I thought that perhaps, the mention of Canada might have referred to the Blue Bird Corp. which made many similar school buses, but when I checked they did not open a Canadian plant until 1958 (in Brantford Ont.) Since the bus is a 1953, that would not apply.
Just so everyone knows what Johnboy is referring to, I have taken the liberty of copying the photos from the link he referred to.
It sounds like a great project and I would imagine the "kids" will be thrilled to hear about it.