More Than a Ride: How the "Bus of the Month" is Transforming Our School Morning

By: Liz Streubel, Assistant Principal, Wilson Elementary, Mequon-Thiensville School District, 2026 WI Elementary Associate Principal of the Year

The school day doesn’t actually start when the first bell rings at 9:00 AM. For many of our students, it begins much earlier, at the end of the driveway, waiting for a big yellow bus.

We often talk about classroom environment and playground safety, but the "mobile classroom"—the school bus—is where a student’s day truly begins. Recognizing this, Wilson Elementary launched the Bus of the Month program, and the results have not only increased positive student behavior but also strengthened the school and district’s relationships with the bus company.

The bus can be a challenging environment. Drivers have their backs to dozens of energetic children as they navigate traffic and weather. Our goal was simple: make the bus a place where students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn when they enter the school building.

The Bus of the Month program turns positive behavior into a team sport. Instead of focusing on individual "don'ts," we’ve shifted the spotlight to teamwork and accountability.

How It Works
Every day, our bus drivers evaluate their riders on the three key expectations from Wilson’s PBIS program:

1. Be Respectful

• Hands, feet and objects to self
• Listen to and follow directions of the driver
• Treat property with care
• Keep food and gum in your backpack
• Use polite language at level 2.

• Sit in assigned seat area
• Stay seated and face forward on the bus
• Keep personal belongings AND electronics (chromebook, cell phone) in backpack.

3. Be Ready to Learn

• Enter the building quietly and quickly.
• Keep all your belongings with you.

Bus drivers signal a thumbs-up to the adult supervisor if students successfully meet all three expectations. At the end of the month, the scores are tallied. The winning bus doesn't just get bragging rights; students receive a gift certificate, raffle prizes, and school-wide recognition. More importantly, the winning bus driver is spotlighted in our school and on social media for their unwavering commitment to student safety and success.

The Impact Beyond Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Since the program began in 2024, the relationships among bus drivers, students, families, and staff have strengthened. Students aren't just rushing to their seats; they’re reminding each other of the expectations. We witnessed an immediate decline in unexpected bus behaviors. Bus drivers report feeling supported and appreciated.

The Bus of the Month program is a reminder that every part of a child’s journey matters. By celebrating the ride, we are teaching our students that character doesn't stop at the school door—it travels with them wherever they go.

Liz Streubel will be presenting on this topic at the Associate Principals Convention January 27-29, 2027 in La Crosse.