The Official Publication of the California Association of School Transportation Officials

CASTOways MARCH 2016

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Success in San Diego and more

CASTOWAYS EDITOR

CASTO STATE PRESIDENT

As we finish one event it’s onto another; we just held our 48th Annual CASTO Conference in Sunny San Diego, and couldn’t have asked for better weather or mentoring. If you were not able to attend this year, it is our hopes that you will be able to attend in the near future. Kevin Bracy said it best with JENNIFER HANSHEW his keynote; CASTO President “You matter”, “Each One Reach One”, “Brace yourself to raise greatness.” Be the best version of you AND….win the day! Al Sauvadon continued the inspiration with “My American Dream” relating that everyone should follow their dreams; Apex did a great job in preparing drivers to be on the lookout for the unknown; the Department of Education offered great classes as usual, and Dayle shed some light on Special Needs Transportation, just to name a few. I was honored to present Dano Rybar with an appreciation plaque for his continued support to CASTO and the School Bus Safety Roadeos. Here is what was presented to Mr. Rybar; CASTO is an association that is full of leaders that are focused and committed to fostering and creating the leaders of the future in Pupil TransporContinued on Page 13 ◆

Chapter News

Inspiring conference in San Diego BY GREG STRAW

By JENNIFER HANSHEW

San Diego rolled out great weather and great hospitality as the host city this year for the 48th Annual CASTO State Conference. The event ran

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March 19 – 21, 2016 at the Town and Country Hotel and Convention Center. The program was filled with informative and educational workshops for everyone involved in school pupil transportation. State President Jennifer Hanshew opened the conference on Saturday March 19th by introducing keynote speaker Kevin Bracy of LifeChangers International. Kevin’s address was one that implored us to understand “How WE are making a difference”, our daily consistent, and the presence in the lives of our youth is more impactful than we’ll ever know. Kevin Bracy calls us #DifferenceMakers and after he spoke we understood why we needed to “Brace Ourselves!” It was a program filled with powerful messages. Kevin was followed by three separate breakout sessions that filled the remainder of the morning and mid-day on Saturday. The Department of Education Office of School Transportation offered classes on Carrier requirements, Behavior Modification, Air Brakes, and Terminal Inspections. These programs were presented by Stephanie Oliver, Donna Anderson, Antonio Perez, and Dano Rybar respectively. Also included on the Saturday program was another session from Kevin Bracy, a presentation on Operation Lifesaver, and Al and Paula Sauvadon speaking about “Earning the Respect of Others.” In addition, Dayle CanContinued on Page 10 ◆

Keynote speaker Kevin Bracy

California team places second at National Special Needs BY ROBELYN WATSON CASTOWAYS CONTRIBUTOR

The National Special Needs Team Roadeo was held on March 12, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. Robelyn Watson and Cynthia Wright from San Diego Unified School District represented the California team. Robelyn was the bus driver, and Cynthia was the bus monitor. Written testing was included to the total point counts. The test consisted of knowledge in spe-

cial needs transportation. Different sections of the test had multiple choice answers, true or false questions, fill in the blank sentences, matching FMVSS numbers with the appropriate Titles, and finally an essay with up to 200 words. The weather there was raining with hot temperatures. The vehicle used there was a little different for special needs roadeo. Drivers had to quickly adapt to a 41’ conventional with extreme a tail swing. The completion was outdoors at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium’s parking lot. Continued on Page 4 ◆

INSIDE THIS MONTH’S CASTOWAYS

Chapters 4, 8 and 12 report on their on-going and future actvities including Roadeos, trophie winners and photos.

Safety is Our Business

Conference photos

Value of Safety Roadeos

Several sessions, awards, activities, and presenters were beneficial for the attenndees.

State Roadeo Chairperson praises safety instructor for ability of imposing values in attending Safety Roadeos.

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CASTOways PO Box 7129 Citrus Heights, CA 95621

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CASTOways

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CASTO • 2015-16 Executive Committee President.................................Jennifer Hanshew

(661) 827-3199 ext. 51441 FAX: (661) 398-7042 [email protected]

1st Vice President ..................Christopher Bates

408-201-6323 ext. 60501 FAX: 408-776-1603 [email protected] [email protected]

2nd Vice President .....................Tony Peregrina (530) 406-5981 [email protected]

Treasurer..............................................Mark Verch

855-227-8668 FAX: 831-761-2656 [email protected]

Secretary.......................................... Tony Biscoe

(805) 385-1501 ext. 2555 FAX: (805) 280-2494 email: [email protected]

Immediate Past President ..............Nikki Hughes

(916) 335-0882 email: [email protected]

Prof./Associate Rep..................Debbie Schmidt

The Official Publication of the California Assn. of School Transportation Officials

Calfornia places second (cont.)… ◆ Continued from Page 1

Teams were on a rotation cycling on stationary events such as car seat installation, wheelchair securement, pretrip inspection, and student loading. The driving course consisted of pupil management, serpentine, rear alley dock, railroad grade crossing, and bus evacuation. At the end of the day, Texas won first place, California won second place, and Michigan won 3rd place.

