OKAPT Care Network
 |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
STS Highlights: September 2026
STS Highlights: September 2026
Back-to-school season is here, bringing renewed attention to student safety, transportation operations, and the challenges that come with getting students where they need to go. This month, we’re sharing resources and ideas to help transportation professionals start the new school year informed and prepared.
In this edition of STS Highlights, learn how you can help combat illegal school bus passing, explore the growing “bike bus” movement, and find out how the relaunched OKAPT CARE Network is strengthening connections across Oklahoma. We’re also highlighting Passenger Endorsement ELDT theory training, custom courseware development, and the NexPort Campus learning management platform.
And because not everything has to be about transportation or training, we found something completely different: squid that can fly in formation. Yes, really.
Stay safe, stay informed, and have a great school year!
Patrick
 |
We Don’t Just Deliver Training—We Build It With YouAt Smart Horizons, we are your dedicated courseware development partner. Our experienced instructional designers and media professionals work hand-in-hand with subject matter experts to create custom, high-impact training solutions that fit your goals, timeline, and budget. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Let’s collaborate to develop training that truly reflects your organization’s needs. |
|
|
|
 |
Join the Relaunched OKAPT CARE NetworkOKAPT is rebuilding the directory to ensure participant information is current and accurate. Participation is voluntary and helps build a stronger, better-connected transportation community across Oklahoma. Building on Oklahoma’s long tradition of transportation departments helping one another, the CARE Network provides a centralized directory of organizations willing to share assistance, resources, expertise, and support during unforeseen challenges. |
|
|
|
 |
Online ELDT Theory Training—PassengerIf you plan to operate a commercial vehicle that transports passengers, you are required to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) as mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). We’re here to help you meet those requirements with flexible, online Passenger Endorsement ELDT theory training that fits your schedule and gets you road ready. |
|
|
|
 |
School Bus Safety: Help Stop Illegal PassingMotorists who illegally pass stopped school buses place students at serious risk while they are boarding or leaving the bus. As students return to school, increased traffic makes it especially important for drivers to remain alert and recognize school bus warning signals. Because stopping requirements vary by state and roadway, every motorist should understand the laws where they drive. Help raise awareness and protect students by sharing our free state-by-state guide to school bus stopping laws. |
|
|
|
 |
Interesting: The Neon Flying Squid that can Fly in Formation Above the OceanOn a research vessel 15 years ago, a group of Japanese scientists documented something that had only previously been described by startled sailors to disbelieving listeners. They saw a formation of squid flying through the air. Read the entire article published in the Guardian. |
|
|
|
 |
Take Control of Your Online Training with NexPort CampusDelivering online training shouldn’t mean adapting your organization to someone else’s system. NexPort Campus provides a flexible web-based learning management platform designed to help organizations deliver, manage, and track online learning. With integrated student tracking, scalable SaaS delivery, connections with external systems, and customizable branding, organizations can create a learning environment that reflects their identity while giving administrators the tools they need to manage training efficiently. NexPort Campus also operates from a high-availability, secure data center with 99.99% uptime. |
|
|
|
 |
Have You Heard About Bike Buses?A bike bus is a group of children who ride bicycles to school together along a planned route, usually accompanied by parents or other adult volunteers. Much like a traditional school bus, the group follows a set route and schedule, with students joining at designated “stops” along the way. The concept is designed to make biking to school safer and more accessible by increasing visibility and providing adult supervision. Bike buses can also reduce vehicle traffic around schools, encourage physical activity, and create a sense of community among participating families. They have become increasingly popular in communities looking for alternative and active transportation options for students. These articles detail program bike-bus roll-outs. |
|
|
|
STS Highlights: August 2026
STS Highlights: August 2026
As a new school year begins, transportation teams are preparing for changing routes, increased traffic, and a continued commitment to student safety. In this month’s STS Highlights, we are sharing resources to help districts strengthen driver readiness, address workforce challenges, complete annual training, and raise awareness about motorists illegally passing stopped school buses.
We also highlight flexible online Hazmat ELDT theory training and the ways Smart Horizons can help organizations create custom courseware and training plans around their specific needs. For a quick break from the demands of the school year, discover how an amateur astronomer’s curiosity and Google Maps led to the confirmation of a 390-million-year-old meteorite crater.
