September 16, 2013
JACKSON, Miss. – The week of October 21-25 is National School Bus Safety Week. This event, sponsored by the National Association of Pupil Transportation, is a worthy endeavor and deserves attention here in Mississippi.
The safety of school children is critically important, and each local school district is encouraged to promote the welfare and safety of every child. This year’s theme “Stand Back from the Yellow and Black” encourages critical feedback from students and promotes an awareness of the loading and unloading of school buses safely.
In addition, the School Bus Poster Contest theme this year, “At My Stop-You Stop,” promotes an awareness of safely loading and unloading at the bus stop. The poster contest rules may be located at www.napt.org.
The poster contest is open to all students in grades K-8, which includes special need students. The Office of Safe and Orderly Schools encourages all eligible students to participate. Winners will be announced in each of the four divisions, with prizes ranging from a $500 savings bond for first place to a $100 saving bonds for third place. The overall national winner will be presented a $1,000 savings bond. All poster entries should be submitted to the Mississippi Department of Education by Friday, Sept, 27.
Posters received after that date will not be considered. All posters should be sent to Clarence Carter, Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Safe and Orderly Schools at 359 North West Street, Suite 112 Jackson, Mississippi 39201. Please direct any questions about the poster contest or other bus safety concerns to Clarence Carter or Leonard Swilley at (601) 359-1028.
Media Contact:
Patrice Guilfoyle, APR
Director of Communications
601-359-3706
Jean Cook, APR
Communications Specialist
601-359-3519