In the years since its inception, the number of bus-related incidents has decreased significantly thanks to the Peaceful School Bus Program. At Pines Elementary, this proactive approach has been in place for over a decade, helping students and staff enjoy a positive experience on the bus every single day.
Over ten years ago, the Shared Decision Making Team at Pines Elementary School implemented the Peaceful School Bus Program. The initiative was designed to reduce student behavior problems on the bus by fostering a greater sense of community and responsibility among riders, making every child’s experience more enjoyable and safe.
The program features several interconnected components, all supporting the goal of ensuring that every student has a safe and respectful ride to and from school. It begins with large grade-level meetings where students are introduced to the program and review bus safety expectations in a fun and engaging way.
Next, Pines hosts a Bus Drivers Breakfast to welcome drivers into the learning community and strengthen partnerships within the Peaceful School Bus Program. Over shared food and stories, students, staff, and drivers come together as active problem-solvers, building a true circle of support.
Thanks to the generous Pines PTA and funds raised through school activities, every student and staff member receives a Peaceful School Bus T-shirt to wear at each meeting. Throughout the year, students continue to participate in PSB meetings where those who ride the same bus—or belong to the same bus team—meet together as a mixed cohort. These sessions help students get to know one another, reinforce responsible bus behavior, and emphasize that bus expectations extend beyond daily routes to include field trips and special events.
Mentorship and peer learning remain at the heart of the program. Students teaching other students is a powerful and effective approach, often tied to the school’s Books of the Month to reinforce lessons in a student-centered way. Safety continues to be Hauppauge’s top priority, and Peaceful School Bus Safety Rules are shared with all students, bus drivers, and families so that everyone plays a role in this vital part of school safety.
To further encourage positive behavior, Pines has created a fun and motivating reward system. Students can earn “compliments” from bus drivers, with each compliment representing one color of the rainbow. Once the bus reaches the end of the “Rainbow Road,” students vote on a reward—either an extra recess with their bus group or a free homework pass for everyone on the bus.
Thank you to the Hauppauge community for supporting this meaningful and impactful program for so many years!