Winter Weather UPDATES:
As we prepare for the colder months ahead, we want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of safety and well-being during drop-off and pick-up times. We acknowledge and understand that change and adjustments can be extremely difficult as routines have been established, consistent and practiced. However, as the weather changes and continues to get cooler (in addition to rain, sleet and/or snow), the safety and well-being of all students remains our top priority.
The safety and efficiency of our arrival and dismissal processes are in continuous discussion, reflection and collaboration amongst a handful of stakeholders, and we have made some minor adjustments that align more appropriately for the cooler months ahead. Both drop-off and pick-up locations have been moved to the main crosswalk/entrance doors to limit students’ exposure to harsh weather conditions.
Your partnership is invaluable in creating a safe environment for our students.
Thank you for your support and cooperation as we adjust, plan and navigate the winter months ahead!
Parent/Guardian Drop-Off
We recognize that a well-designed and efficiently managed parking lot is essential for the safety and convenience of everyone involved in the daily transportation routines. New this year, we are implementing a revised drop-off and pick-up procedure at OES to enhance safety and efficiency during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods. We appreciate your cooperation and support in ensuring a smooth transition to this new process.
To accommodate our everyday safety needs, we designed the parking lot with an easy to follow new look:
- 2 vehicle lanes designated for morning drop-off, and 3 vehicle lanes designated for afternoon pick-up
- 1 bus lane designated for school buses
- Crosswalk across the entire parking lot ensuring safe arrival to the main entrance for students
This parking lot design guarantees visible direction, increases student safety and supports our OES staff members as they supervise in the morning and afternoon.
Here are the key details about the new drop-off procedure:
Designated Drop-Off Zones: Specific areas will be designated for dropping off students to streamline traffic flow and ensure safety.
Designated Pick-Up Zones: Specific areas will be designated for picking students up from school to streamline traffic flow and ensure safety.
Staff Assistance: Our staff will be present to provide guidance and assistance during the drop-off and pick-up period to help facilitate a quick and organized process.
Timeliness: Please arrive at the designated drop-off times between 7:35 and 7:55 AM to prevent congestion and delays. Prompt drop-off helps in maintaining the school schedule. Please arrive at the designated pick-up times between 3:08 - 3:10 PM to prevent congestion and delays.
Safety Reminders: This revised process will take all of us working together, having patience and being flexible.
Traffic Flow Pattern
To ensure a safer and more efficient experience during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, please follow the traffic flow pattern communicated below.
Morning Drop-Off:
- Enter the parking lot from the west side (main parking lot entrance)
- Follow the designated lanes for drop-off
- Please encourage your child to exit the vehicle on the curbside only to ensure safety
Afternoon Pick-Up:
- All pick-up vehicles should line-up in the parking lot across the street- this will minimize congestion, eliminate confusion and mainstream the flow of traffic into the school parking lot
- Please enter the parking lot from the west side (main parking lot entrance) when directed from staff
- Follow the designated lanes and patiently wait for OES staff to call for your child.
- Once your child enters the vehicle, please take the time you need to buckle and ensure your child is safe, and then wait for the staff to direct you forward.
No Parking Zones:
- Certain areas will be designated as no parking zones to keep lanes clear. Please adhere to these areas to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Walking/Biking/Alternative Transportation
Walking to School
- If you choose to walk with your child to school, please follow the below procedures to ensure a safe arrival. Please be very cautious as Parent Drop-Off will be taking place at the second crosswalk, leaving the first crosswalk inaccessible.
- Either follow the sidewalk on the west side of the building OR the yellow diagonal path on the east side of the parking lot.
Upon arriving at the main entrance, a staff member will greet you, and you can wish your child a great day.
Biking/Alternative Transportation to School
- If you choose to bike or us an alternative transportation method with your child to school, please follow the below procedures to ensure a safe arrival. Please be cautious as Parent Drop-Off will be taking place at the second crosswalk, leaving the first crosswalk inaccessible.
- Please follow the yellow diagonal path on the east side of the parking lot- you will see a bike rack in the grass where your child can leave their bike.
- From there, you can either walk your child to the main entrance where a staff member will greet you OR your child can walk with a staff member to the main entrance (staff members will be outside to assist you).
Walking/Biking/Alternative transportation from School
If you choose to walk/bike/or use alternative transportation please follow these procedures to ensure a safe departure.
- At dismissal (3:03 PM bell), all students not riding the bus (pick-up, bikers, walkers, alternative transportation) will be directed to the gym, where they will be supervised until all the buses depart.
- Parent Pick-Up will begin as soon as the last bus departs the OES parking lot.
- As the last bus departs, all pick-up, walkers, bikers, alternative transportation students will be escorted outside by staff members where they will wait patiently to hear their name called.
- Please either follow the sidewalk on the west side of the building OR the yellow diagonal path on the east side of the parking lot. You will see a cone labeled “Bikers/Walkers/Alternative Transportation” close to where the students are lined-up waiting for their name to be called. Please wait by the cone and a staff member will escort your child safely to you.
We appreciate your cooperation as we implement these changes for the safety and efficiency of our OES school community. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out!!
