School Bus Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Judgment Call - GameBoys

Finders, keepers The policy on my bus is: If I catch you with one, I get to keep it. Of course, I would give it to the parents, but I’m not telling ...

April 1, 2002
3 min to read


Finders, keepers The policy on my bus is: If I catch you with one, I get to keep it. Of course, I would give it to the parents, but I’m not telling the kids that. I made this policy because the kids were stealing from each other and fighting about them. I also “collect” Pokemon and Digimon cards for the same reasons. Bruce Cram, bus driver Martin, Ga. If they’re quiet, it’s OK This reminds me of a conversation I had one day with some folks who were adamant about students not having any type of electronic device on the bus. The rationale was the students who were using them would not be as alert and would not be paying attention to the driver. I then asked what a driver was supposed to do if a student fell asleep or was reading a book. These really smart people said it was OK if a student fell asleep or was reading a book. When I asked what was the difference between a student sleeping or a student playing with a GameBoy as to being alert and paying attention, I got the 1,000-mile stare. As to a policy, I do not have one. In fact, if a GameBoy keeps the student quiet and not disrupting the bus, then what the heck, let them play. Bus rides can be long and hot where I am located, if a GameBoy or a CD player keeps the students from being a problem, then I am all for it. Mark Kelley Guam Confiscate electronic toys When I was still driving full time, and not in the office, I used to threaten to confiscate anything that caused an argument or debate amongst the students. I not only threatened to confiscate the item, but to sell it on eBay, and if they wanted it back they would have to bid on it. All proceeds were to benefit the “Keep the Bus Driver Sane” fund. While there obviously is no such fund, and I would never sell their toys, I had some gullible students who believed me! Problem solved. Brian J. Whitta, driver Fostoria (Ohio) Community Schools Theft of items is problem Because the high school administrators were spending too much time dealing with stolen cell phones, pagers, Walkmans and the like, they are no longer permitted on campus. The kids seem to get away with carrying these items in their backpacks, though. Some elementary schools ban GameBoys, Pokemon and other such items for the same reasons. John Farr, transportation director Oceanside (Calif.) Unified School District Not disruptive, no problem I see no reason a student should not be allowed to have a Walkman with headphones. It keeps them quiet and they don’t cause problems. Video games that make noise are another matter. Logan Green, student Spencerport, N.Y.

Topics:Management
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Management

Black graphic with the headline “Zum, Generate Capital Expand Partnership,” the colorful Zum logo, and gold coin illustrations representing financing.
Management•by News/Media Release•October 15, 2026

Zum Secures Continued Financing Support for School Bus Expansion

Generate Private Credit has financed approximately $75 million in school bus deployments across three states, supporting more than 500 buses as Zum expands across the county.

Read More →
School Bus Fleet’s The Route video thumbnail featuring host Amanda Huggett and guest Sam Freshner, with the headline “Beyond Discipline: A Different Approach to Student Behavior on the School Bus.” Sponsored by IC Bus.
Sponsored•by Amanda Huggett•October 15, 2026

Beyond Discipline: A Different Approach to Student Behavior on the Bus

After implementing a dean of students program in Oregon, North Clackamas is seeing positive improvements. Here’s how it worked. The Route is brought to you by IC Bus.

Read More →
School Bus Fleet’s The Route podcast thumbnail featuring host Amanda Huggett and guest Sam Freshner, with the headline “A Different Approach to Student Behavior on the School Bus” over a yellow school bus background.
Management•October 14, 2026

A Dean of Transportation's Different Approach to Student Behavior on the School Bus

After implementing a dean of students program in Oregon, North Clackamas is seeing positive improvements on the bus. Here’s how it worked.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collage of NAPT ACTS 2026 highlights, including a speaker at the podium, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees networking, and exhibitors demonstrating technology on the trade show floor.
Management•by Amanda Huggett•October 12, 2026

Inside NAPT ACTS 2026: Highlights from Louisville

From federal updates and student behavior strategies to new school bus technology and industry awards, see highlights from NAPT ACTS 2026 in Louisville.

Read More →
School Bus Fleet video thumbnail featuring 2026 School Bus Driver Hero Annette Brown smiling beside a yellow school bus, with the headline “Why School Bus Drivers Are Underrated Heroes” and the School Bus Driver Hero Award logo.
Management•by Staff•October 9, 2026

Meet the 2025 School Bus Driver Hero Winner: Annette Brown

We caught up with Wa-Nee Community Schools' Annette Brown on site at SBFX, where she was named the 2026 School Bus Driver Hero Award winner. Hear about her reaction, what she loves most about being a school bus driver, and more!

Read More →
School Bus Fleet graphic featuring three illustrated yellow school buses carrying students beneath the headline “The Comfort of Consistency,” with a red bottle of ketchup drawing a line across the upper left corner.
Management•October 9, 2026

Predictability Is Like Ketchup (According to 6-Year-Olds)

To students, a different school bus can feel like a full-blown crisis. One driver reflects on why familiar routines, showing up on time, and being reliably boring matter more than we think.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A professional driver stands in front of a bus beside text reading “Samsara Driver Perks.”
Management•by Staff and News Reports•October 7, 2026

Samsara Launches Free Driver Rewards Program

The new Driver Perks program gives eligible professional drivers access to discounts and offers without adding a cost for participating fleets.

Read More →
Graphic showing hands counting $100 bills with text reading, “How to Finance Your Next School Bus: Municipal Leases, VPAs, Residuals.”
Management•October 7, 2026

How Tax-Exempt Municipal Leases Can Help Finance School Buses

Let’s explore school bus financing options, including municipal leases, vendor payable accounts, and balloon payments, and how they can help stretch fleet budgets.

Read More →
Group of School Bus Fleet 2026 Trailblazers above a graphic announcing that nominations are open for the 2027 SBF Trailblazers, with submissions due Dec. 14, 2026.
Management•by Staff•October 6, 2026

Nominate Rising School Transportation Pros Under 40!

We’re searching for the next generation of leaders making an impact across the K-12 student transportation industry to recognize as SBF’s 2027 Trailblazers. Nominations are open now!

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic for School Bus Fleet’s September 2026 “Changing Lanes” personnel roundup featuring headshots of seven school transportation industry professionals who recently changed roles.
Management•by Staff and News Reports•October 2, 2026

Changing Lanes: BusWhere, EverDriven, InterMotive, Summit School Services, Switzer-Carty & Thomas Built Buses

Check out who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation suppliers, contractors, and manufacturers.

Read More →