On Wednesday, March 30, the community of Westfield will say “thank you” to Westfield Washington Schools (WWS) bus drivers and monitors who serve students with disabilities.
The early morning appreciation event, in celebration of Disability Awareness Month, will take place from 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the WWS Transportation Services office located behind Maple Glen Elementary at 17303 Ditch Road. The city of Westfield, school administrators, city officials, parents of students with disabilities, and families of drivers will honor the transportation staff over coffee and donuts.
“We are thrilled to recognize our team and their efforts to provide excellent transportation services to students of all abilities,” said WWS Transportation Director Larry Johnson. “We are committed to delivering all of our passengers safely and as efficiently as possible, whether it’s a daily trip to and from school, a field trip or special event. We are honored to have the opportunity to transport our students and take matters very seriously.”
With the onslaught of a pandemic, Johnson was down 22 staff members in January 2021 and had to continually move things around due to ongoing illnesses and quarantines. However, with his leadership, the Transportation Department was able to strategically pivot, make necessary adjustments, and continue quality service to all students.
WWS houses over 88 school buses to provide transportation to more than 8,000 students in the corporation’s 56 square-mile radius district. Maintained by a team of experienced mechanics, the fleet travels more than 900,000 miles annually, and conducts inspections twice a year by the Indiana State Police. WWS Transportation employs 113 staff members.
For more information about Westfield Washington Schools Transportation Services, visit wws.k12.in.us/transporation.
Other Disability Awareness events taking place in Westfield:
- Friday, March 25 at 2 p.m. – Westfield Middle School Special Education Staff Cake Appreciation Event
- Friday, March 25 from 5 to 5:45 p.m. at Harmony Clubhouse, 1414 W. 151st St. – Dance Like Nobody is Watching – “interest” class. Free to people of all abilities.
- Thursday, March 31 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. – Westfield Wellbeing Coalition & Carter’s Play Place March Movie Night Event Presents the Peanut Butter Falcon at Grand Park Main Event Center. Presentation: “The Dignity of Risk” by LEL Foundation.