“The kids are restless,” said Borgemenke, of Springboro, who has worked for the district since March 2009. "They want to get up and get moving but because of the COVID we have to keep them in their seats.
Initially, that meant organizing games of Simon Says and I Spy, but when that got “a little too out of hand,” she devised a different plan: reading to them each day.
“That way they would be happy and a little calmer and stay in their seats,” she said. “I just have gotten a lot of joy out of reading to them and they seem to really enjoy the stories.”
Borgemenke said she culls reading selections from the books she read to her own children as well as Clearcreek Elementary Library, which she visits every week. Sometimes the 5- and 6-year old students bring their own books in for her to read.
Once Borgemenke parks the bus, she stands at the front of the vehicle to read aloud, often engaging with the kindergarten and first grade students and asking them questions about the particular book.
“It’s a great use of time, and I like the idea of getting to know my students more, and for my students to know their bus driver more," she said. “It’s been nicer this year because I do have a little more time with the kids.”
While the “Pete the Cat” books have been the students' favorites, so far, Borgenmenke said she is saving for colder weather her personal favorite, “Katy and the Big Snow.”
In addition to her duties as a bus driver, Borgemenke also serves as a FIRST LEGO League Robotics Coach for students at Clearcreek Elementary. FIRST LEGO League introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children through fun, exciting hands-on learning.
Borgemenke, who recently was awarded the Clearcreek Elementary “Positive Panther Award,” said she’s been overwhelmed with the positive feedback she’s received from parents, both in person and on social media.
“Some of the parents thank me for what I’ve done,” she said. “Just engaging with the kids is so important to me.”
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