Bethlehem's Bus Buddies include special student

What the kids on Phillippa "Peppie" Harnett's bus did was unusual, to say the least. In fact, the 16-year veteran bus driver and Bethlehem Central United Employees Association member had never seen anything like it.

"Bus Buddies" began on Hartnett's elementary route four years ago to provide companionship for Jude Killar, a student with Down Syndrome who felt left out during the ride to and from school. Five students decided to take turns sitting next to Jude every day as his bus buddy. "They have a schedule, and they rotate," said Harnett. "The buddies encourage him and keep him engaged in conversation. It's a good group."

"Peppie is a terrific bus driver," said Jude's mother, Tracie. "She watches everything, and I know Jude is safe on her bus.''

U.S. Air Force band to help Beacon TA say thanks

Members of the Beacon Teachers Association feel fortunate to be part of a community that has supported major school construction programs and technology initiatives during economic downturns.

To show their appreciation, BTA members are throwing a party. BTA will host the U.S. Air Force Concert Band in a concert on Oct. 11 at the Beacon High School theater. Local student musicians will play a few numbers with the band.

"The cost of the concert is within reason, yet the gift to the community is priceless," said BTA president Kim Atwell.

Cheektowaga CTA cleans up

Cheektowaga Central TA members take special pride in the two-mile stretch of road that runs alongside the school district's main campus. That's because they've adopted it.

Like a growing number of NYSUT locals across the state participating in the Adopt-A-Highway program, CCTA members don orange vests and hard hats and take turns in a twice-yearly cleanup of the road.

"It's great teacher involvement," said CCTA member Pamela Nordstrom, who serves as the coordinator for the program, which is sponsored by the state Department of Transportation. The DOT also provides signs with CCTA's name along that stretch of road.

"It's great," Nordstrom said of the location. "Parents, board members and kids drive by and know that CCTA is taking care of the road."