Part 7: WHO IS READY TO POP

 

Taking the temperature of your bus and then evaluating how much need for your attention is necessary can be vital to maintaining a safe and secure bus ride for you and your students. Let's not forget that THEY are also, often times, the victims of misbehaving students and need your protection. With that in mind, let's take a look at three common situations you may encounter.

Situation 1: A student walks on your bus visibly upset. Showing signs of sadness or frustration. 

Analysis: We've all heard the saying, “Kids will be kids!” and with that comes Drama and Angst. Everything in their young lives is the most important thing ever and no other person on the face of the earth has ever had to deal with such problems. Middle school and High school students tend to suffer these feelings the most and show it openly in words, deeds and facial expressions.
Remember “Behavior is Communication.”


In most cases, this is an emotion being caused by forces outside your bus (home life, relationships) and outside your scope of concern. But we still need to monitor the situation so that it doesn’t escalate.

Keep in mind that sadness and frustration could be an early sign of bullying. If the problem persists, you can suggest the student seek help.

Sometimes students don’t want to say what the problem is, they internalize it. Possibly they are being picked on, bullied or harassed by other students on your bus but they just don’t want to “tattle tell” for fear of making the problem even worse. In cases like this you can always just ask the student, “Would you feel more comfortable sitting in another seat?” That way they’ve not told on anyone, and you are able to remove them from the situation tormenting them.
Remember “Behavior is Communication.”

This is not a warning sign that we should take lightly, but probably only rates a CODE YELLOW.

Situation 2: Student is visibly angry showing it both visibly and facially.

Analysis: Students “coming in hot” and displaying signs of anger, are already strong candidates for CODE ORANGE. If possible, seat these students as close to the front as possible. Preferably in the front, door side seat.

Do not seat any other students with the angered student, as the agitated student may lash out and hurt the other student.

The best possible outcome is, the student sits down and the anger dissipates.

If the student becomes argumentative or shows further signs of rage over his/her new seat assignment, and refuses to move to a safer seat, remember that you are under no obligation to transport an angered, combative student.

Do not attempt to out argue the student.

Remain calm and then call into dispatch and ask for assistance in removing the student from your vehicle. Your main obligation is to safely transport the other students and having your attention divided on student about to “Pop Off” would not be a safe practice.

Situation 3: A fight breaks out on your bus.

Analysis: This is obviously an automatic CODE RED as your number one priority is to resolve this violent situation before any students are injured.

Pull the bus over, secure it (remove the key from the ignition) then address the parties involved. Try to deescalate the fight in a calm but firm voice. DO NOT interject yourself in the fight or attempt to physically break up the combatants. You could become injured or rendered unconscious and then there would be no adult supervision on the bus. If the combatants refuse to stop fighting, instruct the other students to stay clear and then call dispatch and request help.

We've taken a hard long look at some of the problems drivers face, so now let's find some practical solutions and tips for success.