This school year is not an ordinary year due to the pandemic and heroes don’t have to wear a cape. Many Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) employees have been taking on tasks that they normally wouldn’t do but have happily done so, in order to ensure student health, safety, and success.
The Transportation Department is no different and they are just a small group of our district heroes. The department hasn’t been running bus routes due to students learning remotely but they have been working on a variety of projects and tasks throughout the district.
“Our staff has really stepped up to the plate and performed other duties outside their normal responsibilities, from painting, sanding heavy steel racks to distributing meals, thus adapting to any assignment given to them, “ states Transportation Director Nora Tijerina. “We value each and every one of them because we can rely on them to help meet district and student needs! This says a lot about our amazing Transportation Team.”
A team has been assisting the Child Nutrition Program (CNP) not only packing the Curbside Meals but also aiding them in the distribution every Saturday. With several meal distribution locations throughout the district the additional personnel has really helped CNP staff.
Transportation staff members have also been instrumental in helping set up the Drive Up Wifi in district buses to service several locations. This has helped many students establish connectivity so that they can continue learning virtually from home.
“My main responsibility has been to distribute food products to the campuses so that they may begin the packaging process for the Curbside Meals on Saturdays,” states Daniel Flores, Transportation staff member. “It is something different than what we are used to but it has been rewarding knowing that we are helping our students. This makes me feel proud, knowing that I am contributing a small grain of sand to help our students. Our community and district are one and it feels great to help.”
In addition, staff members have also been busy cleaning and disinfecting buses to have them ready to go. Parents who have chosen to send their students with connectivity issues at home have started returning to the classroom to continue their virtual learning. Varsity athletes participating in fall sports will need transportation to and from competitions.
The Transportation Department personnel have been positively impacting student learning with all their newly acquired tasks during this school year. They are Team Mission through and through. Thank you, for all you do!