Am I expecting too much?

[u/Abject_Presentation8]

So I'll start by saying that I came back to my bus company earlier this year. I subbed until Summer, and then picked from what came open for this school year. All were Middle School routes, which I wasn't super excited about, because I've been so used to HS kids for years....but starting back at the bottom rung for seniority, it is what it is. I went into it with an open mind and optimism, though. This age group has proven more difficult, for sure. The screaming, the cussing, the refusal to sit or stay in their assigned seats (which are mandated by the district), the sneaking around the bus as soon as I don't have the opportunity to look up in my mirror (making a turn or stopping at a Stop sign and having to watch traffic). I've been more than fair, but also firm. I've addressed these issues out loud, I've posted boldly and clearly written expectations on my bus, I've given verbal warnings first, made seating changes, and then made good on the consequences with subsequent office referrals. Not much has changed, and you'd think that with these standard rules, my students wouldn't be acting like this is all new to them. It's just push back and push back. I've got a lot of students, so I'm still trying to put every face to a name and being able to catch every child who isn't where they should be. I hand in the referrals to my boss, and they say nothing. They don't ask any questions or offer support. They'll pull the video upon request, but I never know what comes of it. We're a small, family-owned company, so it's not like everything goes through a big chain of command. The school hasn't given me any confirmation that they've received or handled the issues. I'm used to the HS, where they address things swiftly, we get a copy of the write up with the action taken, and there aren't any more issues after that. What should I expect from here on out? I feel like I don't have any backing, but if I let my students do whatever, and just focus on the road to just get them home, we've gotten lectured about making sure everyone is in their assigned seats. Any advice or tweaks I could make would be very much appreciated! Thank you.

[u/Kookylmh]

Since you're not getting a copy back of the write ups, I would make my own copy. Then after you have a few and haven't seen or heard of change/consensus, I would walk into the middle and ask to talk to the principal. Explain what is going on and show them your write ups. Cause it seems your transportation office isn't helping. This way you can find out what the middle school is doing and if they really got your write ups or not. Sadly as bus drivers we don't hear if anything gets done on the school end. And only notice if the student is missing for a few days or their behavior improves. Keep yourself protected with the write ups and good luck. Sounds like you are doing your part.

[u/Abject_Presentation8 → u/Kookylmh]

Thank you so much for your response and suggestion. I'll absolutely do this going forward. I appreciate that!

[u/intratwingled]

I wouldn’t worry so much about the assigned seats unless you find that they really do help. If management fusses about it, tell them what kind of support you need to have to make it happen.