I had a conversation with an administrator today in one of Colorado’s premier school districts regarding suspension.
He was asking for advice on how to fix a situation that seemed really broken or backward to him. This past week during a regular school bus stop one of his students “pinched” the bus driver on the back of the arm on the way out of the bus and really irritated the transportation staff member. One conversation led to another and the student was soon suspended from the bus. The administrator seemed so frustrated, this was a really high-needs student, and expecting the student to get to school on their own was going to be a real challenge.
We discussed options and he and I and soon came to a compromise idea. What if the student was given a second chance? New rules, required seating arrangement, teacher and principal “check-in” times with the bus driver, hopefully, a new day for a high-needs student.
Keeping students in school is one of our greatest challenges as administrators.
I recognize the need to keep the bus safe for all students, but through a bit of partnership and accountability with the student and family (and a sliver of good luck!), this student may just be able to acclimate to the bus trip! Fingers crossed..