for transportation personnel

Transportation Department Workshop

2-2.5 hrs

The anti-bullying focus of the Bucketfilling workshops carries through in every program.  However, the approach in addressing school bus drivers stresses the anti-bullying effect.  Studies show that 40-50% of school bullying happens on the bus.  Bus drivers are charged with the safe transportation of students to and from school–a huge responsibility.  In this workshop, bus drivers are recognized for their important work, taught the Bucketfilling concept and given helpful ideas in eliminating bullying on their “classroom on wheels”.

Testimonial (See the Testimonials Page for more)

Rhonda Sosnowski, Transportation Director for Waverly Community Schools in Lansing, Michigan, sent the following subsequent to her first of two Transportation Department Workshops:

“Since our Bucketfilling workshop our drivers are really aware of what they are saying to each other.  We had a fight on a bus this morning and two drivers radioed the driver of that bus and told her what a good job she did.  We will keep referring back to bucketfilling every day.  It has made a difference in my life.  I have had several drivers come and tell me how great the meeting was.  One of the drivers told his wife that it was the best in-service we have ever had. I can’t thank you enough.”

Rhonda wrote us again after her department’s follow-up workshop, 10-months after the first:

“This second workshop has helped our group to be closer. It has helped our group at home with their families also. I am very happy with this follow-up workshop, and I would like to do this every year if possible. We all can’t wait for the next one!”

"Our bucketfilling assemblies and workshops have been some of the most impressionistic initiatives we have undertaken! Our students have learned how to articulate and share their feelings with others using positive communication, they know how they can make a difference in someone’s life every day with their words or actions, and they have openly shared what they’ve learned with their families and loved ones! We have received touching compliments and letters of thanks from parents about the “amazing conversations that occurred between their children following these assemblies”. Coupled with a positive school-wide behavior plan that we implemented last year, Bucketfilling has now become part of our school culture. We will continue to host workshops each year to maintain this positive energy in our school community."

LouAnne Pisha, Principal
Crissman Elementary School
Utica School District
Shelby Township, MI
"My 6th grader came home today and wrote the most beautiful examples of why he loves and respects his little brother. I’m not sure what kind of event you had at school today, January 28, 2009, but this truly is the most amazing experience we had at home in a long time. I just wanted to take a moment to say that it was great. My boys fight like siblings do, some days more than others. Today (my son) wrote about (his brother). (His brother) listened with tears in his eyes, sensitive to the fact that his big brother really does love him. I have to say that this is one of the most memorable events experienced at Crissman. Totally awesome! Thanks."

A Grateful Parent
Crissman Elementary School
Utica School District
Shelby Township, MI
"What a wonderful and heart filled program. The Bucketfillers For Life program is such an easy program to implement, but it’s impact in just these two days has been phenomenal...
I was so touched at the parent assembly. So many parents thanked me on the way out for hosting this program and how glad they were that they took time out of their evening to attend. Thank you Bucketfillers For Life!"


Kathleen Vafadari, Principal
Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Grand Rapids, MI