WELLS ─ The Parent Teacher Student Association at Wells Elementary School conducted Bus Driver Appreciation Week from Oct. 22 through Oct. 26 and during that time those that have the major responsibility of transporting Wells-Ogunquit Central School District students to and from their respective schools, were recognized for their service.

On Monday Oct. 22, these local Ledgemere Transportation bus operators were greeted with large “thank you” signs erected at various stops along their route.  Later, at their morning break at the Ledgemere bus barn, they snacked on doughnuts donated by Congdon’s Doughnuts and coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts.

Drivers either found “thank you” notes waiting for them inside their buses on Oct. 24 or were handed similar notes during the week.  These expressions of appreciation were created by their kindergarten through fourth-grade student riders.

Back at the bus barn at lunchtime on Friday, Oct. 26, drivers were treated to a lunch of chili donated by The Steakhouse in Wells and a cold cut platter donated by Hannaford Supermarket in Wells.  Other items on the menu were provided by PTSA members and drivers also received mugs donated by Krystle McCarthy of Rustic Designs.

PTSA member Nicole Iannillo was the primary organizer of this year’s Bus Driver Appreciation Week.

According to Ledgemere Bus Terminal Manager Lauren Clark, there are currently 15 drivers who work out of the bus barn in Wells.

On an average school day, the crew transports about 450 students.  Ledgemere also transports students in York and Sanford, but from different locations with different drivers and buses.

Ledgemere Transportation is a subsidiary of Student Transportation of America.

It goes without saying that driving a school bus is a tremendous responsibility including adherence to safety at all times.

However, according to Clark, one dangerous annoyance for her drivers is the occasional vehicle that attempts to illegally pass a stopped school bus that is picking up or dropping off passengers.

She reiterates that it is critical for drivers not to pass a school bus when they see it stopped and showing warning indicators, including flashing lights and a raised stop sign.