CFISD Calls on Community for 2025 Bus Buddies to Support Young Students on First Days of School
As the 2025-2026 school year kicks off on Wednesday, August 13, the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) is once again asking the community to rally behind its youngest learners through the annual Bus Buddies program. The district is actively seeking volunteers to help elementary students navigate their bus rides home on the first two days of school—August 13 and 14, 2025.
This long-standing initiative pairs local volunteers with CFISD’s elementary campuses to ensure that new and young bus riders get off the bus at the correct stop during afternoon dismissal. It’s a small commitment that makes a big difference.
“It’s such a simple way to show support and be part of a student’s positive first-day experience,” said CFISD Director of Transportation Dr. Kayne Smith. “Bus Buddies really ease the nerves of both kids and parents as they start the school year.”
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How the Bus Buddies Program Works
The CFISD Bus Buddies program is a community–school partnership requiring one volunteer per elementary bus for each of the first two days. Volunteers may choose to serve on either or both days. The time commitment is approximately two hours, typically during the afternoon dismissal window. All CFISD buses are air-conditioned for a comfortable ride.
“You don’t need special skills to volunteer—just a heart for kids and a couple hours to spare,” the district added.
To participate, volunteers must:
- Register online in advance at cyfairisd.formstack.com/forms/bus_buddies_2025
- Report to their selected campus 20 minutes before dismissal
- Sign in at the front office with a valid driver’s license
- Receive instructions and a bus assignment from campus staff via email
“We’re grateful to all of our returning and new Bus Buddies,” said Smith. “Your support gives our students the confidence to step onto that bus and know someone is looking out for them.”
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Why It Matters
CFISD is one of the largest school districts in Texas, serving more than 118,000 students, including approximately 58,000 elementary students across dozens of campuses. With such a massive transportation network in motion on the first day of school, extra eyes and helping hands go a long way in ensuring a safe and seamless experience for young bus riders.
“It’s a great way for community members—whether you’re a retiree, business owner, or neighbor—to show up for kids in a meaningful and memorable way,” said Smith.
The Bus Buddies program has become a beloved tradition in CFISD, often filled with laughter, high-fives, and heartfelt moments as volunteers guide students onto the right path home. It’s also a chance to witness the energy and excitement that marks the beginning of a new academic year.
This year’s program comes as CFISD fully restores bus service districtwide following last year’s route reductions.With transportation now reinstated for all eligible students thanks to the district’s newly adopted $1.2 billion budget, the need for volunteer support is more important than ever to ensure a smooth and safe return to full-scale bus operations.
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How to Sign Up for CFISD Bus Buddies
Anyone interested in serving as a CFISD Bus Buddy on August 13 or 14, 2025 can register online now at cyfairisd.formstack.com/forms/bus_buddies_2025.
Volunteers can select their preferred campus and indicate which day(s) they are available to help. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or looking for a meaningful new way to get involved, Bus Buddies is a simple and rewarding way to make a difference.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for more back-to-school updates and opportunities to support CFISD students this fall.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
