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"A Great time in a
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First Day of School for a
Little Girl Who is Left on a School Bus
report by Ed Vincent
Ms. Angela Zera took her daughter to the school bus this morning at 7:30am and waved good bye as she boarded the bus for Irving School.
Ms. Zera had taken the day off from work since this was her daughters first day of school and she wanted everything to go right. She went back to her house and locked up, then went on her way to Irving to see how things were doing, it's the first day of school.
When Angela Zera arrived at Irving to see how the bus ride was and how her daughter was doing, she couldn't find her daughter. She spoke to people at Irving who told her that perhaps the bus had not dropped off the kids yet and to be patient. Ms. Zera waited and was told that her daughter should be to school in a couple of minutes. The minutes added up and there were no answers coming. Ms. Zera wanted to call the police and school officials said that it would not be necessary. Angela Zera did not have her cell phone with her or she would have called the police immediately. Ms. Zera felt
that time was precious if she was to find her daughter before something might go wrong.
Ms. Zera told us that her daughter was found an hour later, having stayed on the bus the entire time. Someone at Irving came onto the bus with a reported list of kids that were to come off the bus, her daughter was one of the many children to leave the bus and come into Irving. She was left on the bus and the bus left to get older kids for some other schools.
We called District 97 to see if they had any additional information about the incident. Dr. Roberts would address the concerns with us directly. Dr. Roberts noted his concern that this not happen again and felt for the woman who had undergone the event this morning with her daughter. The Principal of Irving, John Hodge had a busy day today himself.
There was a missing girl on a bus and the fire department helping a child get unstuck from some playground equipment.
Principal Hodge will ride on the very bus that the young girl did not exit this morning. He will do so to make sure that all kids learn the procedures. We are told there is another person from the district who will also ride the buses and make sure all kids are safe and exit the bus when they should. We called the bus company in Maywood and were told that all the buses have recording movie cameras that are on during all of the bus rides.
In the end all things worked out fine today and many learned and took steps to ensure an even safer tomorrow for all the kids.
Superintendent Roberts
Press Release from District 97
Bus Incident at Irving Elementary School
August 25, 2010
Incident Summary:
This morning a student at Irving Elementary School remained on the bus when the other pupils were dropped off at the building. Upon discovering that a student was not on the school property, the district immediately contacted a representative from the bus company who, in turn, radioed the driver. The student was found on the bus and brought back to the building approximately 10-15 minutes after the school day had begun.
Our school personnel talked to the student and parent, and the child returned to class. It is important to note that there was a teacher present this morning to escort the students into the building as soon as they departed the bus; and I believe it is the normal practice for bus drivers to check their vehicles to avoid such an incident.
Given the priority we place on the safety of our boys and girls, Principal Hodge has suggested that we assign a staff member to search the bus each morning to make sure everyone exits the vehicle. In addition, he (Principal Hodge) will be riding the bus to and from school the rest of this week to make sure all
students, especially those new to the school, understand the process and procedures. I want to commend the quick and decisive action Principal Hodge and his staff took in this matter. I also fully support the school’s plan to enhance the safety of its bus operation.
Discipline of the Driver:
The bus company is responsible for disciplining its drivers. We will not comment on any action the company has or will take against the driver in this matter.
Commitment to Safety:
District 97 is committed to providing students with a safe, nurturing environment in which to learn. That environment extends beyond the confines of a classroom to our cafeterias, gymnasiums, playgrounds and buses.
While the prime responsibility for transportation rests with the bus company, I believe the district can do more to live up to our commitment to keep our youngsters safe.
I know how I would feel if my five-year old granddaughter was left on a bus, and I want to assure all of our parents/guardians that this level of service cannot be tolerated.
We will continue to work with all of our stakeholders to make sure our students are safe.
