天津阅读表达 Rx016・2023_06 阅读表达

Herman Cruse, a school bus driver from New Jersey, has been with Middle Township Public Schools for the past nine years. He believes bus drivers are the eyes and ears of students when they’re away from home and they have a gift to discern what kids are feeling.

During one morning ride, Cruse noticed a kindergartner seemed a little sad. When Cruse asked him what was wrong, the boy explained that he wasn’t able to complete his reading assignment because his parents were busy with his four siblings. An idea suddenly crossed Cruse’s mind. “Listen, if you don’t mind, I’d like to come to the school and read with you,” he said.

After receiving permission from the boy’s teacher, Alex Bakley, Cruse showed up at her classroom the following week. When he walked in, the boy shouted proudly, “Hey, that’s my bus driver!” They went into a quiet corner and began reading together. Later, a second student wanted to read with him, then a third. All the kids went to the teacher asking, “Can I read with Mr. Herman?”

Cruse now volunteers to help kindergarten students with reading two days a week, and on a third day, he instructs the school’s first- and second-graders. After dropping the kids off at school, of course. Every child looks up to Cruse, both on and off the school bus. “Herman is super positive and he’s a bright light at our school who makes every child feel loved and heard,” said Bakley.

For Cruse, what started out as a way to kill time has now developed into a way to make a difference in the heart of a child. He used to go to the gym or library after delivering students to schools. It wasn’t until he offered to help the boy on the bus that he realized there was something more rewarding he could be doing. It’s a joy for him to see the kids get excited when they learn to sound out words. He loves how reading opens up a new world for them.