Trucker Buddy visits Aspen class

A third-grade class at Aspen Elementary School in Thousand Oaks has been participating in the Trucker Buddy International Program since the beginning of the school year, and in midMarch the students' "Trucker Buddy," Roland Caston, and his daughter, Balee, stopped by to visit the class.

The program matches truckers with school classes and is designed to educate the public about what truckers do and extend a child's knowledge about the states. The drivers write to the students, and once a month the students write letters to the drivers. The program encourages the students to develop skills in reading, writing, geography, social studies, mathematics and history.

During the year, Caston corresponded with the students, writing letters and postcards about the states he passed through, sharing information he thought the children would find interesting. Each postcard was read in class and posted on a wall map of the United States. The class tracked Caston as he traveled across the country.

During his visit with the Aspen students, Caston and his daughter shared stories and gifts and helped out in class.

For program information, visit www.truckerbuddy.org.