From left, are Kristy Newton, assistant director of transportation; and Mark Fick, director of transportation. Photo provided.

Press Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools is recognizing National School Bus Safety Week this week.

School buses provide transport to and from school for over 25 million students in America, and they are an essential part of the WCS family. One of the ways WCS is celebrating this week is by displaying photos of each of the bus drivers daily on the electronic sign at Warsaw Community High School according to years of service:

• Clelda Benning, 34 years
• Lisa Wallen, 33 years
• Jackie Clase, 32 years
• Sally Johnson, 31 years
• Bernie Waikel, 29 years
• Colleen Fritter, 28 years
• Sheri Kirschbaum, 27 years
• Leah Jones, 27 years
• Linda Haughee, 26 years
• Donna Castle, 22 years
• Terrie Good, 22 years
• Jean Taylor, 21 years
• Kevin Jones, 21 years
• John Ryan, 21 years
• Mary Jane Prater, 20 years
• Michelle Davis, 20 years
• Christi Berg, 20 years
• Deborah Yuker, 20 years
• Kim Grubbs, 20 years
• Mardelle Menzie, 17 years
• Brian Walsh, 17 years
• Cindy Schuler, 14 years
• Mike Webb, 14 years
• Gina Keener, 14 years
• Dixie Pifer, 14 years
• Larry Walls, 14 years
• Karen Loubert, 12 years
• Julia Goon, 10 years
• Mike Ferguson, 10 years
• Charles Lamb, 10 years
• Sherryl Finch, nine years
• Bill Taylor, nine years
• Mike Wine, seven years
• Dawn Sainer, seven years
• Karen Bedwell, six years
• Lisa Kipker, six years
• Dave Williams, six years
• Deirdre Stavedahl, six years
• Kathy Lee, five years
• Vickie Ulrey, four years
• Mark Tracy, four years
• Vic Shanley, three years
• Karen Olds, three years
• Deborah DeRolf, three years
• Jessica Halas, two years
• Chad Kaltenbach, two years
• Joyce Wiley, two years
• Linda Davis, two years
• Jeff German, two years
• Regina Ferguson, two years
• Lupe and Danny Zuniga, two years
• Dorene Rasmussen, two years
• Fred Landolf, two years
• Ismael Pulido, two years
• Jeff Drumm, two years
• Candi Bibler, one year
• JJ Shumaker, one year
• Joe Menchaca, one year
• Julie Close, one year
• Laura Brito, one year
• Tina Bauer, one year
• Kate Bell, one year
• Jennie Loubert, three months

WCS invites the public to support the transportation department by taking time to remind children how to be safe around school buses. Motorists are reminded to observe laws protecting children entering and exiting school buses. Join WCS in thanking bus drivers, mechanics, office staff and administration in the transportation department to let them know how much they are appreciated for all their hard work.

Thanks to Erin Leinbach, publications and journalism teacher at WCHS; Bella McClone, Class of 2021 photographer; Sydney Leighty, Class of 2021 WCS communications intern; and Ellen Stayer for their contributions in coordinating this tribute for School Bus Safety Week. WCS also would like to thank Mark Fick, director of transportation; and Kristy Newton, assistant director of transportation; for their leadership and dedication to the mission. Gratitude is extended to all in the transportation department, with wishes for a restful fall break.