Ardena Teaches Lessons by Keeping WHEELS Rolling

In an effort to take their lessons beyond the classroom, students and staff of the recently held a brunch with some people they might not otherwise have had a chance to spend time with. 

The event was held with some of the school's bus and van drivers. Mary Jurlina, the school's lead teacher said the event was held "in an effort to increase positive student van and bus behavior." She said the program was entitled Working Hand in hand Ensuring Every Student's Lifelong Success, or WHEELS. 

Students who took part met with 20 drivers from the district and 25 of the van aids for coffee, cookies and a bagel. The drivers got a tour of the building and Jurlina said they talked about what they could do to help reinforce the lessons the students got in their classes. 

Ardena is one of several schools in the district to follow the "" program and Jurlina said this is another part of that program. If students on the buses show behaviors consistent with the seven habits of the program, they can be rewarded for that. "Each vehicle has leaders to act as role models setting the example of appropriate behavior while on the bus or van," she said.

In total the school has 38 leaders looking for a variety of qualities in their fellow students. That includes being proactive, thinking win-win and putting first things first Jurlina said. 

In addition to the food, Jurlina said the drivers got information on the program and an official Ardena baseball cap. "The event was truly a win-win for all involved," she said.