All in 220: Ms. Tammy
Tammy Powers’ positivity shines as bright as the big yellow school bus she drives around the Barrington area each day.
Better known as “Ms. Tammy” to Barrington 220 students and families, she started working as a school bus driver for Barrington Transportation Company in 2017, after working in the restaurant business for many years. Ms. Tammy drives routes for Countryside Elementary and Prairie Campus, and for the past three years, she has also been the designated team driver for the BHS varsity girl's volleyball team.
“It’s hard to put into words what Tammy means to our program and me personally,” said Michelle Jakubowski, Head Coach of the varsity girl's volleyball team. “She is a member of our program and someone who goes above and beyond in everything she does. We love her and she is someone that I am proud to call my friend!”
Whether Ms. Tammy has a bus full of high school volleyball players, or elementary students, she always tries to make the ride special. From celebrating their birthdays with special music requests and decorating her school bus for holidays like Valentine’s Day to bringing treats for the dogs along her routes, she goes above and beyond to form relationships not only with the students but with their families as well.
“Ms. Tammy is an example of what we all aspire to be as humans on this planet,” said Kim Pfligler, Countryside Elementary PTO President.
“She loves our kids like a favorite aunt would; showers them with love, guidance, smiles, encouragement, and even gifts for every student on all of her routes. She gives all of us parents a honk and a wave each day to let us know that our babies will be alright.”
For Ms. Tammy, her job is about much more than getting kids to and from their destinations. “It’s important to me that every child feels special and seen,” Ms. Tammy said. “I’ve watched some of these children grow from small “littles” to budding teens!”
Many of the kids on her elementary route will draw her pictures, which she proudly displays on her school bus. She hopes that her encouragement makes a difference in each of their lives every time they board her bus.
“I enjoy everything about being a bus driver,” Ms. Tammy said. ”I try to make every child want to go to school each day!”