Schools

Wentzville School Bus Drivers Hold Character Training Initiative

New program hopes to curb discipline referrals.

Bus drivers in the participated for the first time in a training initiative called “WHEELS” on Monday, Aug. 8, at .

The character education program is designed to reduce discipline referrals by teaching students and staff that school buses are an extension of the classroom, and recognizing bus drivers as the first educators that students meet in the morning.

It reinforces the idea that drivers are partners with school personnel and parents in supporting the core values of the school district and the community.

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Over 160 District drivers and bus aides participated in the event that included training on how bus drivers can connect with students and parents, how to set clear expectations for character and behavior, and the value of being an adult role model and mentor. 

“This training benefits the District on every level. It supports our drivers and their essential role in the success of our students,” said WSD Transportation Director Jennifer Simpson. “We are confident our drivers, students, teachers and administrators will all benefit as a result of this initiative.”

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The training was provided through Characterplus and Cooperating School Districts (CSD). Characterplus was started in 1988 by a concerned group of educators, parents and business leaders with a desire to counteract what they deemed a deterioration of basic values. CHARACTERplus now reaches more than 600 schools in over 100 districts, 25,000 teachers and more than 300,000 students throughout Missouri and Illinois.


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