Null Elementary Recognized for Bus Behavior Program

The Character Education Partnership (CEP) has recognized Null Elementary School from St. Charles, Missouri as a 2013 Promising Practice for their Best Bus program.

Best Bus recognizes and supports positive and safe bus behavior for elementary students in grades kindergarten through fourth.  Students are given lessons, encouragement, and recognition. This program extends the school-wide positive behavior and character plan. It has positively affected the school climate by reducing bus behavior referrals and bullying, while increasing positive relationships among students and bus drivers.

“Behavior or disagreements on the bus can have a negative effect on students and also extend into the school day," Principal Gina Piccinni said. 

"We wanted to minimize these issues so that children focus on learning in a safe environment Kids are excited when Mr. Stross announces Best Bus during our morning assembly.  Referrals and incidences of bulling are lower, only a handful in an entire year!” Piccinni said.

This year’s winning practices include unique anti-bullying programs, creative ways to integrate character and academic subjects, effective strategies for developing student leadership, and activities that build community—within the school and beyond.

“These best practices offer educators and others working with young people practical ways to develop empathy, conflict resolution skills, and good citizenship,” said Lara Maupin, Program Director. “CEP is excited about being able to recognize these educators and share their work with others around the world.”

CEP’s 2012 National and International Promising Practices in Character Education represents 180 public schools in 25 states.

CEP sponsors the annual program to showcase innovative best practices that are having an impact across the nation and abroad. CEP encourages educators with similar needs to learn from and even replicate these successful initiatives. CEP will honor the 2013 recipients at the 20th National Forum on Character Education, to be held in Washington, DC, October 24-27, 2013.