January, 2006

Students taking the higher road to make the ride to school smoother

Elementary students participate in the Peaceful Bus program. The new initiative encourages students to work together to resolve issues encountered while riding the bus to school.

Duanesburg Elementary School students have become the driving force behind creating a more positive – peaceful – bus ride to and from school. A survey completed last spring by Duanesburg’s students, parents and staff revealed a common concern—behavior on the school bus. 

In response, the school launched the Peaceful Bus program in January. The Peaceful Bus program is designed to open the lines of communication among students and to reinforce skills that will help prevent or solve problems that typically occur on the bus. 

Duanesburg Elementary School’s program is modeled on a similar, successful program established seven years ago at Lynwood Elementary School in the Guilderland Central School District.

"Through the program, students talk to and get to know each other better," said Principal Katie O’Brien. "It fosters a camaraderie among older and younger students."

The Peaceful Bus program brings together students from kindergarten through Grade 5, who ride the same route to school, to discuss problems they have encountered or witnessed on the bus.

Duanesburg Elementary students are practicing skills learned through the Peaceful Bus program, a proactive approach to improving behavior on the school bus.

While working in small groups, students identified and wrote down many of the problems that can make the bus ride an unpleasant experience. Some of the issues discussed during the first Peaceful Bus activity in late January included name-calling, yelling, wrestling, pushing, dropping trash, swearing, disrespecting the bus driver and fellow riders, and fighting. The groups then brainstormed solutions, which were written on Post-It notes, discussed among the students then placed on a drawing of their bus.

A second activity in February found students working in small groups once again, but this time the focus was to find solutions to one specific problem. Each group came up with a problem, which was then passed from one group to the next for potential solutions. At the end of the activity, ideas were shared and discussed. Students from bus route 2, for example, addressed the problem of yelling. Some solutions they named were: Sit close to people you want to talk to; use a normal tone of voice; and be quieter, calmer.
In addition to teachers and staff, several middle school student volunteers helped facilitate the activities. Bus drivers were also invited to share their input.

Drivers, like Bill Ruther and Corky Scranton, spoke to students on their buses primarily about safety issues. "Students could really get hurt when they’re kneeling on the seat and not facing forward," Ruther explained.

Scranton emphasized the importance of staying seated and keeping the aisle clear while the bus is moving.
Because the Peaceful Bus program is new, O’Brien said it may take time for noticeable change to occur, but added that some students and drivers have already started to see results. 

“We have recently started recognizing students who are putting into practice the skills they have learned during Peaceful Bus activities,” she said. “Reaction to the program has been positive overall.” 

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