A Commendation To The

School Bus Owner-Operators

To the Editor:

With sadden hearts we have seen the termination of the Newtown institution of school bus owner operators that was so unique in the State of Connecticut. This was not a fleet, but a group of caring, dedicated, loving, safety-minded individuals who cared for your children as if they were their own. A fleet cannot offer that.

As school bus driver owners, we all cuddled your little ones as they rode as kindergarteners and made them feel as if it would be safe to be away from mommy on that ride to school. And as they grew, we enjoyed watching them become their own individuals. We listened to their school day stories. We were proud of them when they graduated from high school. We watched them continually when they were in our care either on the bus or departing to get to their homes. How we loved your children. Our job was to make sure they arrived safely to and from school. That’s exactly what Newtown had.

The present and past owner-operators were so outstanding. Who can forget Charlie Rudolph dressed up like Santa driving his bus every year. Kids of all ages enjoyed that and I am sure will never forget that part of their school days in Newtown. That’s what was so unique. Those children that were transported over the years will have the best memories. And the parents had peace of mind.

Our commendation to all Newtown school bus owner-operators on a job so well done. Their reward was the satisfaction that they have done an exceptional job that they truly loved.

Lee and Patricia Glover

Owner Operator Bus 21

1974-1998

50 Elephant Rock Road, Woodbury                               June 22, 2012