A Lesson in Collaboration and Empathy with Bus Drivers, Tarwater

CHANDLER, Ariz. —  On March 25, second graders at Tarwater Elementary School enjoyed a field trip to Shamrock Farms to learn about the economics and science of running a dairy farm. But when students noticed an animal in trouble, they witnessed a more powerful lesson in collaboration and empathy — two Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Portrait of a Learner traits. 

As the group started the journey home in school buses, students on both buses exclaimed that they spotted a dog stuck in a canal. Bus driver Michael Randle used his radio to communicate with the second driver, Doug Rogers and said, “Hey Doug, hang on. Don’t slow down and wait for me. Don’t wait up. I’m dealing with something on the bus.”

Usually a vague statement means the driver is handling a situation seen on a regular basis, like a child feeling sick. But this time, it meant that Randle and parent chaperone Julia Valenti were attempting to save a dog.

“I’ve never done something like this before,” said Valenti. “... I just jumped out and started helping the bus driver. The current was actually pretty strong, so I jogged ahead and took off my socks and shoes to get in the water.”

Randle said it took about seven minutes for them to coax the dog out of the water. Shamrock Farms employees arrived in a cart when one of the workers used her belt as a leash. Once the dog was secure, Randle and Valenti left it with the farm hands who contacted Pinal County Animal Control. 

Meanwhile, students were chanting “Save the dog!” and cheered as they stayed on the buses with teachers and chaperones. 

“I always think about what kids think with an innocent approach,” Valenti said. “My daughter said the bus driver had such a big heart to help that dog, and I thought that was such a great observation … For the kids to see that, they now have a new perspective to see that he chose to take time to help.”

Valenti’s daughter Michaela said she loved feeding the baby cows on the trip, but loved seeing her mom and the bus driver save the dog more.

“It was pretty awesome and she also had a big heart because she’d never saved a dog before, and when you have a big heart you feel broken for something,” said Michaela. 

Second grade teacher Michelle Purtiman said she asked students the next day what their favorite part of the trip was, and they kept talking about the rescue.

But earlier that day, the bus drivers made an impact with students well before the rescue. Randle and Rogers displayed cow-themed “dad jokes” on the bus wall, and they joined the school’s dairy farm tour.

“It was the first time I’d seen drivers come with us. They were feeding baby cows with the kids … I think they felt welcomed and it connected the kids with them in an environment that was different from the bus,” said Purtiman.

Bus Drivers’ Impact on Kids

From the moment they start training, all CUSD bus drivers know how important their job is. They are potentially the first and last people that students see from their school day, and the drivers talked about how vital that is for getting to know the kids.

“It’s easy to pick up on how they’re feeling,” said Rogers. “You might be the only person who gives them a smile all day… If you can start their day off with a smile or a fist bump or a ‘good morning,’ [it pays off].”

Rogers said he gives his elementary route small jobs to make them feel included and involved, like counting how many people get on the bus. He also has a QR code that scans to a Google Form so students can suggest a song for his playlists. Randle said he gives out stickers to the kids every Friday and has regular “dad jokes.” No matter what their approaches are, both drivers try to make every interaction with students count.

“We pour love into the kids and the most important thing that I think is missed in this entire process is when we respect the kids, so they can respect us back. Because we’ve given them respect and let them be who they are. … They’re going through enough, they’re trying to be kids, they’re learning, they’re trying to do their work … So now it’s to the point where I can look at all my kids and identify when something is going on,” said Randle.

Although both men have been part of CUSD for less than a year, it’s clear that they’re meant to be bus drivers.

 

 

 

 

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“All you hear is the horror stories … but you come in and do your training … and that’s where you kind of make your mark on the world. I asked myself, "Am I going to be the guy who is the Uber for these kids, or am I going to be the counselor, the father figure …” said Rogers. “Times are too fast for kids these days. For me to be able to sit down and talk to a kid, you can make it or break it here with interactions.”

“I absolutely look forward to seeing them. When we had the two-week break, I took a trip. But when we came back I started to miss my kids,” said Randle. “I grew up a foster child myself so I know what it feels like to be made fun of or be bullied … So I want them to walk away with the sense that they can always count on one person, and that’s Mr. Michael or Mr. Doug.”

About Tarwater, CUSD

Tarwater Elementary is a kindergarten through sixth grade school in CUSD. The school offers a classic curriculum and the district’s only elementary-level Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Mandarin program. Students enrolled in DLI learn for half the day in English language, and half the day in another language they are learning. Tarwater also prides itself in its emphasis in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) hands-on learning experiences. Visit cusd80.com/tarwater. 

Interested in being a bus driver? We’re hiring! Drop-in interviews are held every Thursday from noon to 3 p.m. at 3750 S Centre Pointe Parkway, Chandler, AZ 85249.

Find job details and apply for a full-time bus driver role at cusd80.com/apply. 

Want to know more about CUSD Portrait of a Learner traits? Visit cusd80.com/portraitofalearner.