He Missed the Bus!!

I can tell you from an exeperience from my daughter that the bus company likes when parents call to praise a driver...that is one of the best ways they find out if they have a good driver or not...my only worry would be though if it is allowed that they pick up a child in a spot other thent he designated....I would call and just be simple and say what a great driver she is.

You might call her supervisor and sing her praises, and ask if there is an award or some kind of employee recognition that you could nominate her for. Sometime recognition is a great reward, and a gift card...

I would write her a very sincere note of thanks. I know it's not monetary but I think that along with the usual gift, a note would let her know exactly how much you appreciate her. You can also tell her boss (though I wouldn't mention that she picked him up at an unregulated stop) that she's a good driver, you have been impressed with her and you very much appreciate her attention to the children in her care. If you put it in writing, they may put it in her file. I'd keep it short but heartfelt.

Maybe a gift card to Target or a certificate to a salon for a pedicure? As far as stalking her goes, if I were you, I would call up central and talk to her boss. You could also write a beautiful letter expressing how wonderful of a bus driver she is and send it to her boss and the superintendent.

What a great story! Bus drivers are sometimes the forgotten "teachers" in our kids lives.

First, a call to her super to tell them how thoughtful and how she goes above and beyond the call to do her job. Then I think a pretty flower arrangement or cookie boquet to the transportation office would be a wonderful thank you. You could even give a simple lunch gift card on one of those Visa/Master cards.

I agree that you should call her supervisor and tell them what a great job she is doing. (Maybe don't mention that she pulled over at a non-designated stop to pick up your son. That might actually be against policy.)

And you could go one step further and put it in writing. You can give her a copy and let her know that if she ever needs a letter of recommendation, you are happy to supply one. I'm glad your son has such a thoughtful bus driver!

She sounds like a real sweetie! I wouldn't tell transportation that she did this - however, I would write a wonderful letter and make it a like a letter of reference. Written letters go into her employee file and can help her get raises and commodations. It's nice to "say" how great she is, but a letter is permanent. Also, give her an original copy as well.

So glad your son coped with the "hiccup" well!
Smiles!
Dawn

What a sweet woman. I would for sure have a pan of goodies waiting for her when she dropps your son off tonight to give to her! Maybe also a very nice thank you card on top of it.

You could call central and see if anyone would give you some other tips on what she likes. Otherwise maybe just double her gift card that you normally get her. You could also have your son make her a home made card to put her gift card in. Who doesn't like home made thank you cards :)

J.~ What a great story to wake up to.:) I'm sure that was an unexpected surprise of kindness...

yes, all the posters are right, definitely call the bus company and let them know how much you appreciated her kindness and consideration when she's with your son. I agree about not mentioning the spontaneous pick-up, just so she doesn't get into trouble.

I also like the idea of a prepaid Mastercard/Visa gift card. That way, if she's sensitive to scents (some of us are-- I wouldn't last five minutes getting a manicure/pedicure) or allergic to flowers, she can still appreciate the gift. I'm sure she'll be tickled that you went out of your way to notice.

J.,
Since you are doubting your own ability to express yourself in a card--which would be the BEST gift--might I suggest:

Dear Ann,
I wanted to take time to personally thank you for being the greatest bus driver on the planet. Your care and attention to detail are beyond compare. I want you to know that you are making a real and very positive difference in the lives of the kids you transport. I know that my son has been impacted by your kindness on more than O. occasion, and while it might be just "part of your job" to you--it's beyond appreciated by us.
Thank you again for doing such a wonderful job with my son--and all of the kids--this year.
Sincerely,

Still include a gift card (or two!) as I don't think bus drivers are allowed to accept cash as gifts.

what a nice story!
i think the call and letter to her supervisor are the best and most important.
after that? well, no need to stalk. flowers, cookies and gift cards are always welcome.
:) khairete
S.

Wow!!! What a great woman.
Do call her supervisor and tell them how wonderful she has been to your little guy.
I would bake something nice for her, like cookies or brownies. And get her a gift card to maybe one of the spas in your area so she can get a pretty pedicure for the summer.

30 minute massage spa gift card :)

How about a card thanking her for her kindness? You can have your son hand it to her when he gets on. I can't speak for everyone, but I always loved knowing I was appreciated at work. It is way better than any store bought gift.
I would still get something at the end of the school year, but keep that separate.

I don't even know what panera or the other one is! lol! I would make sure you put it in writing how great she is so it goes in her file. And I would give her a nice card with cash, its good anywhere and maybe she is saving up for something special. Sweet story and I understand as I have 3 spec needs kids. =)

I love panera, but I hate their prices.

My suggestion for this wonderful lady would be to give her a nice note telling her how much you appreciate her. Then include cash for the amount you would have spent on the panera gift card.

I'd tell her the cash was to buy her a panera gift card, but she is welcome to buy whatever gift card she desires.

Good luck to you and yours.

She sounds like one in a million! You are very lucky to have her for your son! We have an amazing bus driver also! She will stop at house in the rain, so the boys don't have to walk from bus stop, she has called me when my son left his lunch box on the bus and offered to bring it back to me. She cares about these kids and I love that...my daughter's, not so much...she's not nice, yells at them if they are standing in the driveway across from the bus stop and not AT the bus stop when she gets there, not because of their safety, but because she doesn't want to wait, even though there are 7 other kids boarding the bus. We had other issues w/ her at the beginning of the year, but they seem to have stopped.

As for what you should get her...a heartfelt note would mean a lot to her...and since you don't know her well, a gift card to dinner (although, Panerra is always awesome!) Target or Walmart card, or as someone else stated...cash...although, that's a lil impersonal to me.

Anything you do for her will show your appreciation!

My mom is a bus driver too. She LOVES her job and loves those kids. I know for a fact that she'd LOVE a gift card for Starbucks, a massage or a pedicure.

I bought her a fabulous pair of gloves for Christmas a couple of years ago (but that's more of a Winter gift) that she really appreciated Here's the link to the gloves, in case you wanted to save it. http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-soft-Suede-Deerskin-Palm-flee...

I bought myself a pair, since they're such an amazing deal...Missouri winters are tough on hands when you're trying to do pre-trip inspections on a bus! They're the best gloves I've ever owned.

ETA: I know several here say "don't send a gift card" or "a thank you is enough," but as the daughter of a bus driver, I can tell you that a gift/gift card with that "thank you" is MOST appreciated. My mom loves her job....but her income is barely above poverty level. Just food for thought.

I'm with 8kidsdad, write a nice emo note in a card about how she's made such a positive influence in the kid's life and put CASH in it. Plenty of cash.

:)

If you're planning on calling central anyway, put in a call to her supervisor singing her praises...maybe even send a letter/email to the supervisor so they can post/share it and put it in her file.

Add to that a card from you and Andy to the driver plus a Visa gift card (or cash). I'm always of the opinion that if you don't know someone that well, straight up money is good. She may be on a diet/have food allergies, she may not like strangers touching her body/feet (massage/pedicure), or be allergic to flowers. Everyone appreciates money. :)

I think that a letter to her supervisor and a thank you note to her would mean more than a gift card. I mean, get the gift card too, but to have written documentation of her going above and beyond what her job requires is pretty meaningful.

I would call her boss and let her know how amazing she is. I'm the first to complain and the first to sing praises. I email my kids teachers all the time and CC the Principal on it when I feel she needs to hear how amazing her teachers are.

I think she would really appreciate a note. A handwritten note expressing your gratitude for the way she treats your son.

My youngest is in pre-k so they are picked up and dropped off at the house as well. His bus driver is the same way your son's is. He has pulled over to let me get my son on the bus before as well - and only because the school is WAY out of the way for me and he knows I use my lunch hour to get my son on the bus every day.

Can you afford more? Maybe give her a $50 card somewhere and the note?

I know how you feel on this account. My son also has an amazing bus driver who has gone out of her way to allow ease of transporting my son. What I would do if I were you is have a casual conversation with her see if you can figure out what she might like. In our case I know his driver loves coffee so I plan on getting a Starbucks card for her at the end of the year. I would also have your son make something, if possible for her. My son cannot so know that I'm not trying to place extra stress on you. :) Definitely any type of gesture will be greatly appreciated and I'm sure welcomed no matter what you do. :D

In addition to letting her supervisor that she's a great driver who goes about and beyond for the kids, perhaps a card with a note (you can type it in a cute font or color and tape it in) about how she helps make your life easier or more relaxing or more beautiful. Then give her a gift card for something relaxing, fun, more beautiful or that makes life easier...that may be: gift card to a cinema chain, Target gift card, Starbucks, nail salon or massage gift card, a bouquet of flowers or order some Cheryl & Co cookies, Being a bus driver is an important responsibility, but I suspect that few parents take the time to thank the driver. Anything that you do to let her know that you really appreciate her is probably a wonderful addition to her day.

She does sound awesome!!

How about some nice flowers and some cash in a card with a heartfelt thank you.

I don't know, but you are so blessed to have such a great lady driving him. I'd go ahead and write her a personal thank you and have Andy hand it to her tomorrow. It will mean a lot to her. Then you can follow up with a tangible "gift" later. :)

what a nice woman!!!! I like all of the gift card ideas as well as calling to praise her. Maybe some earplugs to put in when all of the kids get unruly!!! LOL

I think you should call and sing her praises to her supervisor. You don't have to mention the exact instance (like you said, in case she broke a rule or something). just in general say what a wonderful understanding driver she is.

Then also a gift, in case her supervisor doesn't pass along the compliments (but usually they do and it's the best feeling to know someone complimented you to your boss).

Wow! I wish I had such a good relationship with my daughters bus driver !

My daughters won't even wave back at me

what can Andy do....to show his appreciation? I think that would be the best you could do!

& Sorry, J., I'm not familiar with what he's capable of doing. Please know I mean no offense! I think the simplest gesture from him is all the reward your driver would want. She sounds amazing! You are blessed....

monetary gift (cash or gift cards) is the best but don't call the transport center about it. she is probably not allowed to have them. a lot of schools have rules that your not allowed to give monetary gifts.

Uh no. I would NOT appreciate the letter over a monetary gift. Go ahead and give the monetary gift card gift. Bus drivers get no pay over the holidays, spring break or summer.

I think calling the transportation department and asking if someone knows her well you can talk to is a great idea. If they want to know why explain you want to get her a wonderful end of school year gift that she would really appreciate but don't know her well enough. I think someone there will be able to tell you and help you out. It is a great idea. Lord knows bus drivers get the rear end of some kids on their routes. When my kiddos were in elementary school and they really liked their driver we also gave them little somethings. So just ask. You don't have to mention what she did the other day at all, just in case ;-) Good luck and God Bless.

Glad you checked with her first. Would hate to call or write her supervisor to compliment her if it would have been trouble.