February's School BUSRide Letter from Molly McGee-Hewitt, PhD, CAE

• By: admin
• On: 02/13/2025 10:39:30
• In: Association Updates

I hope this message finds you in good spirits as you celebrate Love the Bus month with us! If you haven't already, please take a moment to explore our digital guide and toolkit and enjoy our fantastic videos showcasing the iconic yellow school bus. This campaign is truly wonderful, and I feel privileged to be a part of such an incredible industry.

There is so much going on in our world right now! There's so much happening in our world today. The combination of natural disasters, airplane incidents, political actions, and attacks on the Department of Education and federal agencies can feel overwhelming. It seems impossible to check social media, listen to the news, or read anything without encountering troubling events. I sincerely worry about our federal colleagues! Our industry has been fortunate to collaborate with incredible individuals from the DOE, NTSB, EPA, NHTSA, and others. While I'm familiar with issues of government waste, I must say that our federal partners in the student transportation sector are truly remarkable and their work is important.
No matter what occurs in our surroundings, our world keeps moving forward! Each day millions of students are transported to and from school and to important events with safety and professionalism. It is the leadership from student transportation professionals that make this happen, it is our members that are making a difference in the lives of children every single day, no matter what is going on around them. While it's easy to overlook this amid all the distractions, I encourage you to keep excelling in your roles. Your efforts are vital in connecting children to their education, serving as the foundational step toward a successful and fulfilling life.

February is not solely about Love the Bus Month, it also gives us the chance to honor Black History Month and celebrate Valentine's Day! The NAPT community takes pride in its diversity and the contributions from our Black leaders. in student transportation. This month serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and significant achievements of Black individuals who have shaped our industry and society as a whole.

Additionally, as a devoted fan of Valentine's Day, lets embrace the spirit of the holiday, by extending gratitude and appreciation to all those around us. Whether through small acts of love or grand gestures, let's celebrate the connections that make our work so rewarding and our lives so meaningful.
I'll conclude by sharing this significant update with you. In January, the NAPT Board convened for their winter board meeting. All Board members and professional staff were present, leading to a highly productive and enjoyable session! Strides were made regarding our governance matters, ACTS 25, the future of upcoming conferences, professional development, and certifications, alongside our usual business activities. I am truly thankful for this dedicated team of leaders who represented you admirably! It is an honor to work with our team!

As we navigate through this meaningful month, let's continue to support one another, share stories, and foster an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Thank you for all that you do to make a difference each day. Your dedication and passion are truly the heartbeat of our community.

With love, respect, and a knowing nod, 
Molly