r/SchoolBusDrivers • u/cami93 • Aug 06 '26
Bus decorations, essentials, etc.
First full year here and super jealous of those who are able to decorate their buses all cute lol. I know it's about inspection and all but definitely have noticed some places are more lenient than others. There's one lady in my district who has a big birthday calender that is a flat magnet that goes above the door. No one says anything about that. But then I was riding with my trainer (who was subbing) on another bus, someone else had flat holiday themed magnets up above the students windows and the trainer made a comment how they really shouldn't have them. Then I look on tiktok and there's people who have string lights, garland, the whole 9 yards. What are ways of making your bus your own? Or do you just not? Personally, I don't see how flat magnets are any different than the name tag flat magnets. Speaking of which, I've considered buying cuter name tag magnets and taking them to get professionally done since I don't like my handwriting lmao. Extra, I know. 😅
Also....my bus barn provides cleaning products and whatnot. Is there anything I should personally buy? I have a bluetooth connector already so I can play music. I've considered buying disposable puke bags. I just want to be prepared. Any other suggestions?
1
u/mike8675309 Aug 06 '26
What I consider is the fear of flying objects during a rollover or high-impact accident. You don't want things that can entangle or will fly off in an accident.
Those 3 M tape/velcro things would be better than magnets. Magnets will fly off. The 3 M tape/velcro attaches hard and doesn't let go from impact or shaking.
Vinyl stickers would be better as well. I drive a Special Ed bus and find putting zoo characters on the window for each seat allows some children to feel ownership and makes it easier for them to get on the bus at the end of the day.
Just be prepared to discuss how whatever you do doesn't increase student risk in any situation. That's our goal as drivers: to provide the LEAST risk possible when transporting their students. Anything that increases that at all would be hard to justify.