By: Brenda Wilkerson
“Mrs. Wilkerson, we have a problem,” reported Bus Ranger Ace.
“Whatcha got brother?” I responded not even 3 minutes into our flight.
“I have a paper here with a lot of cuss words on it. We have a good idea who wrote it, but he is blaming a younger student.”
As Ace handed over the crumpled folded paper, I thanked him and assured him I would take care of this situation. A few minutes later, Momma K presented me with another paper and reported, “We had Brother G write his name on this paper so that you can compare the handwriting to all those cuss words.”
“Excellent work, Momma K. Thank you. I will take a good look when I return to the school.” As I continued delivering all my sweet babies home, this bus family worked diligently behind me to solve this concerning issue.
Only 11 stops into our hour long flight, Momma K once again returned to the Captain’s cockpit and proudly whispered that after she encouraged Brother G to do the right thing, G finally admitted to his guilt. VICTORY! Well done my brave team of 8-10-year-old leaders. Your bus momma is so proud that you kids desire to protect the peace and safety on this bus home we share!
Today’s bus word of the day: SNITCH
To all of my precious bus babies….
On this here bus, snitches do NOT, I repeat, do not get stitches. We are family. This is a safe and happy place. We are all beautiful.
If somebody is saying something unkind or uncomfortable, tell them. If they refuse to stop bothering you, let one of my 5th-grade Bus Rangers know. There is NO – ZERO – bullying of any kind. We are all wonderfully different in a special kind of way. Let me show you the value and power of kindness and standing up for yourself and others. It is necessary, brave, and honorable. For my stubborn friends who want to recklessly test this rule, you will get one and only one warning. If it continues…I will safely pull this bus over, call your momma and have a very brief and uncomfortable conversation with her before I deliver you to your driveway. This is what is called boundaries.
I pray I can teach you, through my lead, acts of kindness, bravery, humility, boundaries, following through with consequences, truth, and most of all LOVE!
It’s going to be a GREAT year!!!
1 John 4:19
~Brenda Wilkerson
