Kids in Wilton were lucky enough to have a few days of extra vacation and head back to school after Labor Day Weekend.

While they may have been finishing up their summer reading or soaking up every last bit of time off, the bus drivers many depend on to get students to school were hard at work.

"Bus drivers are the first person that these kids see in the morning besides their parents, and the last adults usually before they go home," said Wendy Nieman, of the Student Transportation Association.

Today’s prep ahead of the first day doesn't even scratch the surface.

"We really don’t ever stop, we just keep going,” said Nieman.  “Maintenance is a year round thing, just like for your car."

But the goal isn't just for a smooth ride to and from school, it's for a safe one too.

And the bus driver’s work doesn't stop there -- they make sure that excitement students feel on the very first day stays with them up until the very last.

"It's like one big family, they're all my kids, that's how I look at it," said Nieman.