October 20, 2025 — The morning sun glowed across the yellow school buses lined neatly along the curb outside Oakland Park Elementary School. Their mirrors flashed in the light, their stop arms ready to swing open. Students gathered in small groups, their chatter filled with laughter and the occasional honk imitation as they prepared to climb aboard. This was the start of an exciting school day devoted to safety, learning, and fun.

Ahead of National School Bus Safety Week, Oakland Park Elementary hosted its annual Bus Safety Day: a hands-on learning experience designed to teach students how to stay safe while getting on, riding, and getting off the bus. This year, all 303 Oakland Park students from prekindergarten through fifth grade participated.

“Today was all about bus safety, keeping our kids safe, and knowing how to travel on buses,” said school counselor Kathryn Eisley, who helped organize the event. “I hope they are gaining an understanding of how important it is to be safe riders and be able to navigate the bus.”

Across the blacktop, bus drivers and staff worked together to walk students through the basics. They learned how to look for the driver’s hand signals, how to cross the street safely, and what to do if they drop something near the bus. Students practiced boarding the bus calmly and sitting safely in their seats, understanding that even small actions can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe.

Inside and outside the bus, students listened carefully. Some watched with wide eyes as the red lights flashed and the stop arm extended. Others giggled as they practiced how to cross the street with their heads on a swivel, calling out, “Look left! Look right!” before taking a confident step forward.

For Jurnee Reeves, a fourth grade student at Oakland Park, the lessons made her feel even more prepared for her daily ride. 

“It's good to know more stuff about [bus safety] because I didn't know everything, but now I know,” Jurnee said proudly.

Principal Mark Caudill said that is what Bus Safety Day is all about. 

“Our kids come from various areas throughout the community where there are busy intersections, busy main roads where the bus stops are,” Caudill explained. “Some of our students have to cross some busy streets to get to their homes at the end of the day, so we want to make sure that they're aware of everything around them.”

That awareness, he added, can save lives. Every year, the event serves as a timely reminder that bus safety is everyone’s responsibility, from students and families to drivers and the community at large. It’s a simple rule, but one that bears repeating: when the stop arm is extended and the red lights are flashing, don’t pass the bus.

At Oakland Park, that message is delivered in a way students will remember. The event combines fun, interaction, and real-world practice to ensure safety lessons stick. It also reflects the District’s broader commitment to protecting and preparing students for every part of their day, whether they’re in the classroom or on the way home.

“I thought our students had a great time,” Eisley said. “It was super fun for them. They are always excited about Bus Safety Day!”

Columbus City Schools’ Department of Transportation serves tens of thousands of students each day, moving young learners safely across the city’s neighborhoods. The District transports 28,137 students daily across 494 bus routes. 

Programs like Oakland Park’s annual Bus Safety Day help reinforce the importance of being mindful, alert, and respectful while riding. They also give students a chance to meet and thank the drivers who help them arrive at school ready to learn.

By the time the last student stepped off the bus that day, there was a buzz of excitement in the air. Some shared what they learned with friends, and others waved goodbye to the bus drivers who smiled proudly from their seats.

“I want to say thank you for teaching us and helping us on the bus,” Jurnee said.

For staff and students alike, the event was both a safety lesson and a celebration of care, community, and confidence.

Bus Expectations:

B - Be Responsible

U - Use Respect

S - Stay Safe