Gentry Public Schools is continuing its innovative Bus Aide Program this school year, following a successful launch last year that strengthened student safety and provided additional support on district bus routes.
The program, overseen by Director of Operations Jason Barrett, places trained bus aides on rotating schedules across the transportation fleet to offer supervision, encouragement, and a positive presence for students.
The program was created to enhance the overall bus environment and ensure that every student experiences a safe and welcoming ride to and from school. “Safety and smiles go hand in hand,” Barrett said. “Our bus aides play an important role in creating a positive atmosphere and helping students feel supported the moment they step onto the bus.”
The aides are assigned to buses based on need and are rotated regularly. Their presence provides an extra set of eyes and hands during busy routes, helps maintain smooth transitions, and ensures that student needs can be addressed quickly and kindly.
Barrett noted that while families may not see the aides every day on every bus, the program remains active and is making a meaningful difference. “We simply want to remind our families and community that the Bus Aide Program is still in place this year,” he said. “It’s one more way we’re working to support students’ well-being from the start of their day to the end.”
Gentry Public Schools continues to look for ways to improve student experiences both inside and outside the classroom, and the district views the Bus Aide Program as an important step toward strengthening school safety and building positive relationships with students of all ages, Barrett said.