Here’s to a safe and successful school year,
Patrick
 |
Supporting Drivers and OperationsKeeping school bus drivers trained and ready isn’t just about meeting requirements. It’s about maintaining safe, reliable transportation for your students every day. Our theory options offer flexible, online training built specifically for school bus drivers and transportation teams. Whether you’re onboarding new drivers or supporting experienced staff, our programs are designed to fit your schedule without disrupting operations. |
|
|
|
|
We Don’t Just Deliver Training—We Build It With YouAt Smart Horizons, we are your dedicated courseware development partner. Our experienced instructional designers and media professionals work hand-in-hand with subject matter experts to create custom, high-impact training solutions that fit your goals, timeline, and budget. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Let’s collaborate to develop training that truly reflects your organization’s needs. |
|
|
|
 |
Now’s the Perfect Time to Tackle Annual Training!Because we understand that one size doesn’t fit all, our Custom option allows you 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. Many districts even use these customized training plans as part of their promotion or wage increase criteria. |
|
|
|
 |
Online ELDT Theory Training—HAZMATBefore taking the Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement knowledge test, drivers must complete the required ELDT theory training. Our online, self-paced course meets FMCSA requirements, and completion is automatically reported to the Training Provider Registry. Complete your training anytime, anywhere, and move one step closer to adding the Hazmat endorsement to your CDL. |
|
|
|
 |
Interesting: An Amateur Astronomer Finds Prehistoric Meteorite CraterWhat began as a routine search for hiking routes on Google Maps led an amateur astronomer to a remarkable discovery. He noticed a strange, 15.5-mile-wide circular formation in northeastern Quebec that appeared to be a meteorite crater. Scientists later investigated the site and confirmed that the formation was created by a meteorite impact approximately 390 million years ago. Read how curiosity, technology, and careful observation helped uncover an ancient geological feature hidden in plain sight. |
|
|
|
 |
Challenges Facing Today’s School Bus Driver WorkforceSchool transportation departments across the country continue to face growing workforce challenges. As experienced drivers retire and recruitment becomes increasingly competitive, many districts are working to find ways to strengthen driver readiness, improve retention, and support long-term transportation operations. School Training Solutions offers flexible online theory training designed to support school bus drivers and today’s evolving transportation workforce. |
|
|
|
|
School Bus Safety: Help Stop Illegal PassingMotorists who illegally pass stopped school buses place students at serious risk while they are boarding or leaving the bus. As students return to school, increased traffic makes it especially important for drivers to remain alert and recognize school bus warning signals. Because stopping requirements vary by state and roadway, every motorist should understand the laws where they drive. Help raise awareness and protect students by sharing our free state-by-state guide to school bus stopping laws. |
|
|
|
WVAPT Debrief
 |
|
| Thank You for Connecting at WVAPT 2026 | |
|
|
|
Best regards, Patrick Willi |
STS Highlights: July 2026
STS Highlights: July 2026
The countdown to a new school year has begun. For transportation departments, the summer months provide an important opportunity to prepare drivers, complete required training, strengthen operations, and ensure teams are ready to safely transport students on day one. The work completed now can have a lasting impact throughout the entire school year.
This month, we’re sharing resources focused on driver readiness, workforce development, and flexible training solutions. From annual in-service planning and customized professional development programs to ELDT theory training and strategies for addressing workforce challenges, our goal is to help transportation leaders build stronger teams and safer operations. We also invite you to explore a fascinating Harvard Health article highlighting five surprising benefits of walking and the positive impact simple habits can have on overall health.
Engage in learning this summer,
Patrick
|
We Don’t Just Deliver Training—We Build It With YouAt Smart Horizons, we are your dedicated courseware development partner. Our experienced instructional designers and media professionals work hand-in-hand with subject matter experts to create custom, high-impact training solutions that fit your goals, timeline, and budget. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Let’s collaborate to develop training that truly reflects your organization’s needs. |
|
|
|
|
Supporting Drivers and OperationsKeeping school bus drivers trained and ready isn’t just about meeting requirements. It’s about maintaining safe, reliable transportation for your students every day. Our theory options offer flexible, online training built specifically for school bus drivers and transportation teams. Whether you’re onboarding new drivers or supporting experienced staff, our programs are designed to fit your schedule without disrupting operations. |
|
|
|
|
Now’s the Perfect Time to Tackle Annual Training!Because we understand that one size doesn’t fit all, our Custom option allows you 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. Many districts even use these customized training plans as part of their promotion or wage increase criteria. |
|
|
|
 |
Online ELDT Theory Training—Available for Immediate EnrollmentFor new drivers or those seeking additional endorsements, Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a mandatory federal requirement. Smart Horizons, an approved Training Provider for ELDT Theory, offers fully online theory training tracks that meet all federal standards. Upon completion, all results are promptly reported to the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Enrollment is open now, and learners can begin immediately. |
|
|
|
 |
Interesting: 5 surprising benefits of walkingThe next time you have a check-up, don’t be surprised if your doctor hands you a prescription to walk. Yes, this simple activity that you’ve been doing since you were about a year old is now being touted as “the closest thing we have to a wonder drug,” in the words of Dr. Thomas Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read the entire article at Harvard Health Publishing. |
|
|
|
|
Challenges Facing Today’s School Bus Driver WorkforceSchool transportation departments across the country continue to face growing workforce challenges. As experienced drivers retire and recruitment becomes increasingly competitive, many districts are working to find ways to strengthen driver readiness, improve retention, and support long-term transportation operations. School Training Solutions offers flexible online theory training designed to support school bus drivers and today’s evolving transportation workforce. |
|
|
|
