JUST RELEASED

Anti Bullying Grant Winner

If you’ve ever wondered how to become a school star, Minnesauke Elementary School from East Setauket, NY, knows the answer. For more than two years school educators have taught students to be Sharing, Trustworthy, Accepting, Respectful, and Serving (S.T.A.R.S.). This year their program was selected for the Safe Fleet 2015 United Against Bullying Grant. Safe Fleet and its subsidiaries held the United Against Bullying Grant competition, receiving over 65 applications from school transportation departments across the United States and Canada. Minnesauke Elementary School’s program immediately attracted the Selection Committee’s attention through its focus on education of both students and school bus drivers.

In 2015, Safe Fleet offered $50,000 in grant money to put towards anti bullying campaigns. We had 65 school districts across the US and Canada apply for the grant and 15 of those school districts were chosen to receive money from the grant to start their own or enhance their current anti-bullying program

Fire Research Corp., visited Minnesauke Elementary School in Three Village Central School District, to reward their educational team for the amazing work and presented the grant award for the development and expansion of their anti-bullying initiatives.

Pictured Left to Right:

Linda Messina, Minnesauke Elementary School Assistant Principal, Brian Biscari, Minnesauke Elementary School Principal, Lisa Radesco, Fire Research HR Manager, Leia Woodruff, Minnesauke Elementary School Social Worker, Cheryl Pedisich, Three Village CSD Superintendent, Bill Connors, Three Village CSD Board of Ed, President

We are happy to report that Leia Woodruff, Minnesauke’s School Social Worker applied for this grant and was one of the 15 chosen to receive grant money to expand their STARS program. While Leia indicated that through the STARS program, they have seen a decrease in behavior referrals to the main office, the majority of behavior infractions continue to occur on their school buses. This grant money will help the school work with bus drivers and students to implement a rewards system on the bus; catch the students shining like STARS on the bus and promote good character.

We look forward to seeing the students strive to earn these rewards and be discouraged from engaging in any sort of bullying behavior on the buses!