I’m asking that the town of Montclair consider creating a Mentoring/Buddy System on school buses to foster a safe, fun environment.
Older students and peers can be trained to engage peers and younger students, especially vulnerable students, to create a friendly atmosphere on the buses where there are currently and historically complaints about teasing, bullying, unsafe and anxiety inducing behaviors.
The school counselors can train the mentors during lunch periods.
The goals will be that parents will not feel the need to drive students to school resulting in less traffic, students will start their days ready for academics with a comfortable attitude, the students will be happier and safer and the mentors will experience feelings of pride and increased self-esteem because of their helpful role.
There will be a ceremony at the end of each year where the mentors will “pass the baton” to the next group of mentors who volunteer to be trained and there will be a bus party organized by parents. NO COST INVOLVED and A WIN WIN!
You can vote to declare Montclair a Sanctuary City on PLANETCIVIC, a virtual town hall where Montclair citizens can go to have their voices heard on local issues. PLANETCIVIC will present Montclair’s Top 5 Proposals at the Town Council meeting on Jan 24.