K-12 News

     Communication between Frederick Leighton Elementary School (FLS) students, bus drivers, crossing guards, teachers and staff is critical to a smooth running educational environment.

     Once again for the 11th straight year the cooperative effort continues with a special year opening event.

     Veteran teacher Mary Lisk said, "For the past 11 years we have held a meeting between bus drivers, crossing guards, school staff and children according to the buses they rode. We have seen a substantial decline in bus referrals and it has really helped to build relationships and improve safety."

     The annual event was held recently with a FLS Home and School Association sponsored breakfast for the drivers and guards followed by an assembly.

     "After a brief breakfast which this year included not only bus drivers and cross guards, but members of our board of education, we moved to the gym for a school wide meeting," she noted. "We are working on the character traits of 'responsibility' and 'respect' and focus on safety not only on the bus, but also for walkers."

     This program has proven to be a tremendous success. Not only are students focused on safety while in the bus, but other areas are also included in the meeting.

     Lisk noted, "We talk about self control, being kind, remaining in seats, keeping aisles clear, respecting the driver, use of proper language, courtesy, sound level of voice and encouraging students to think of the bus as an extension of the classroom where all school rules apply."

     Meanwhile, for walkers, Lisk said, "We promote safety as we ask students to walk (not run) at all times, show respect for the crossing guards, wait for the crossing guard to assist at the crosswalks, to leave school grounds immediately after school and to go home or to where your parents expect you to be and report issues."

    There is also a concentration on bullying.

     "Bullying on the bus or walking will not be tolerated under any circumstance," Lisk explained. "We discussed this topic with the students. Children must report bullying that occurs to them or if they witness this being done to others." She noted that currently school bus drivers are working together to combat bullying as part of a statewide program.

     Students are just over a month into the new school year and this type of meeting conducted annually at the Frederick Leighton Elementary School to include bus drivers, cross guards, teachers, staff and students helps provide a positive team building effort for all.