(619) 886-2710 FAX: (619) 496-5103 [email protected]

CHAPTER NEWS

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS Chapter 1.................................................................Sam Anderson Southern San Bernardino, Riverside County (909) 307-5370 FAX: (909) 307-5374 email: [email protected] Chapter 2...........................................................Donna Wittenberg Orange County (714) 220-6950 FAX : (714)220-6903 email: [email protected] Chapter 3................................................................Kevin Wedemeyer San Diego, Imperial County (619) 691-5527 [email protected] Chapter 4...............................................................Sheri Armstrong Los Angeles County (818) 830-2258 FAX: (818) 891-8021 [email protected] Chapter 5.....................................................................Pam Medina Ventura, Southern Santa Barbara County (805) 641-2000 ext. 1325 FAX: (805) 653-7864 [email protected] Chapter 6.................................................................Andrew Peters Sacramento Area (530) 622-6464 ext. 2233 [email protected] Chapter 7............................................................Susan Moorehead San Francisco Bay Area (415) 939-5782 FAX: (408) 971-3416 email: [email protected] Chapter 8............................................... Cherie Pinheiro-Quinonez Fresno, Madera, Merced, Mariposa, Inyo County (559) 903-2432 [email protected] Chapter 9........................................................................ Kelly Sola San Luis Obispo County (805) 544-0435 ext. 236 FAX: (805) 549-0864 [email protected] Lisa Costanzo Chapter 10........................................................ Amanda Hightman Napa, Contra Costa, Solano (925) 260-9972 FAX: 925-779-7602 [email protected] Chapter 12.....................................................................Greg Straw Kern County (661) 472-8979 [email protected] Chapter 13.........................................................................Mike Rea Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Marin County (707) 206-9988 FAX: (707) 206-9901 email: [email protected] Chapter 14.............................................................. Vicki Wingfield King, Tulare, Inyo County (559) 730-7856 FAX: (559) 730-7625 email: [email protected] Chapter 15........................................................ Denise Cheeseman San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Calaveras County (209) 830-3200 x1710 FAX: (209) 830-3217 [email protected] Chapter 17.................................................................... Tania Kaylor Redding, Shasta, Wonderland (530) 221-4114 FAX: 530-945-7369 [email protected] Chapter 18...........................................................Derrick Campbell Humboldt, Del Norte County (704) 464-0250 [email protected] Chapter 20.................................................................... Doug Smith San Bernardino County/High Desert (760) 868-6739 FAX: (760) 868-4577 [email protected]

CHAPTER 4 Roadeo Season is here! Chapter 4 had their roadeo on March 5, 2016 at the LAUSD Gardena Bus Lot. We had 50 contestants. The teams that were represented were Colton Unified School District, First Student-St Andrews, Garden Grove Unified School District,  Lake Elsinore Unified School District, Los Angeles  Unified School District and San Diego Uni-

fied School District.   Chapter 4 would like to thank our sponsors. Creative Bus Sales, School First Federal Credit Union and A-Z Bus  Sales. We could not do the roadeo without our many volunteers who give generously of their time and talents. Chapter 4 would like to recognize First Students St. Andrews Division for their first roadeo competition. Keep up the good work!

Picture from left to right are the roadeo winners Dilcia Escobar – 2nd place, Professional – LAUSD, Elfido Escobar – 1st place, Elite – LAUSD, Devery Chiles – 3rd place, Elite – LAUSD, Juan Valladolid – 2nd place, Elite- not pictured – LAUSD, Kyle Rascon – 3rd place, Professional – San Diego Unified, Kathy Allen – 2nd place, Open – Lake Elsinore Unified, Carmen Lozalla – 1st  place, Professional – Colton Unified, Rosa Obregon – 3rd place, Open – Garden Grove Unified, Mauricio Jiles – 1st place, Novice – Garden Grove Unified, Jose Navarro – 1st place, Open – Garden Grove Unified.

