School boards say thanks on Bus Driver Appreciation Day

The Peel District School Board and Dufferin- Peel Catholic District School Board will pay tribute to bus drivers by holding a Bus Driver Appreciation Day Oct. 17. The day will be celebrated with special activities and events that provide teachers, students and parents an opportunity to thank the bus drivers who safely transport 69,000 Peel and Dufferin-Peel students to and from school each day.

Notes Janet McDougald, Peel board chair: "The Peel board welcomes the opportunity to express our gratitude, support, understanding and respect for our school bus drivers. Their care and commitment should not go unnoticed."

"We appreciate the hard work and dedication our bus drivers put into their jobs every day ensuring that our students arrive at school safely," said Bruno Iannicca, Dufferin-Peel board chair. "It is an awesome responsibility and it deserves recognition from our school community."

Students, staff and parents will recognize their bus drivers in their own special ways.

Traditionally Dufferin-Peel schools celebrate Bus Driver Appreciation Day with special treats for drivers including thank you cards, coffee, breakfast and gifts.

In 1993, the Peel District School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board became partners in the operation of a joint bussing system. The partnership saves the two boards more than $3 million annually and bus companies have indicated that it is among the most efficient systems in the province.