Bill Arp Elementary is rolling in the right direction with its new “Bus of the Month” initiative—a program designed to increase student safety, promote positive behavior, and strengthen communication between bus drivers and the school community.
Assistant Principal Jonathan Casey was determined to find a creative solution to address the rise in bus discipline referrals.
“The idea came about in response to elevated bus discipline referrals over the past couple of years,” said Casey. “As I was researching ways to help with bus behaviors, I came across a post about a similar program that had been implemented. I took the idea and developed a version that would fit within our school.”
Each morning, bus drivers give Casey a thumbs up or down based on bus behavior the previous afternoon. A thumbs up moves the bus one spot forward on the tracking chart. By the end of the month, the bus that has made the most progress earns the distinguished title of "Bus of the Month.”
Director of Transportation E.W. Tolbert expressed gratitude for the initiative and the positive impact it can have across all schools.
"The Bus of the Month initiative is one that can truly drive change across the district,” Tolbert said. "By promoting safety and positive behavior, it helps strengthen the partnership between students, drivers and schools.”
Casey added that in just a short time, the initiative has already made a significant impact.
“I’m not getting nearly as many complaints from drivers as I have in the past,” he said. "I think a lot of this comes from them feeling supported when they give me feedback in the mornings. If I get a thumbs down, I have a conversation with the students right there on the spot.”
Students and drivers who receive this recognition are celebrated with a social media post and a magnet proudly displayed on their bus for the month. On the day the winner is announced, students also get to choose a prize from the Patriot Prize Cart as they board the bus.
Overall, the “Bus of the Month” initiative has helped create a safer, more respectful environment for both students and drivers—turning daily bus rides into memorable experiences filled with positivity and connection.