Today's Driver Spotlight is Larry "Pic" Pickel!
Pic joined the district 9 years ago. He didn't jump into it right away, though. It took his wife coming home one day to mention the school's need for substitute drivers, followed by some "gentle persuasion" from her and, later, Dr. Caron, to get him to sign on. Since he already held his CDL, the transition was seamless. He spent his first spring subbing and driving to the high school girls' softball games. When his father-in-law retired at the end of that year, Pic took over his route, and he hasn’t looked back since!
For Pic, driving a bus wasn't just a job opportunity—it was practically in his DNA. Both of his parents were bus drivers, and several other family members have spent between 15 and 30 years behind the wheel. Pic has been driving the same route since he started, allowing him to build deep, lasting bonds with his "bus family." To Pic, the kids and parents aren't just names on a list—he considers them family.
"My biggest concern is always keeping the kids safe, but I love joking and goofing around with them," Pic says. "Whether we're singing silly songs or I’m getting a fist bump from them as they head off to start their day, those connections are my favorite part of the job."
Safety is the foundation of everything Pic does, but it’s the joy he brings to the morning commute that makes him special. Starting the school day with a smile and a song makes a world of difference for our students.
We thank Mr. Pickel for his dedication to the students and 9 years of morning fist bumps!
Today's Driver Spotlight is Greg Jones.
Mr. Jones got his first bus driver's license in January of 1991. He was approached by another driver as the district was in need of more substitutes, so he thought, why not give it a try and see how it goes! In 1999, due to a change in jobs, Greg had to let his bus license expire. Upon retiring in 2012, Greg was once again approached by several people about coming back as a substitute driver. Because he previously enjoyed driving for the district, he proceeded to get his bus driver's license for a second time. He has been a full time driver for over 3 years.
Greg said that "as a resident of Scales Mound for over 50 years, being a driver for Scales Mound School has provided me a way to become involved in and give back to my community."
We thank Mr. Jones for his dedication to the students!
It's Bus Driver Appreciation Week! Every day this week we will be honoring a driver and sharing a little bit about how each of them began their driving career.
Today's Driver Spotlight is John Duerr!
John began his driving career with SMS as a substitute in 2010. Like all of the other drivers, he already had a CDL, so the only thing he needed to do was take the bus driver test. A full time route became available in 2016 and John accepted the offer. The wheels have been rolling ever since!
From his daily route, to field trips, to athletic events, John has driven them all.
He especially enjoys meeting the new Kindergarten students each year. The best part about about being a driver is transporting the same families the entire time that their children are in the SMS school system. Watching the students grow and developing relationships with them and their families is very rewarding.
We thank Mr. Duerr for his dedication to the students!
Today's Driver Spotlight is John Hesselbacher!
John Hesselbacher started driving for SMS in 2008. He already had his CDL, so when the district was in need of drivers, his wife Karen encouraged him to take the bus driver's test. For the past 18 years John has been driving routes, field trips, sporting events, music contests, band students to parades and many athletic practices. Anyone care to guess how many miles he has traveled?!!
John is currently our only substitute driver, so as you can imagine, we keep him busy!
He enjoys building relationships with students of all ages along with driving to field trips and sporting events that his grandchildren participate in.
We appreciate John for his willingness to sub at a moments notice.
We thank Mr. Hesselbacher for his dedication to the students!
This Friday all students are invited to celebrate Bus Driver Appreciation Week by having Donuts With The Drivers!
May Menu
Today's Driver Spotlight is Don Winter!
Don has been driving for Scales Mound School for 5 years. He was approached by another driver because the district was in need due to the passing of beloved driver, Mr. Leo Werner. Even though he was a bit hesitant, he really enjoyed being around the students and going to sporting events, so he decided to give it a try. And once again, as they say, the rest is history.
Don enjoys driving to field trips, especially the ones that involve his grandchildren. Most of all he likes driving to high school boys basketball games. He enjoys watching the progression of the athletes and team as a whole, from the beginning until the end of the season.
According to Don, if you are good natured, patient and have a friendly smile, you have the qualities to become a successful bus driver.
We thank Mr. Winter for his dedication to the students!
It's Bus Driver Appreciation Week! Every day this week we will be honoring a driver and sharing a little bit about how each of them began their driving career.
Today's Driver Spotlight is Dave Hoftender!
Dave joined SMS in 2011 as an employee of the district. At that time, the district was short on drivers and since Dave had his CDL, Karen Hesselbacher and Ruth Foley who worked in the office tried to convince him to take the bus driver's test. A few months later Dave was approached by Mr. Bianchetta, who told him that the district needed him to pursue getting his bus license. Dave voiced his concerns about driving students in inclement weather, especially snowstorms. Mr. Bianchetta assured him that the likelihood of that was very little. Low and behold, Dave's first official subbing opportunity was during a snowstorm and the roads had not been plowed. As Dave said, the rest is history and he has been driving for the last 14 years.
Dave loves the daily interaction with the students and seeing their smiles when they get on the bus in the morning. He also appreciates the thankfulness of the athletes when they return from events and the concern of the students when their regular driver is absent. Mostly he enjoys hearing the stories and questions that the younger student share and ask him.
We thank Mr. Hoftender for his dedication to the students.
If your child rides Don Winter's bus route, please check your email for a change in transportation this afternoon, Wednesday, April 22.
Thank you,
SMS Transportation
One last round for Everyone Watches NUIC Women's Sports shirts!
https://nuicwomenssports26.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
The store closes April 28, 2026.
Everyone is invited to the Grand March at 5 p.m. at Scales Mound Schools.
PROM:
8-11 PM
Lake Galena Pavilion
100 Marina Dr, Galena, IL 61036
POST PROM:
12 -3 AM
Scales Mound Schools
Check out the Scales Mound Trap Apparel Store!
https://scalesmoundhstrap26.itemorder.com/shop/home/
The store is open until Sunday, May 3, at midnight.
A physical is required annually to participate in school-sponsored sports and these clinics provide a convenient option for students only needing a sports physical. Midwest Medical Center and Medical Associates - Galena are graciously donating their time and the $20 fee back to the Scales Mound Athletic Budget.
Please see attached flyer for details. Paperwork will be given after scheduling.
Our Kids Camp will take place on Monday, June 15th through Tuesday, June 16th, from 9:00AM to 4:00PM each day. Our goal is to create a fun and engaging environment where young athletes can develop their skills, build confidence, and grow their love for the game of basketball.
2026 FFA Plant Sale Information
Did you know that high school students grow more than 50 different varieties of plants in the school greenhouse during the 2nd semester? We have a great supply of garden vegetables, perennial plants, annual plants, hanging baskets, and a variety of plants to fill your baskets and planters.
We offer two easy ways to purchase: our website, which will go live on April 16 at 6 pm, or in person.
In-person shopping hours are listed below.
The greenhouse is located in the back parking lot of the school.
April 25, 8 am - 3 pm
April 30, 11:30 am - 5:30 pm
May 1, 9-12:30; 3 pm - 5:30 pm
May 2, 8 am - 3 pm
May 3, noon - 3 pm
May 5, 11:30 am - 5:30 pm
May 8, 9 am - 11 am, 3 pm - 5:30 pm
May 9, 8 am - 3 pm
May 13, 11:30 am - 5:30 pm
Online ordering goes live at 6 p.m. tonight!
https://2026smffaplantsale47454.cheddarup.com
