Taking a Stand Against Bullying

A video of children ridiculing bus monitor Karen Klein on a bus in Greece, NY, last June horrified many viewers and fueled efforts to put an end to bullying once and for all. All-Star Transportation, the bus company serving schools in Monroe, joined the cause on Oct. 1, when its drivers wore light blue T-shirts bearing the message: "Be Nice On My Bus."

Brenda Bass, a safety supervisor for All-Star, said over 750 employees company-wide wore the T-shirts in recognition of World Anti-Bullying Day, adding efforts will continue throughout October, which is Anti-Bullying Month.

"We found that the shirts went over good with the drivers," Bass said Friday. "It's not only positive reinforcement on the buses, but in the bus yard as well. We had all the drivers sign a pledge that day to promote the message to be nice on their bus."

Bass said drivers were also encouraged to report when they see or hear bullying on their bus.

On Friday, bus drivers, monitors and other employees wore the T-shirts again at a picnic at the bus yard on Purdy Hill Road and posed for a company photo.