Feel Good Story: Going the Extra Mile - How a Bus Driver and Campus Team Support Student Mobility

Feel Good Story: Going the Extra Mile: How a Bus Driver and Campus Team Support Student Mobility

Behind the wheel of a Special Transportation bus, Ms. Eddie Menah is helping students take steps—literally and figuratively—toward independence.

Ms. Menah has served as a Tomball ISD bus driver for the last five years and as a bus attendant for the previous four years.

“My greatest pleasure in driving a bus is getting to know the students and watching them grow and meet the goals they have set to meet life’s challenges,” she said.

Each morning, after dropping off her last student on her assigned route, Ms. Menah returns to Northpointe Intermediate to help Matthew, a fifth-grade student, master the bus stairs, ensuring he gains the confidence and practice that can’t be replicated in the classroom.

“The school contacted the transportation department requesting assistance, and I was selected because of my experience with students,” she said. “There is no replacement for hands-on experience.”

Practicing on the actual bus plays a critical role in helping students develop real-world skills.

“Practicing on the actual bus is important because it helps students get comfortable with life skills in a real-world environment—the sounds, movement, space, and proper spacing of the stairs,” said Niki Bravo, Specialized Support aide at Northpointe Intermediate. “It builds confidence through hands-on experience while strengthening motor skills and helping create independence students will use long after they leave school.”

Working closely with the teacher and paraprofessionals, Ms. Menah ensures the student receives as many real-life practice opportunities as possible.

“Eddie’s kindness and dedication go above and beyond, supporting not only this student but all students in her care,” said Whitnee Drake, Tomball ISD Physical Therapist. “Her efforts highlight the power of teamwork between Transportation and campus staff to help students grow, gain confidence, and succeed.”

Ms. Bravo says Ms. Menah’s willingness to return to campus each morning has made a meaningful difference for the student.

“Her willingness to come back and help shows patience and commitment,” Bravo said. “It gives the student extra time to practice skills, build confidence, and improve more quickly. It also helps create trust, making the student more comfortable and willing to try.”

Through consistent practice, the student has already shown significant growth.

“At first, he needed a lot of guidance, patience, and wait time,” Bravo explained. “Over time he began to understand the routine of getting on the bus, finding his seat, and following safety procedures. We’ve seen him become more confident and independent moving up and down the stairs.”

This hands-on work also gives Ms. Menah the chance to connect with students and watch them flourish in ways that matter most.

“It has been personally gratifying observing students grow and meet the challenges that once seemed out of their reach,” she added. “I enjoy getting to know each student that enters my bus—greeting them, saying goodbye, and checking in on how their day is going. Watching students progress through the educational system over the years is particularly pleasing.”

What began as a simple request for assistance has become a meaningful partnership focused on Matthew’s growth.

Through teamwork, patience, and dedication, Tomball ISD staff are helping students build the confidence and independence needed to grow, succeed, and thrive far beyond the school day