Built around a push for positive reinforcement on their buses, Cleveland Elementary is inviting “celebrity guest riders” to encourage the Crocodiles to keep up the good work.

After a group of 5th grade students expressed concerns about behavior on buses at the start of this year, the school looked at positive reinforcement opportunities. They settled on offering up a celebrity guest rider joining them as a reward.

“The students worked hard to promote positive behavior for three days. Each day, I touched base with the driver and students to encourage them to keep it up, and after three consecutive days of positive reports they earned a guest rider,” said Assistant Principal Allison Staggs. “The students were thrilled and immediately requested The Rock and Justin Beiber.”

The school couldn’t convince those mega stars, but enrichment teacher Erin Dalton was honored to be a celebrity rider. She moved seats after each stop so she could spend time talking to each student.

“I had a great time riding the bus with students,” she said. “It provided me with an opportunity to ask about their days and even learn some hidden interests!”

She took the opportunity to impart some wisdom to the young Crocodiles.

“I told them to keep being leaders on their bus every day because you never know who might show up and want to ride home with them!”