Sparta Area Schools’ youngest students sometimes need a little direction when it comes to knowing the rules of school, including what’s allowed on the big, yellow school bus. The district has a program for helping students feel comfortable and know expectations all day long.
School is back in session and with all the lessons yet to be learned, first the youngest need to learn simply how to do school.
Sparta Ridgeview Elementary, like many others, uses the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports method to encourage good behavior in all aspects of the school day.
“We teach that there are expectations for them in hallways, lunchroom, restrooms and on the playground as well as in the classroom,” said Principal Heather Guerra.
The idea is behavior can be taught, just like any academic area. Ridgeview does not assume that every child knows what behavior is expected, especially on a school bus.
Voice level at zero to one. Buses get very, very loud.
Your seat in the seat and your back on the back.
No backpacks in aisle. People could trip.
Be polite to the bus driver.
The big kids – first and second graders – help teach the rules.
“I rode all last year,” said first grader Wyatt Roberts. “I know how to do it.”
For School News Network, this is Janice Holst