Cornwall Elementary School celebrated its student transportation drivers, student bus leaders, and families with a breakfast on Friday, Oct. 16, highlighting the teamwork that helps ensure students arrive at school safely and ready to learn.

This continental breakfast provides drivers, student bus leaders, and families with an opportunity to build relationships. At Cornwall Elementary, bus leaders are fifth-grade students who help the school’s youngest students board and exit the bus safely, model appropriate behavior, and support their bus drivers. Students are chosen through an application and interview process.

“The fifth graders do a good job of serving as leaders for the younger kids,” said Principal Nate Artz.

Families of student bus leaders were invited to attend the breakfast with their children, allowing them to meet the drivers and discuss expectations. These connections help strengthen communication and foster a shared commitment to student safety.

“I’m blessed I have supportive parents, that really make a difference,” said Miss Debbie, a Cornwall-Lebanon School District bus driver for nearly 20 years. “I’m more than a driver. I’m a listener. I’m a helper. Knowing that what I’m doing is appreciated by the parents and kids, that’s why I do the job I do.”

CLSD will continue its recognition of student transportation drivers during National School Bus Safety Week, observed Oct. 19-23, with an appreciation breakfast for all district transportation drivers on Thursday, Oct. 22.