Bus Drivers Tips and Suggestions
Foggy Windows & Mirrors
Great way to not have the fogged windows anytime of the year.
Open the driver’s window just a couple inches and the last window in the back of the bus. This keep the air circulating though the bus from front to rear without a lot of cold air also alleviates some odors coming to the front as well.
When you have a condensation problem on the inside of your student window, mirror or windshield, I use dish soap on a wet rag. A small amount (about the size of a quarter) on a wet/damp rag makes a great treatment. I rub the windows down and the windows don't fog up.
Note: when good weather comes back, your window will require a good squeegee cleaning. It works well on your outside mirrors too.
Source: http://user.mc.net/hyden/t&s.htm
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The Paraprofessional -Vocabulary
- Include humor and slang (ex. Jokes and riddles; common saying from youngsters).
- Change pictures/overlays often—keep variety and excitement in the child’s vocabulary.
- Include questions that the child can ask peers, particularly those questions with open-ended answers.
- Include an area with comments or request that are consistent on every overlay (“ I need a break.”; “It’s not on this board!’).
- Consider using the request “I need a break.” as opposed to “I need to go to the bathroom.” No one wants personal information broadcast to the class.
- Have peers program voice output systems that are of the same gender and age as the device user.
- Color code parts of speech for easy location.
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Electrical Safety
Work Safely
Make sure that people who are working with electricity are competent to do the job. Even simple tasks such as wiring a plug can lead to danger -- ensure that people know what they are doing before they start.
Check that:
- faulty equipment is taken out of use, labeled ‘DO NOT USE’ and kept secure until examined by a competent person;
- where possible, tools and power socket-outlets are switched off before plugging in or unplugging;
- equipment is switched off and/or unplugged before cleaning or making adjustments.
More complicated tasks, such as equipment repairs or alterations to an electrical installation, should only be tackled by people with a knowledge of the risks and the
precautions needed.
You must not allow work on or near exposed live parts of equipment unless it is absolutely unavoidable and suitable precautions have been taken to prevent injury, both to the workers and to anyone else who may be in the area.
Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/PUBNS/indg231.pdf
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CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Santa Clause
Countries feature different gift-bearers for the Christmas or Advent season:
La Befana in Italy ~ The Three Kings in Spain, Puerto Rico, and Mexico ~ Christkindl or the Christ Child in Switzerland and Austria ~ Father Christmas in England ~ and Pere Noël, Father Christmas or the Christ Child in France. Still, the figure of Santa Claus as a jolly, benevolent, plump man in a red suit described in Moore's poem remains with us today and is recognized by children and adults alike around the world.
Christmas Stockings
Christmas stockings are hung near the chimney on Christmas Eve for Santa Claus to fill it with goodies for the children. It is an empty sock or a bag that is given the shape of a sock. The children in United States and some other countries have been following this tradition of hanging a Christmas stocking, believing that Father Christmas will fill it with sweets and gifts for them. The items that are believed to be stuffed in the Christmas stocking by Santa Claus are known as stocking stuffers.
The tradition of the Christmas stockings began by a story told since ancient time about a kind noble man who had three daughters. The wife of the nobleman expired and the daughters and their father were left in a state of sorrow. The daughters had to do all the work in the house. When the daughters became young and eligible for marriage, the poor father could not afford to give the huge dowries to their husbands.
One evening the daughters, after washing their stockings hung them near the fire place to be dried. Santa Claus being moved by the plight of the daughters came in and put in three bags of gold one in each of the stocking hanging by the chimney. The next morning the family noticed the gold bags and the nobleman had enough for his daughter’s marriage. The daughters got married and they lived happily ever after. Since then children have been hanging Christmas stockings.
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Crackled Sugar Cookies
· 1/2 cup butter
· 1/2 cup shortening
· 2 cups granulated sugar
· 1 teaspoon baking soda
· 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
· 1/8 teaspoon salt
· 3 egg yolks
· 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
· 2 cups all-purpose flour
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt. Beat till combined. Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in remaining flour.
2. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake cookies in a 300° F. oven about 20 minutes or till tops are slightly cracked and sides are set (do not let edges brown). Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool.
Source: http://www.allthingschristmas.com/
HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY!