STS Highlights: April 2025

Spring is in full swing! While this season usually means cleaning and allergy meds for me, I’m taking a different approach—focusing on growth, safety, and professional development.

This edition covers key topics like school bus security inspections, the demand for skilled truck drivers, and school bus safety laws. Plus, we honor the unsung heroes of public safety during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW).

Whether you’re expanding your expertise with the NAPT Professional Development Series or exploring new career opportunities, there’s always something to learn. As always, we’re here to support your growth—let’s dive in!

Stay informed,
Patrick

	Advance Your Career with Resources from NAPT The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Professional Development Series empowers transportation professionals to sharpen their skills, explore new career opportunities, and deepen their expertise in the pupil transportation industry. Explore Certification NAPT Career Center
	Enhance Inspections with a Security Focus Daily school bus safety inspections are an industry standard. Drivers are familiar with inspections commonly focused on mechanical components that help maintain safe vehicle operation. For a more robust daily inspection, consider adding items with a security focus. Download Our FREE Supplemental Checklist
	Drive a Larger Truck! Trucks transport nearly 70% of all freight in the U.S., fueling a growing demand for skilled, professional drivers. With abundant career opportunities on the rise, comprehensive training is more critical than ever. Our Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory curriculum is available and ready—get started today! B to A Upgrade Training ELDT Theory Training Options
	It’s National Telecommunicator Week National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW) is a time to honor and express our heartfelt gratitude to the 911 dispatchers and emergency communicators who work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring help arrives when it’s needed most. Let’s take a moment to celebrate these unsung heroes and thank them for their unwavering dedication and service! Our Telecommunicator Training Our Emergency Dispatch Software
	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
	Slow the Spread of Illness “Respiratory Virus Season” typically runs from October to May, with respiratory viruses causing millions of illnesses and leading to thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each year in the United States. Continue to: Wash Your Hands Often Avoid Close Contact Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes Wear a Mask in Crowded Places Clean and Disinfect Surfaces Stay Home if You’re Sick Get Vaccinated Preventing Respiratory Viruses
	OAPT Conference – Meet the Keynote Debreon Davis is a dedicated educator, leader, and mentor, recognized nationally with the Milken Educator Award in 2017 for inspiring high school students to reach their potential. In 2019, she also received Oklahoma’s President’s Award for her continued impact on education. Explore the OAPT Conference One Simple Trick for Making Hard Decisions
	Just for Fun: Spring Clean like a Pro Clutter has a sneaky way of piling up. One moment, your coat closet is just right, and the next, it’s overflowing with sports gear, pet supplies, broken appliances, and way too many jackets. Take the time to clear out what’s crowding your space—and your mind. Read the Article via Real Simple

March into Growth: Unlock New Opportunities

As we enter the year, job forecasts highlight key needs across various industries. But here’s something you might not realize: Smart Horizons is involved in far more than just pupil transportation and school employee development. We’re dedicated to offering a variety of training curriculums to support your growth, no matter your role.

In this month’s newsletter, we’re spotlighting a range of essential training programs and resources designed to keep you ahead of the curve. From NAPT’s nationally recognized credentials for student transportation professionals to essential security inspection tips for school buses, we’ve got you covered. Plus, discover the increasing demand for skilled drivers, entry-level training, and flexible security certifications. Take action now to strengthen your career!

Every month, we aim to provide you with valuable public service announcements (PSAs) that enhance your career, department, or organization. As always, we’re here to help you meet your training goals and continue advancing your professional growth.

Onward to success,

Patrick

Please FORWARD this email to anyone you think could benefit from the information.

Enhance Inspections with a Security Focus

Daily school bus safety inspections are an industry standard. Drivers are familiar with inspections commonly focused on mechanical components that help maintain safe vehicle operation. For a more robust daily inspection, consider adding items with a security focus

Download Our FREE Supplemental Checklist

A Leading Organization in Student Transportation

NAPT empowers and supports the pupil transportation profession through communication, leadership, education, advocacy, and essential resources. Join NAPT today to strengthen your career, support the industry, and contribute to a future where every student has access to safe, reliable transportation.

Join NAPT Today

Smart Horizons online Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Trucks now move about 70% of all freight in the U.S., driving the need for skilled, professional drivers. This growth presents abundant career opportunities, making comprehensive driver training more essential than ever. Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory curriculum is ready and available for enrollment!

ELDT Theory Training Options

#10 of the 25 Fastest-Growing Jobs in the U.S.

LinkedIn recognized the role of Security Guard as one of the 25 fastest-growing jobs in the U.S. Smart Horizons has been a global leader in security training for nearly three decades. With a range of flexible training options, we are here to help you launch your career in the security industry or take your existing experience to the next level.

Security as a Career

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:

• Wash Your Hands Often
• Avoid Close Contact
• Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes
• Wear a Mask in Crowded Places
• Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
• Stay Home if You’re Sick
• Get Vaccinated

Preventing Respiratory Viruses

NAPT Certifications

Advance your career with the only nationally recognized credential created specifically for student transportation professionals. The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) offers a range of certifications designed to enhance the professionalism and expertise of those in the student transportation field. Take the first step toward advancing your career today!

Begin a Certification Today

An Online Option for School Bus Driver In-Service Requirements

As you know, most school bus drivers are required to take annual in-service training. We offer an online option that covers a variety of topics to keep school bus drivers at peak performance behind-the-wheel.

See the Lessons

Hungry and Starved for Time? Try These!

If you’re in the market for a new chicken dinner, say hello to five brand-new contenders. These set-it-and-forget-it meals require just five ingredients, and the slow cooker basically does all the work for you..

Time and Money Saving Recipes via Kitchn