A Hugger Elementary Success Story Presented by: Kelly Dessy Shared by all…

Classroom On Wheels The Beginning… Hugger Diversity SIP committee surveys 4 th and 5 th graders on places they feel they could be bullied. Bus and Lunch/Recess are identified as areas to address. Lori McKinney and I attend Bully Proofing training at Oakland Schools Lori makes contact with Pat Pleasant and gets our Transportation Department on board. Fall of 2003 we held a successful kickoff to Classroom on Wheels Program.

What is Classroom on Wheels? This program gives a clear message to students that the bus is an extension of our school. It is a program that allows communication with bus drivers and classroom teachers. The students have multiple resources available to address bus issues in a responsible, timely manner. Parents, students, drivers and teachers are all communicating and working as a team to provide a safe environment on the bus and prevent bullying behaviors.

Who makes Classroom on Wheels Work? Students, Drivers, Parents, and Teachers… This is a voluntary program that showcases the culture of our school. Teachers, parents, drivers, and students work together because the data we have collected shows it is directly making a difference for our kids at Hugger.

What is the plan? The bus driver, at least two staff members and students on the bus will meet in a classroom or in a large group setting in October to review the Hugger Respect Code, bus rules, and a Classroom on Wheels communication sheet. The Classroom on Wheels communication sheet is filled out by students and reviewed by staff members assigned to route. The staff may talk with students or bus driver to resolve issues that come up. A route or a classroom meeting may then be planned in February and a final meeting in April or May to discuss concerns and/or celebrations. Also, throughout the year the bus route may reconvene as requested by the bus driver or Principal to address behavior as needed.

How do you make the time? Scheduled route meetings are minutes in length. A route meeting that is called by the bus driver lasts 10 minutes before dismissal. A follow-up with a student takes only minutes to help talk through and support. Checking in with the driver can be through a note carried out by a student, jumping on the bus for a minute at arrival or at dismissal, or a simple wave and friendly greeting to be available.

Why is Classroom On Wheels a success? Teachers connect with kids and teach life skills, problem solving, and the importance of caring for others. Bus drivers are connected with a building and feel supported and important to the development of children. Parents know concerns are addressed with appropriate measures. The program is an example of balanced leadership supporting our Principal in addressing the needs of our students. Data that we have collected shows significant decrease in conflicts while children are riding the bus!

Artifacts to Peruse… Please feel free to visit my classroom webpage for more articles, word documents, and artifacts regarding classroom on wheels. Classroom On Wheels Artifacts

Classroom on Wheels The Future… Long Meadow Elementary implements Classroom on Wheels. Please view their website at Van Dyke Public Schools has shown interest in the program Let’s continue to support children and pass the program along!

Preview of Coming Attractions… A “Spin-off” to Classroom on Wheels Project Charlie… A program to prevent bullying during lunch/recess by utilizing student leaders from Stoney Creek High School. Program Overview: Selected student leaders and athletes will earn community service hours by spending time out at recess with our students. They will serve as student mentors, referees, provide listening ears and caring eyes during lunch and recess. I believe using our community youth leaders to motivate and mentor our young students will create partnerships for success and address multiple conflicts that occur at lunch/recess time. This addressing the second most identified area for possible bullying behaviors. STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS!