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for children. Please stay alert while driving. Trick-or-treaters are often excited, distracted, and hard to see. Slow down, stay vigilant, and watch your surroundings to help keep everyone safe.
See Halloween Safety Tips
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It’s not too late to be part of the 2025 NAPT ACTS!
The NAPT 2025 Conference & Trade Show brings together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the country to share best practices, explore new solutions, and shape the future of school transportation. We look forward to seeing you in Grand Rapids, MI!
Register for the Conference
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Basics of ELDT Requirements
Some say obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) has become more complicated with the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. We disagree! At its core, ELDT involves theory training, behind-the-wheel and/or range training, and a skills or knowledge test. CDL applicants must also meet age requirements, pass a DOT physical, complete fingerprinting, and undergo a background check to verify identity, driving history, and training. Smart Horizons makes it easier by offering online THEORY training.
ELDT Answers
Smart Horizons Training
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Active Shooter Response Training
We recognize that this is a difficult but necessary topic. To help schools and staff prepare, we offer Active Shooter Response Training designed to promote awareness, prevention, and readiness. The course includes two independent lessons (2 Hours / .02 CEUs) and is available for immediate enrollment.
This theory training is built to provide staff with clear, practical guidance for protecting themselves and others should the unthinkable occur.
Enroll in Training
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Emergency Procedures: Best Practices for Safety
Recent events may have prompted you, your department, or your organization to revisit emergency procedures. This Best Practices flyer is available as a quick reference to support planning, training, and response.
Flyer Download Options
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AI Continues to Improve
ChatGPT passed the Turing Test. Now what? In a recent trial, 73% of participants believed they were talking to a human, sparking fresh questions about the future of machine and artificial intelligence.
Read the Article at the Popular Science Website
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One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Customize Your Training Plan
We offer a custom option that allows districts to choose the exact lessons your team needs. Whether you’re focusing on in-service, professional development, or building career ladders, you can tailor a training plan that aligns with your goals.
Peruse Our Course Catalog
Create a Training Plan
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We’ll See You in Grand Rapids, MI!
As a longtime NAPT Partner, we are always excited for the NAPT Conference and Trade Show. You can find me at the Trade Show, in sessions, and at other conference activities. I’ll be available to answer questions about our online training courses and look forward to working with state, district, school, and department leaders to meet their training needs.
Learn More About the NAPT Conference
Learn More About School Training Solutions
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Posted in
Blog on October 16th, 2025.
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STS Highlights: September 2025
New School Year, Smarter Training: Safety and Development for Your Staff
As the school year gets underway, it’s the perfect time to refocus, plan ahead, and strengthen your team’s skills. Whether you’re customizing training for your staff, ensuring compliance with CDL theory requirements, or exploring safety and professional development resources, Smart Horizons is here to support your goals. In this edition, you’ll find practical tools, timely updates, and flexible solutions designed to keep your team safe, confident, and ready for the challenges ahead.
Wishing you a smooth start to the new school year,
Patrick
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One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Customize Your Training Plan
We offer a custom option that allows districts to choose the exact lessons your team needs. Whether you’re focusing on in-service, professional development, or building career ladders, you can tailor a training plan that aligns with your goals.
Peruse Our Course Catalog
Create a Training Plan
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Experience NAPT ACTS 2025!
Here, we unite as a community of committed professionals in student transportation. The synergy among attendees fuels a dynamic environment where creativity thrives and progress is made. Attendees are not just envisioning a better future—they are actively shaping it.
Be a Part of NAPT ACTS!
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Streamline Training with Online S Endorsement Theory
In 2023 the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that school bus drivers held over 371,500 jobs nationwide. Yet, with the ongoing challenge of filling driver seats, the demand for qualified professionals remains high. For those interested in transportation and student safety, becoming a school bus driver is more than just a job. It’s a career path with stability and purpose. Our Smart Horizons curriculum track meets the THEORY training requirement.
Streamline S Endorsement THEORY Training
ELDT Theory Training Options
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Active Shooter Response Training
We recognize that this is a difficult but necessary topic. To help schools and staff prepare, we offer Active Shooter Response Training designed to promote awareness, prevention, and readiness. The course includes two independent lessons (2 Hours / .02 CEUs) and is available for immediate enrollment.
This theory training is built to provide staff with clear, practical guidance for protecting themselves and others should the unthinkable occur.
Enroll in Training
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School Bus Danger Zones & Universal Crossing Signals
School is back in session making it the perfect time to revisit two critical safety topics in pupil transportation. These visual guides to school bus danger zones and universal crossing signals serve as valuable reminders for drivers, staff, and students. They can be shared digitally or printed and posted for quick, everyday reference.
Download the Universal Crossing Signals Flyer
Download the School Bus Danger Zones Flyer
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Rare Letters from a Titanic Passenger
Few pieces of history resonate with me as deeply as the story of the Titanic—both because of my interest in maritime history and my experience as a SCUBA diver. The ship remains a symbol of both historical significance and modern relevance. This article highlights the lives of individuals aboard the Titanic before the tragic end of its maiden voyage.
Read the Article on Smithsonian magazine
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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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Posted in
Blog on September 16th, 2025.
No Comments.
