8th grade ELA students in Mrs. Morris' class are creating graphic novel pages based using a chapter in the book Chains.
When the Reds are Flashing, There is No Passing: RFK Racing Driver Ryan Preece Reminds Motorists to Prioritize Student Safety
[Columbus, Ohio] — Today begins National School Bus Safety Week, the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation (OAPT) has joined forces with the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation, National School Transportation Association, Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing, Blue Bird Corporation, and ROUSH CleanTech to send a powerful, unified message to drivers across the country: Stopping for a school bus is not optional—it’s the law.
As part of a new awareness campaign, RFK Racing driver Ryan Preece—pilot of the No. 60 car—appears in a public service video emphasizing that even professional drivers stop for school buses. Preece highlights that protecting students on the road is everyone’s responsibility, no matter your driving experience.
This message is more important than ever in light of new data released by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS). Their 13th Annual National Stop Arm Violation Survey shows that illegal passing of school buses continues to threaten student safety at alarming rates.
In just one day during the 2024–2025 school year, 114,239 bus drivers across 36 states and D.C. reported 67,258 vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses. When extrapolated nationwide, that equates to over 39.3 million violations per year—a slight improvement over last year’s 45.2 million, but still deeply concerning.
“Even with these corrected numbers, the illegal passing of stopped school buses continues to be the greatest safety danger to children,” said Mike Stier, President of NASDPTS. “Regardless of the number, 39.3 million violations is simply too many.”
States are continuing to combat the issue through public education, stricter penalties, camera enforcement, and community campaigns—all crucial tools in improving road safety for students.
“Every time a driver illegally passes a stopped school bus, they put a child’s life at risk,” said Katrina Morris, Executive Director of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation. “Stopping for a school bus takes only a few seconds, but it can prevent a lifetime of heartache. We urge all motorists to slow down, stay alert, and always stop when red lights are flashing.”
“We are committed to doing everything we can to keep Ohio’s students safe on their journey to and from school,” said Todd Silverthorn, Executive Director of the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation (OAPT). “Illegal passing of school buses is not just a traffic violation—it’s a dangerous act that puts children’s lives at risk. We’re proud to join with our partners in Michigan and across the nation to amplify this message: when the red lights are flashing, there is no passing.
A special thank-you to Katrina Morris and the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT) for her leadership and collaboration in making this important campaign possible. Together, we’re working to create safer roads for all students.”
The school bus remains the safest form of student transportation, but it requires the cooperation of all road users to keep it that way. To watch Ryan Preece’s school bus safety message and learn more about the latest NASDPTS survey findings, visit: 👉 https://www.nasdpts.org/stop-arm-violations
[Columbus, Ohio] — Today begins National School Bus Safety Week, the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation (OAPT) has joined forces with the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation, National School Transportation Association, Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing, Blue Bird Corporation, and ROUSH CleanTech to send a powerful, unified message to drivers across the country: Stopping for a school bus is not optional—it’s the law.
As part of a new awareness campaign, RFK Racing driver Ryan Preece—pilot of the No. 60 car—appears in a public service video emphasizing that even professional drivers stop for school buses. Preece highlights that protecting students on the road is everyone’s responsibility, no matter your driving experience.
This message is more important than ever in light of new data released by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS). Their 13th Annual National Stop Arm Violation Survey shows that illegal passing of school buses continues to threaten student safety at alarming rates.
In just one day during the 2024–2025 school year, 114,239 bus drivers across 36 states and D.C. reported 67,258 vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses. When extrapolated nationwide, that equates to over 39.3 million violations per year—a slight improvement over last year’s 45.2 million, but still deeply concerning.
“Even with these corrected numbers, the illegal passing of stopped school buses continues to be the greatest safety danger to children,” said Mike Stier, President of NASDPTS. “Regardless of the number, 39.3 million violations is simply too many.”
States are continuing to combat the issue through public education, stricter penalties, camera enforcement, and community campaigns—all crucial tools in improving road safety for students.
