Paul G. Williamsen

Superintendent

27 School Street

Mayfield, NY 12117

518.661.8207

leaf bullet Mayfield Elementary starting bus etiquette program


February 22, 2011

Because of rising discipline referrals coming from the school buses, Mayfield Elementary School will implement a “The Peaceful School Bus Program.” The program is designed to decrease inappropriate behavior on school busses while creating a climate of respect and cooperation. The adults in the school take the primary responsibility of educating and training the students.

Spearheaded by Assistant Principal Abbey North, the trial program kicks off the first week of March on two buses and will continue throughout the year.

“Since the referrals that come off the bus are on the rise, we thought there had to be a better way to teach students about proper bus behavior,” Mrs. North said. “Hopefully, the program will also create a sense of community and responsibility among the students riding the bus.”

The program works like this: at least three times a year, students (from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade) on each bus meets when they arrive at school. Mrs. North will facilitate the meetings and teach proper behavior and team building.

However, other staff members – including members of the Character Education Committee – will volunteer. The purpose is to help students get to know one another and learn how to behave responsibility on the bus. The hope is that students can act responsibly on the school busses when staff members are not present. The program teaches students to take responsibility for their “bus route group” and what happens on the bus.

  • The program features six Peaceful School Bus Rules:

  • Stay seated at all times; the driver may tell you where to sit

  •  Always respect others, the bus, and yourself

  •  Flinging things in or out of the bus is not allowed

  •  Eating, drinking, and smoking on the bus are not allowed

  •  Talk quietly; no hurtful words

  •  You are responsible for your actions

Parents will also have a role in the program. If their child reports a problem to them, they can talk to Mrs. North.

“We are implementing this program to help students and their bus driver have a more enjoyable bus ride,” Mrs. North said. “We need to have a time to work on developing strategies and skills for common bus problems. And in turn, the bus will become a more respectful environment.”