Kara Kovalsky with Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital assists McGown Elementary School students Ai-Nhien Truong and Jade Allicock as a Bus Buddy on the first day of school, Aug. 28.

Sept. 5, 2023—A total of 205 community volunteers assisted CFISD bus riders in safely reaching their drop-off points as part of the CFISD Bus Buddies program, Aug. 28-29.

Bus Buddies rode CFISD school buses after school on the first two days of school, assisting bus drivers as they transported students home. Volunteers helped students at 48 different CFISD elementary schools.

Representatives from the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce join other volunteers as Bus Buddies at Lamkin Elementary School. A total of 205 community volunteers assisted CFISD bus riders during the first two days of school, Aug. 28-29.

“Having recently participated in the Bus Buddies program, I was given a firsthand look into the extraordinary care, dedication and meticulous planning that goes into ensuring every child’s safety and well-being,” said Moufid Rabieh, a Bus Buddies volunteer with Elite Auto Experts. “Observing the staff in action, ensuring that each child safely made their way home, was both heartwarming and enlightening. As we at Elite Auto Experts continue our community engagements, we remain profoundly thankful for schools that go above and beyond for our children. The tireless efforts make a profound difference in the lives of many.”

In addition to community volunteers, 40 businesses, organizations and CFISD departments participated in the program. The following partners came together to establish another successful year:

Lauren Rud with H-E-B on Tuckerton welcomes students to their bus at Rennell Elementary School on Aug. 28.

“This unique program that supports our youngest learners is successful year after year because of the volunteers in our thriving community,” said Dawn Tryon, CFISD director of community engagement. “Relationships with our community members, business partners, local churches and neighbors are deeply appreciated and are a huge part of the success of our school district. Our dedicated bus drivers loved seeing the support and smiles from our Bus Buddies this year!”

Debra Groff, a CFISD Bus Buddies volunteer, helps Hairgrove Elementary School students onto their bus on Aug. 28.

The Bus Buddies program is an annual partnership between the CFISD transportation and community engagement departments. Learn more at www.cfisd.net/busbuddies.