Riding Along to Build Stronger Connections

What started as a simple gesture of support quickly became something far more meaningful.

At Maple Elementary, two fifth-grade teachers, Julie Stevens and Olivia Krull, decided to do something unusual: they began riding school buses home with students. The original goal was practical. Some minor safety and behavior concerns had surfaced—especially on routes with newer drivers—and they wanted to better understand what was happening and lend support where possible.

But once they stepped onto the bus, the teachers realized they had opened the door to an entirely new kind of connection with Maple students.

It’s more about connecting with students. Julie Stevens

“We thought we were riding to help with behavior,” Julie reflected. “But now it’s more about connecting with students.”

Seeing Students Beyond the Classroom

Unlike the structured environment of a classroom, the bus is a different world—one where students relax, talk freely, and proudly share pieces of their lives that don’t always surface during the school day.

As they rode, the teachers made a point not to sit together. They took the opportunity to talk with children they didn’t normally teach. Kindergarteners eagerly asked if they would ride again. Older students—some who the teachers assumed might shy away—invited them to sit nearby.

I've been shocked by which kids were excited—kids I didn't think would be. Olivia Krull

“I’ve been shocked by which kids were excited,” Olivia admitted. “Kids I didn’t think would be.”

Those moments revealed something powerful: students valued the effort. They felt seen. They felt special.

Riding the bus also gave teachers new insights into students’ lives outside of school. They toured neighborhoods from a child’s perspective, learned which kids lived near each other, and discovered friendships that existed only on the bus and at home—not in the hallways or classrooms. These insights helped teachers better understand students’ social dynamics, conversations, and experiences during the day.

“It helps you see the whole child,” said Julie.

A New Appreciation for Bus Drivers

One of the biggest surprises came from spending time with the bus drivers themselves.

The teachers admitted they had rarely had opportunities to interact with drivers beyond quick interactions at dismissal time. But on the bus, they witnessed firsthand the skill, patience, and care the job requires.

Olivia observed drivers managing 60 or more students, navigating dozens of stops per route, handling massive vehicles through tight streets, and making constant safety decisions. They noted that one driver had even rerouted her drop-off routine within a neighborhood to ensure one of her riders didn’t have to cross the street after exiting the bus.

They're always thinking about safety. Olivia Krull

“They’re always thinking about safety,” said Olivia. Julie continued, “They have a big responsibility.”

They also saw something else: community. They noted one driver who had established clear expectations and routines, using signals, songs, and call-and-response strategies to create a respectful, calm atmosphere among students on the bus. Another greeted families warmly at stops, exchanging well wishes before spring break. Over time, drivers get to watch students grow up. A driver noted that they are likely to be one of the few consistent adult figures spanning a child’s school experience.

“The bus driver stays the same when everything else changes,” said Olivia. “If you can build that community on the bus, it’s incredibly rewarding.”

More Than a Ride

What began as an effort to support behavior and safety evolved into a meaningful relationship-building practice—one the teachers hope to continue and even expand.

They are careful to emphasize that their presence is not evaluative. They aren’t checking up on drivers. Instead, they are there to build trust, community, and connection—with students, families, and transportation staff alike.

The bus drivers are a bridge from school to the community. Julie Stevens

“The bus drivers are a bridge from school to the community,” Julie reflected. “I didn’t really understand that before this.”

By choosing to ride along, these teachers gained more than a new perspective. They gained relationships, context, and a renewed appreciation for the many adults—especially bus drivers—who quietly shape students’ educational experiences every single day.

And it all started with a seat on the bus.