Conversations

Today is the first day back for the 2026-2027 school year in the district. Have a great first day back. This picture of Bus 7 Route 7 will always be my favorite. The picture was taken on Thursday September 5th, 2013. The first week of school.

Goldendale Bus 6 Part 2.

Goldendale Bus 6 Part 1.

Now that’s a cool find and a great thing to see when you don’t hardly see them anymore.

Mount Vernon Bus 4.

My work clipboard is all ready for the new route information and everything else that comes with it.

Mt Adams Head Start Collins School Bus.

Grandview Bus 8.

I've been noticing how kids react when I say "good morning" on the bus. About half don't say anything back in the morning, but at drop-off, almost 3/4 say "thank you."
I tried an experiment - one morning I stayed quiet and didn't greet them first. Way fewer kids said "hi" on their own.
Happy kids almost always greet first and say "thank you" at the end - they smile and seem to enjoy it. Unhappy or stressed kids usually stay quiet, avoid eye contact, and sometimes don't say anything at all. Or maybe they just don’t like their driver :)
Even if they don't respond right away, I think that little morning greeting really matters. It helps them feel seen and ready for the day.

I’m loving the new look of these rear engine Thomas HDX 2.