Student Transportation of America (STA) is celebrating its more than 15,000 employees during its annual Employee Appreciation Week, taking place from April 22 through April 26.

Across the U.S. and Canada, STA and Student Transportation of Canada (STC) locations are preparing for a week full of engaging, fun, and community-building appreciation events with their employees and customers at the school districts they serve.

“While I am very thankful for all that our employees do throughout the year, Employee Appreciation Week is a special time to dedicate a week to recognize and celebrate our STA and STC family, as well as the various local names we operate as throughout North America,” said Denis Gallagher, chairman and CEO of STA, who also expressed his appreciation by personally thanking employees for all they do with a special video message.

“We would not be who we are today without all of our talented employees who put safety first and exemplify our culture of caring and respect for each other,” Gallagher said. “The generosity and compassion our employees show each other and to those in the communities we serve is truly amazing. We have so many remarkable people who do so much for our company, our passengers, and our communities.”

In Fort Worth, Texas, employees will be treated to "Breakfast with the Board" when members of the local school board will be on-site to show their appreciation by cooking a special breakfast for drivers and employees.

The STC team in Ontario has organized some “laughter therapy” for their employees, where the group will break into teams to participate in team-building games and friendly competition.

Meanwhile in Ledyard, Connecticut, employees will be celebrated with a different gift each day of the week.

The team in Gateway, Pennsylvania, will be treated to a specialty breakfast every day of the week, with each meal representing a different country and trivia about that country’s student transportation practices.

In Grand Junction, Colorado, a carnival-themed party is planned in which local management and staff members will be taking turns in a dunking booth, along with special guests from the local school district, to help raise money for local charities and community shelters.