Owego-Apalachin “Peaceful” School Buses

A peaceful bus is a happy bus -- and a safe bus. More than 400 elementary students in the Owego-Apalachin School District are being encouraged by administrators and bus drivers to be respectful and responsible as they travel to and from school.

The Owego Elementary School children now travel by bus each day to their temporary school site in West Corners.

The longer school bus trips every morning and evening have made things more challenging for children and drivers.

School principal Laurie McKeveny told WNBF News a Peaceful Bus Program is being implemented to emphasize the importance of following all rules outlined by school bus drivers.

The basic Peaceful Bus Program was developed a few years ago by an Albany-area school principal.

McKeveny said an initial meeting to outline the program concept was held last week for all Owego Elementary students and about fifteen bus drivers.

The principal said the reception has been positive so far. No behavioral problems have been reported on the buses over the past few day.

The children attending school in West Corners range in age from four to ten.

McKeveny said because of the need to transport children several miles into Broome County, it's not unusual for some children to spend an hour on a school bus every day.

Two more meetings are to be scheduled in the coming months to reinforce the "peaceful bus" message.

The prinicipal said the next likely will be shortly after the holidays and the final session probably will be toward the end of the school year.