“Every time a driver illegally passes a stopped school bus, they put a child’s life at risk,” said Katrina Morris, Executive Director of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation. “Stopping for a school bus takes only a few seconds, but it can prevent a lifetime of heartache. We urge all motorists to slow down, stay alert, and always stop when red lights are flashing.”
“We are committed to doing everything we can to keep Ohio’s students safe on their journey to and from school,” said Todd Silverthorn, Executive Director of the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation (OAPT). “Illegal passing of school buses is not just a traffic violation—it’s a dangerous act that puts children’s lives at risk. We’re proud to join with our partners in Michigan and across the nation to amplify this message: when the red lights are flashing, there is no passing.
A special thank-you to Katrina Morris and the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT) for her leadership and collaboration in making this important campaign possible. Together, we’re working to create safer roads for all students.”
The school bus remains the safest form of student transportation, but it requires the cooperation of all road users to keep it that way. To watch Ryan Preece’s school bus safety message and learn more about the latest NASDPTS survey findings, visit: 👉 https://www.nasdpts.org/stop-arm-violations
Reminder that there is no Coplin mobile health unit tomorrow on Monday, October 20. Thank you.
It's Friday Night Lights at The Fort as your 6-1 Cadets take on Warren!
Welding class in need of scrap metals . . .
Fort Frye Superintendent Stephanie Starcher testifies today with Ohio Valley Educational Service Center Superintendent Dalton Summers and Port Clinton City Schools Treasurer Jeff Dornbusch before the Ohio House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee in regards to property tax reform.
Some new gym mats at Salem-Liberty!
Morning literacy activities at Salem-Liberty Elementary!
Coplin mobile health unit will not be available on campus on Monday, October 20. Thank you.
Fort Frye is searching for a head varsity track coach for the spring 2026 season. Starting salary with no experience is $2598.
Please contact Athletic Director Matt Tullius if interested by Friday, October 24, 2025.
Help us find a great track coach by sharing this post!
Family Career Fest event coming up on November 6, 2025.
Building Bridges 2 Careers (BB2C) is still accepting business registrations, they would like to ensure social services are included in the evening. Many students are interested in behavioral health and social services careers.
Ground-breaking for the Beverly Riverfront Multi-Use Path! So excited this trail connects to our school sites in Beverly!
Come join us!
Octoberfest parade!
Introducing the 2025 Fort Frye High School Homecoming Queen Mary Kesselring and Homecoming King Chatum Courson. Congratulations!
Some of our teachers leading learning sessions today!
🚀 Career Skills in Action! 🚀
Our students are learning design, tech, and business skills with our new Universal Laser Engraver — and you get to be part of it!
✨ Custom-etched tumblers: $5 each
📅 Fundraiser starts Nov. 1
🌟 Open to students, staff & the community
ℹ️ More details to follow
Support our students, snag a tumbler, and invest in career readiness! 💡
Order now for the holidays!
Reminder that today is a two-hour early dismissal for parent-teacher conferences!
Fort Frye Local School District is seeking a paraprofessional aide for a student at Ewing School. interested candidates should submit a resume or an application to the superintendent's office at P.O. Box 1149, Beverly, Ohio 45715 by 10/7/25.
Introducing the Fort Frye High School 2025 Homecoming Court
King Candidates
Back Row (L-R): Chatum Courson, Terry Tompkins, Alexander Lowe, Kainan Bradford, and Blake Wheeler
Queen Candidates
Front Row (L-R): Mary Kesselring, Peyton Offenberger, Alexis White, Paige Morgenstern, and Faith Treadway
The Fort Frye Homecoming game is this Friday, October 3 vs. Greenbrier West @ 6:30 p.m., gates will officially open at 5:00 p.m. The parade is from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
King Candidates
Back Row (L-R): Chatum Courson, Terry Tompkins, Alexander Lowe, Kainan Bradford, and Blake Wheeler
Queen Candidates
Front Row (L-R): Mary Kesselring, Peyton Offenberger, Alexis White, Paige Morgenstern, and Faith Treadway
The Fort Frye Homecoming game is this Friday, October 3 vs. Greenbrier West @ 6:30 p.m., gates will officially open at 5:00 p.m. The parade is from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
