Hillgrove Bus Driver Becomes Ill, Follows Protocol

By Robert Shaw
Hillgrove High Principal 

Dear Hillgrove Community:

The purpose of this email is to make you aware of an issue that occurred on a Hillgrove bus Tuesday morning. As sometimes happens in our world of instant communication, there are many incorrect rumors circulating, so I wanted to provide you with factual information.

While on her morning Hillgrove bus run, the driver of Bus 1466 became ill.  Following emergency protocol, she pulled the bus over to the side of the road.

Using her bus radio, she attempted to contact her dispatcher and explain what was happening and provide her location. Due to her illness, she was having a hard time explaining her circumstances to the bus dispatcher. 

A Hillgrove student came to the front of the bus and, using the radio, told the dispatcher the location of the bus and that the driver was ill. The bus driver then took the radio back from the student and provided more information. 

The student who had used the radio turned to the students on the bus and explained that another bus was coming to take them to school and that the students should sit quietly, which they did.

Within a few minutes, the students were moved to another bus and transported to Hillgrove. The students disembarked from the bus and went to class. The bus driver was taken by other transportation staff to Lovinggood Middle where 911 was called to assess her condition.

At no time were the students on the bus in any danger. The bus driver followed emergency protocols and did exactly what she was trained to do. I also want to say that I am very proud of our Hawks. They acted responsibly, and I appreciate them greatly.

The students who ride Bus 1466 will get this same email in a letter to take home. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, and thank you for your continued support.

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