STS Highlights: November

As we step into November, a month filled with gratitude and reflection, it’s the perfect time to appreciate the hard work and dedication that drives our student transportation community. With the leaves falling and the air turning crisp, we’re reminded of the importance of safety, collaboration, and continuous growth. In this issue, we’ll explore key updates, upcoming events, and tips to ensure a successful and safe season ahead. Let’s embrace the spirit of thankfulness and commitment to excellence as we journey through this month together!

The drop in temperatures also signals a rise in cases of flu, COVID, and other illnesses. This is an ideal moment to revisit simple preventative actions that stop the spread of germs and look at ways to enhance cleaning and disinfecting practices.

The goal with these monthly resources is always to convey a few public service announcements (PSAs) and to help elevate your career, department, or organization. As always, we take pride in helping you meet your training needs and goals.

Warm wishes for a safe and grateful November!

Patrick

NAPT Certifications

The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) offers various certifications aimed at enhancing the professionalism and knowledge of individuals involved in student transportation.

Work Toward a Certification

COVID-19 At-Home Tests

As of late September 2024, residential households in the U.S. are eligible for another order of #4 free at-home tests from USPS.com.

Learn More

Best Practices for Emergency Procedures

Most public entities have emergency procedures on their books. When was the last time you reviewed yours? If you are in a position to reevaluate emergency procedures, please feel free to utilize this Best Practices Flyer.

Download the Emergency Procedures Flyer

Extended Access Due to Recent Hurricanes

In light of the recent hurricanes, we want to extend our heartfelt thoughts to you and your loved ones. At Smart Horizons, we are committed to supporting our community and our customers. If you need assistance or have questions about your account, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact Us

Fully Functional During a Time of Need

Premier Responder’s design and features enhance its effectiveness in emergencies. We’re proud to report that all our Florida customers stayed operational during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, enabling call centers to efficiently manage emergency calls despite the challenges.

Our Emergency Call Center Software

Online ELDT Theory Training with Smart Horizons

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory equips new drivers with essential knowledge for operating commercial vehicles, including vehicle systems and federal regulations. Smart Horizons, an approved Training Provider, offers compliant, online ELDT theory curriculum tracks, with completions reported to the Training Provider Registry.

Our Online ELDT Theory Courses

What Happened When I Forced Myself To Wake Up At 5 A.M.

Some early risers might get more done, but it turns out there are times when getting up earlier can make you less productive. This article from Fast Company details a woman’s experience for a month.

Read the Article

Cleaner Rides, Safer Students

Maintaining a clean and safe environment on school buses is essential for the health and well-being of our students. Regular disinfecting helps to eliminate harmful germs and bacteria, reducing the risk of illness and ensuring that children travel in a safe space.

View/Download this Infographic

Essential Training for Special Needs Transportation

Special needs transportation training is crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of students with diverse needs. This online training equips drivers and aides with the skills to assist those with mobility challenges and behavioral considerations, promoting empathy and effective communication.

See the Training Options

Contact Us

Everyday Preventive Actions to Stop the Spread of Germs

Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. This can help:

Benefits of NAPT Certification

“I would gladly recommend the NAPT Certification Program to anyone who is looking to advance their career in transportation and expand their professional network. The online classes were interesting and user friendly and provided a great learning experience.” Karen Middleton, CDPT Director of Student Transport, Inc. Woodward Academy

Advance your career with the only nationally recognized credential, created specifically for student transportation professionals.

• Demonstrate your commitment to the requirements of your profession.
• Prove your knowledge and professional competencies.
• Distinguish yourself among the profession’s elite workforce.
• Launch your student transportation career to the next level.
• Show you’re dedicated to doing the best possible job in the student transportation field.

Online Courses

Become Certified

Approved Provider with Completions Reported to TPR

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations streamline the requirements necessary to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and common endorsements. Any driver currently holding a valid Class B CDL can upgrade to a Class A CDL upon successful completion of THEORY training, behind-the-wheel training, and a skills test. This Smart Horizons curriculum track satisfies the THEORY training requirement.

This upgrade may also require a driver to be at least 21 years of age, pass a medical exam, be fingerprinted, and pass a TSA background check for any prior criminal convictions.