CASTOWAYS Volume 21, Number 7 CASTOways is published monthly by The California Association of School Transportation Officials. Email information for publication to The CASTO Executive Board at [email protected] or castowayseditor@ gmail.com

CASTOways Editor Greg Straw • (661) 472-8979 Board Liaison Nikki Hughes • (714) 997-6244 Advertising Pam McDonald • (714) 997-6244 Publisher Golding Publications • (951) 244-1966 Copyright ©2011, CASTO

Also pictured is the first time team from First Student –St Andrews and our great registration crew. Congratulations to all of the participants! Submitted by Sheri Armstrong, Chapter 4 President

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The Official Publication of the California Assn. of School Transportation Officials

MARCH 2016  3

CHAPTER NEWS CHAPTER 12 Chapter 12 hosted a Roadeo Workshop on March 12 th at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Transportation Facility in Bakersfield. Twenty-eight attendees learned the

basics of competing in a school bus roadeo. Workshop chair Essa Hall set up a great practice course and the drivers were able to practice the events they will find should they choose to compete at a state sectional event

CHAPTER 8 CASTO Chapter 8 held its 2016 Roadeo on February 27th at Calovis East High School. This year’s Roadeo chair was Cristin Cheselske of Clovis Unified. We had a great turnout and would like to thank all of the donors that helped to sponsor our event. It takes a lot of help to put one of these events on and we thank all of the participants, helpers, trainers, and the Roadeo Committee for their time and dedication and giving up their Saturday in the name of safety. Results of the event were: Special Needs Teams 1st. – Clovis USD – Veronica Gonzalez , Debbie Dronyk, Michelle Sapien 2nd. – Clovis USD – Steve LaGoe, Kevin McNeil, Ed Neves 3rd. – Clovis USD – Casey Custer, Sarah Gutier, Renee Gonzales

or other local roadeo. The group also attended a classroom session which included a written test designed to help them in their laws and regulations and pre-trip inspection skills. Chapter 12 will be holding the an-

nual chapter roadeo on April 9, 2016 at the same venue. Registration and measuring will begin at 6:30 a.m. and the roadeo itself will kick off at 8:00 a.m. We look forward to seeing you all there and good luck to all participants!

Transit Individual 1st. – Fresno USD. – Stevan Fabela 2nd. – Madera USD. – Luis Zaragoza - Just received his 1st certificate 3 days before the Roadeo. 3rd. – Kings Canyon USD. – Jose Segura Novice High Score Madera USD – Luis Zaragoza Transit Teams 1st – Fresno USD. – Stevan Fabela, Kellie Cavasos, Jim Chleboun 2nd – Fresno USD. – Elva Fonseca, Carlos Fonseca, Laura Martinez 3rd – Madera USD. – Luis Zaragoza, Ricky Willet, Krystal Almendarez Fresno USD. Stevan Fabela

Overall Champion

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CASTO CHAPTER 12’s 33rd Annual School Bus Road-e-o Saturday – April 9, 2016 Kern County Superintendent of Schools 705 South Union Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93307 Registration Starts: 6:30 AM Coffee & Donuts available Contact: Shirley Wammock – 1st Vice-President Office: 661.852.5803 or Fax: 661.852.5829  CASTO Members:  Non-Members:  All Registration:

$20 thru April 1, 2016 $25 thru April 1, 2016 $30 after April 1, 2016

 No refunds after April 6, 2016  Stop by the Vendors booths for a variety of eye-catching items you just can’t live without!! If you are interested in being a vendor please call: Shirley Wammock 661-852-5803 / Fax: 661-852-5829  Concession stand  1 lunch included with registration Extra lunch $5.00 Top 5 in each category (A & B) will have registration paid by Chapter 12 to attend the Southern Road-eo if they are Chapter 12 members. Team awards for combined categories and individual awards in both categories.

The Official Publication of the California Assn. of School Transportation Officials

The Official Publication of the California Assn. of School Transportation Officials

CASTOways 48TH ANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE

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CASTOways 48TH ANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE

The Official Publication of the California Assn. of School Transportation Officials

The Official Publication of the California Assn. of School Transportation Officials

CASTOways 48TH ANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE

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CASTOways

High Desert School Bus Safety Roadeo

ub Castoways 10.3125" x 15.625

The Official Publication of the California Assn. of School Transportation Officials

San Diego & Imperial County

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY ROADEO

Saturday, April 16, 2016

ORGANIZATION ’S NAME

CASTO CHAPTER TWENTY

8  MARCH 2016

2016

Apple Valley High School 11837 Navajo Road, Apple Valley

SATURDAY APRIL 9, 2016

The Event is at the Visitor Parking Lot of

Newton T. Bass Stadium

(Enter From Bear Valley Road, 8 Miles East of I-15)

San Diego Unified TransportationYard 4710 Cardin Street, San Diego Ca 92111

Registration 7:30 AM / Competition 8:30 AM

Lunch will be provided courtesy of A-Z Bus Sales

Visit the Chapter #3 Website for more information

Here’s your final opportunity to prepare, just two weeks before, the Southern Sectional Roadeo. Take advantage of this fun and challenginig way to improve your skills and increase your knowledge for the benefit of your most precious cargo. You can automatically be a winner simply by participating. For more information contact Doug Smith at 760/868-6739 (work) or [email protected] .

> www.casto3.webs.com