Cy-Fair ISD is looking for Bus Buddies volunteers for the first week of school.[/caption] For the last eight years, Cy-Fair ISD volunteers have participated in the Bus Buddies program in the district’s elementary schools during the beginning of the school year. The program involves community volunteers who ride along with new district bus drivers and ensure the routes and drop-offs are completed smoothly and safely. “[The volunteers] lend an extra set of hands, eyes and ears to the bus drivers to assist with the youngest children in getting off the bus at the correct stops in the afternoon,” said Leslie Francis, CFISD director of marketing and business relations. The first few days of school are often hectic, and the safety of younger students is a priority. Adding an adult presence to the bus helps put the riders, parents and drivers at ease. “Last year we had 215 volunteers helping at least one day,” Francis said. “Some of them helped two or three days. The drivers love having an extra adult on the bus to help them out.” This year’s program will run during the afternoon routes on the first three days of school, Aug. 24, 25 and 26. “Volunteers are solicited from the community in partnership with the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce,” Francis said. “Many of the CFISD business partners and organizations that have adopted schools volunteer to help.” A training handout will be sent out by email prior to the beginning of the program, Francis said. Registration opens Aug. 11 for any community members interested in volunteering, and volunteers can register for individual days or choose to work all three. For more details or to volunteer this year, visit www.cfisd.net.