April 22, 2020

Jackson, Mich. - The wheels on the bus haven’t been going ‘round and round’ lately, but that’s changing this week for Jackson County Intermediate School District school bus drivers. 

Several drivers drove their normal routes on Wednesday - not to pick up students for school, but to simply drive by and say hello. It was a way for the drivers to bring smiles to the faces they miss seeing every day. It was also a good way to get the buses running to prevent any mechanical issues down the line, now that they aren’t running everyday.

The visits were quick and held at a safe distance, but the students, drivers and even the parents made the most out of every minute - catching up on what they’ve been doing and sharing a few laughs together. “I really enjoyed bringing smiles to my kids’ faces”, said driver Heather Kuhl. 

Some drivers were greeted by signs hung up in the windows and yards of the families they visited. Drivers also made their own signs to hang from the windows in case some students couldn’t come outside. Even the Torrant Tiger tagged along to wave hello, carrying a sign decorated with hearts and the words “We miss our Torrant Tigers”. 

Driver Lisa Anders says her heart is happy after running Wednesday's route. “It just warms your heart knowing the kids really miss you. Seeing the kids, knowing they’re OK and happy and excited to see me - that makes me feel good.”