Car Loop Procedures

SJLES Car Loop Procedures

Last year, almost 100 students utilized the car loop as an option for arrival and/or dismissal each day. This year, we expect the same or more in number. 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 significant traffic backup that occurs on St. John's Lane during arrival and dismissal. 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 and we encourage all families who are eligible for bus service to use it. In order to supervise students and accommodate HCPSS buses and private aftercare vans with our existing parking lot space, the SJLES car loop plan allows for the most predictable traffic patterns for our students commuting to and from school by car. Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and patience.

 

 ARRIVAL PROCEDURES:

  • Please pull into the lot and form a SINGLE LANE.
  • Students arriving before SJLES staff is outside to supervise should stay in the car. As soon as staff are present at the doors, students may exit the car and wait at the door with staff until the bell rings at 9:10.
  • Please pull forward as close to the END of the loop as possible before stopping.
  • Please help your child prepare to get out of the car once you stop by having their backpacks zipped, coats on, etc.
  • Arrival ends at 9:25. After this time, students not in the building are considered tardy and need to be signed in the front office by their parent/guardian.
  • Please see the illustration below for arrival drop-off zones.

 

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DISMISSAL PROCEDURES:

  • Dismissal begins at 3:55. Drivers are expected to be in the car loop, parking lot, or on St. John's Lane at dismissal.

  • Regular afternoon car riders (listed as PM car riders in Synergy) will wait in car loop groups with assigned staff members by color (Red Group, Blue Group, etc.), as illustrated in the photo below. Students that typically dismiss by bus, walking, or after care but have an occasional change to car rider will wait with staff as well. 

  • Students are expected to wait safely with their group. Students are expected to watch for and notice when their car is approaching and alert the staff that they are meeting their parent/guardian. Please help us support their developing independence with this by reminding them of their job as a car rider.

  • Please hang your car tag on your mirror when entering the lot. 

  • Please see the illustration below for group waiting locations and loading zones. It really helps move the line and alleviate traffic on St. John's Lane when drivers pull as close to the END of the loading zone as possible! Your child will walk to meet you. 

  • 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!

SJLES Car Loop Groups

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY REMINDERS:

  • 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 or from your car, please park in our upper parking lot (northern end of grounds closest to Mt. Hebron HS) and use one of the two walker doors, shown here.

  • RIGHT TURN ONLY ONTO ST. JOHN’S LANE BETWEEN during arrival and dismissal.

  • We are reminding our families to not park on Southview Rd. during arrival or dismissal. Parking along Southview Rd. are creates 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. In the past, our neighbors along Southview Rd. and other neighboring streets have had their front lawns torn up with tire marks and their driveways blocked. Please support student safety and a respectful community by not parking on Southview Road during SJLES arrival and dismissal times.

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