Editors Note:
Dr. Roberts and the staff at District 97 acted quickly to see to it that nothing like this happens in the future. It was a frightening time for the mother, and her concerns have been met and many have learned from today's events.
report by Ed Vincent
Ms. Angela Zera took her daughter to the school bus this morning at 7:30am and waved good bye as she boarded the bus for Irving School.
Ms. Zera had taken the day off from work since this was her daughters first day of school and she wanted everything to go right. She went back to her house and locked up, then went on her way to Irving to see how things were doing, it's the first day of school.
When Angela Zera arrived at Irving to see how the bus ride was and how her daughter was doing, she couldn't find her daughter. She spoke to people at Irving who told her that perhaps the bus had not dropped off the kids yet and to be patient. Ms. Zera waited and was told that her daughter should be to school in a couple of minutes. The minutes added up and there were no answers coming. Ms. Zera wanted to call the police and school officials said that it would not be necessary. Angela Zera did not have her cell phone with her or she would have called the police immediately. Ms. Zera felt
that time was precious if she was to find her daughter before something might go wrong.
Ms. Zera told us that her daughter was found an hour later, having stayed on the bus the entire time. Someone at Irving came onto the bus with a reported list of kids that were to come off the bus, her daughter was one of the many children to leave the bus and come into Irving. She was left on the bus and the bus left to get older kids for some other schools.
We called District 97 to see if they had any additional information about the incident. Dr. Roberts would address the concerns with us directly. Dr. Roberts noted his concern that this not happen again and felt for the woman who had undergone the event this morning with her daughter. The Principal of Irving, John Hodge had a busy day today himself.
There was a missing girl on a bus and the fire department helping a child get unstuck from some playground equipment.
Principal Hodge will ride on the very bus that the young girl did not exit this morning. He will do so to make sure that all kids learn the procedures. We are told there is another person from the district who will also ride the buses and make sure all kids are safe and exit the bus when they should. We called the bus company in Maywood and were told that all the buses have recording movie cameras that are on during all of the bus rides.
In the end all things worked out fine today and many learned and took steps to ensure an even safer tomorrow for all the kids.
Superintendent Roberts
Press Release from District 97
Bus Incident at Irving Elementary School
August 25, 2010
Incident Summary:
This morning a student at Irving Elementary School remained on the bus when the other pupils were dropped off at the building. Upon discovering that a student was not on the school property, the district immediately contacted a representative from the bus company who, in turn, radioed the driver. The student was found on the bus and brought back to the building approximately 10-15 minutes after the school day had begun.
Our school personnel talked to the student and parent, and the child returned to class. It is important to note that there was a teacher present this morning to escort the students into the building as soon as they departed the bus; and I believe it is the normal practice for bus drivers to check their vehicles to avoid such an incident.
Given the priority we place on the safety of our boys and girls, Principal Hodge has suggested that we assign a staff member to search the bus each morning to make sure everyone exits the vehicle. In addition, he (Principal Hodge) will be riding the bus to and from school the rest of this week to make sure all
students, especially those new to the school, understand the process and procedures. I want to commend the quick and decisive action Principal Hodge and his staff took in this matter. I also fully support the school’s plan to enhance the safety of its bus operation.
Discipline of the Driver:
The bus company is responsible for disciplining its drivers. We will not comment on any action the company has or will take against the driver in this matter.
Commitment to Safety:
District 97 is committed to providing students with a safe, nurturing environment in which to learn. That environment extends beyond the confines of a classroom to our cafeterias, gymnasiums, playgrounds and buses.
While the prime responsibility for transportation rests with the bus company, I believe the district can do more to live up to our commitment to keep our youngsters safe.
I know how I would feel if my five-year old granddaughter was left on a bus, and I want to assure all of our parents/guardians that this level of service cannot be tolerated.
We will continue to work with all of our stakeholders to make sure our students are safe.
Editors Note:
Dr. Roberts and the staff at District 97 acted quickly to see to it that nothing like this happens in the future. It was a frightening time for the mother, and her concerns have been met and many have learned from today's events.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.