The first ride home from school can feel like a big adventure for an elementary student — and, for some children, an unfamiliar bus route can also bring a few nervous moments.

To help make those first afternoons safer and less stressful, Hays Consolidated Independent School District is seeking 60 volunteers for its 2026 Bus Buddies program. Volunteers will ride afternoon bus routes during the first and second days of school, offering an extra set of eyes and helping elementary students get home safely.

The district announced the volunteer opportunity on July 16, 2026.

What Hays CISD Bus Buddies Do

Bus Buddies accompany students on afternoon school bus routes during the first two days of classes. Their role is to help younger riders navigate a new routine, recognize their stops and arrive home safely as families settle into the new school year.

For parents, the program provides added reassurance during two of the busiest transportation days on the school calendar. For students, seeing a helpful adult on the bus can make the transition from classroom to home feel more manageable.

The effort also gives Hays County residents a practical way to support local schools without making a long-term volunteer commitment.

Bilingual Spanish speakers are especially encouraged to participate, according to the district. Having volunteers who can communicate with both English- and Spanish-speaking students may help children feel understood and supported during an unfamiliar ride.

Volunteer Orientation Scheduled for Aug. 6

All Bus Buddies volunteers must attend a virtual orientation before participating.

Hays CISD will offer two orientation sessions on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026:

• 12:00 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m.

The virtual training is expected to prepare volunteers for their responsibilities, including how to assist students, what to expect on the routes and how to work alongside Hays CISD transportation staff.

How to Register for Hays CISD Bus Buddies 2026

Community members interested in becoming Bus Buddies can register through the district’s volunteer opportunity website at:

https://hays.ezcommunicator.net/edu/hays/Opportunity_List.aspx?app=0 

Because Hays CISD is seeking a total of 60 volunteers, residents who are available during the first two afternoons of school are encouraged to register early.

Questions about the program may be directed to Elizabeth Arredondo at elizabeth.arredondo@hayscisd.net. 

A Community Welcome for the First Days of School

The opening days of a new school year bring new teachers, new classmates and new routines. They also bring transportation changes that can feel especially significant to younger students riding the bus for the first time.

Through the Hays CISD Bus Buddies program, local volunteers can help turn those uncertain first rides into calmer, more welcoming experiences. A few hours of community support may give students — and their families waiting at home — greater confidence as the 2026-27 school year begins.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for additional Hays CISD back-to-school updates, family resources and community volunteer opportunities.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

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.

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