Smart Horizons is an approved Training Provider for THEORY curriculum. The various Smart Horizons ELDT curriculum tracks align with federal requirements and course completions are reported to the Training Provider Registry.

If you would like more information or if we can help in any way, please reach out.

Online curriculum tracks and individual lessons are also available without TPR reporting.

B to A Upgrade Theory Training

Contact Us

Other ELDT Training

We hope this message finds you safe. In light of the recent hurricanes, we want to extend our heartfelt thoughts to you and your loved ones. We understand that this is an incredibly challenging time, and our hearts go out to everyone affected.

At Smart Horizons, we are committed to supporting our community and our customers. If you need assistance or have questions about your account, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help in any way we can, whether that means providing guidance or extending deadlines.

Please take care of yourself and your family. We are thinking of you and wishing for your swift recovery and safety.

Warm regards,
Patrick

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STS Highlights: October 2024

Judging by the abundance of pumpkin, ghost, and ghoul decorations in my neighborhood, it’s clear we’re deep into the spooky season. Halloween is frequently considered the most perilous holiday for children, given the excitement, darkness, and the
presence of vehicles while so many little ones are out enjoying the festivities. All of these factors contribute to the need to be vigilant behind the wheel at the end of October.

October is also Bullying Awareness Month. Bullying continues to be a significant concern, particularly with the rise of social media and digital interactions. Cyberbullying has become more prevalent, often extending the reach and impact of bullying
beyond school grounds. Schools and organizations are increasingly focusing on comprehensive anti-bullying programs that emphasize empathy, digital citizenship, and support for victims. Mental health resources are also being prioritized, recognizing
the long-term effects bullying can have on individuals.

The goal with these monthly resources is always to convey a few public service announcements (PSAs) and to help elevate your career, department, or organization. As always, we take pride in helping you meet your training needs and goals.

Wishing you a bewitching October filled with enchanting moments!

Patrick

Managing Stress

The goal of stress management is not to eliminate stress but to make stress work more constructively. Understanding the effects of stress helps individuals recognize stress in themselves and others and respond better to stressful events.

See Stress Management Tips

Danger Zones

Reviewing the common danger zones surrounding a school bus is ALWAYS a necessity. Download this free resource for use in your facility as a safety reminder.

Download the Danger Zones Flyer

CDL Prep & Refresher

This stand-alone course is intended as an option for in-service training and does NOT count toward Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT). The package includes 12 lessons and more than 15 hours of training. This particular course also includes a final test.

View the Course Details

Best Practices for Emergency Procedures

Most public entities have emergency procedures on their books. When was the last time you reviewed yours? If you are in a position to reevaluate emergency procedures, please feel free to utilize this Best Practices Flyer.

Download the Emergency Procedures Flyer

Class B to Class A UPGRADE – ELDT – Theory Curriculum

The Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) B to A Upgrade refers to the training requirements for individuals transitioning from a Class B to a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL). Applicants must complete a specific amount of classroom instruction focused on operating a Class A vehicle. Our online curriculum satisfies the THEORY requirement and can be completed on any schedule.

B to A Upgrade

All ELDT Theory

NAPT Certifications

The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) offers various certifications aimed at enhancing the professionalism and knowledge of individuals involved in student transportation.

Work Toward a Certification

This Is Your Brain on Pumpkin Spice: Why People Love the Fall Seasonal Flavor

Experts say your love of a Pumpkin Spice Latte and other pumpkin-flavored treats may have more to do with how you’re wired than what you taste. This article from Healthline.com looks at the science behind everyone’s fall craving.

Read this article on Healthline.com

October is Bullying Prevention Month

Quick and consistent responses from adults to bullying behavior can effectively communicate that such actions are unacceptable, and over time, this intervention can help reduce and even stop bullying behavior. Consistency reinforces the message and creates a safer environment for everyone involved.

Consistent Action Prevents Bullying

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is a dangerous day for children and families. To help ensure a safe holiday, the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list of safety tips.

Review these Tips

COVID-19 At-Home Tests

As of late September 2024, residential households in the U.S. are eligible for another order of #4 free at-home tests from USPS.com.

Learn More