The Guss Bus Takes the Wheel at Peck’s Thanksgiving Assembly

At this year’s Thanksgiving Assembly at The Peck School, Seventh-Grade History Teacher Jason Guss—known campus-wide as the driver of the legendary Guss Bus—stepped forward to deliver the annual Thanksgiving Speech. True to form, his message blended humor, heart, and a signature dash of classroom adventure.

For those new to the mythos of the Guss Bus, Guss’ classroom is famous for immersive simulations, unexpected journeys, and the kind of laughter-filled learning that sticks with students long after the bell rings. Whether students are hopping aboard the Guss Bus for a hands-on history experience or competing in his wildly popular “Winner of Lunch” challenge, Guss knows how to bring people together.

In the “Winner of Lunch” challenge, students design bold, imaginative meals—some brilliant, some… bravely attempted. Winners earn coveted Downy-Redhead Tickets, a classroom currency that is highly sought after, earning the winning  student’s team points in a year-long competition for the Woodpecker Cup. It’s all part of Guss’ larger philosophy: food and fun build connection.

That idea resonates deeply with Peck’s long tradition of family-style dining, where students and teachers share meals around big tables, practice conversation, and experience the joy of slowing down together. In his speech, Guss shared how this daily routine mirrors his own Thanksgiving gatherings at his aunt’s house, where the meal is the great unifier—rich with stories, traditions, and the warmth of simply being together.

Guss reminded the community that whether you’re on the Guss Bus, at the lunch table, or seated around a Thanksgiving feast, the magic happens the same way: people come together, share space, and grow closer through food, conversation, and gratitude.