SJLES Car Loop Procedures

We are so excited to welcome you and your child or children to SJLES this fall! As we make our preparations for an amazing kickoff to the 2023-2024 school year, we want to share the car loop procedures for all families since the arrival and dismissal times have changed for this school year. We anticipate an increase in car riders this year. Please familiarize yourself with our procedures so we can partner together in the safest and most efficient drop-off and pick-up process for students and families. 

Our current car loop procedures have been designed in collaboration with SJLES families, the Howard County Police Department, Howard County Fire Department, and HCPSS Office of Student Transportation. This was done to prioritize safety and to alleviate the traffic backup that occurs on St. John's Lane. School staff are not permitted to block or direct traffic on public roads. Please expect and plan for increased wait times to enter and exit the SJLES car loop at arrival and dismissal. 

We understand busy school car loops can cause unintended inconveniences. However, the SJLES car loop plan allows for the most predictable traffic patterns for our students commuting to and from school by car.

We are reminding our families not to park on Southview Rd. during arrival or dismissal. We have noticed that the numerous cars parked along Southview Rd. are creating blindspots for our walker students on that street. These cars also force students and families to walk in the middle of the road which is already narrowed due to the numerous cars on each side. 

Important Safety Reminders:

• Please pull forward until you arrive at the drop-off/pick-up zone. The dismissal pick-up zone is at the end of the car loop.

• Please stay in your car at all times. Staff will assist your child if needed as they exit or enter the car. Parents exiting the car can create unsafe conditions for everyone. You can support this by continuing to allow your child to practice getting in and out of the car independently.

  • Note: We understand that some children may still use a 5-point harness car or booster seat and may need help buckling/unbuckling. In these cases, parents can and should get out to help their child.

• Please have your child exit and enter your car from the passenger side of the car and never cross between cars. 

• Parents should never park in the car loop parking lot or car loop line to meet or walk their child through moving traffic. 

  • If you choose to drive to school and walk your child/children to and from your car, please park in our upper parking lot (northern end of grounds closest to Mt. Hebron HS) and use the walker door at the rear of our school near our relocatable classrooms. For additional HCPSS safety tips please click here. 

• NEW THIS YEAR: RIGHT TURN ONLY ONTO ST. JOHN’S LANE BETWEEN 8:50 - 9:20 AM and 3:45 - 4:15 pm.

• Always yield to buses and pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Tip: please keep a small, portable umbrella in your child’s backpack if they are a car rider. This will come in handy on days when unexpected rain arrives at dismissal!

Thank you for your cooperation and partnership in keeping all students, staff, and drivers safe!