We encourage all eligible bus riders to utilize HCPSS-provided bus service. Doing so reduces the traffic on St. John’s Lane and helps to ensure buses stay on schedule. For car riders, please review the updated procedures below. Our car loop is designated for families who drive their children to and/or from school. Our car loop is not designated for walkers. To determine if your home falls within the walker zone for the 25-26 school year, please refer to this online map. Please do not park in our car loop parking lot during arrival or dismissal.
Our current plan was developed in collaboration with SJLES families, the Howard County Police and Fire Departments, and the HCPSS Office of Student Transportation. It prioritizes safety and reduces traffic congestion on St. John's Lane. Please note that school staff cannot block or direct traffic on public roads.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as wait times will be longer during arrival and dismissal. This structured approach helps maintain consistent, predictable traffic patterns for all car riders.
Important Note About Dismissal Procedures
Students eligible for HCPSS bus service will be dismissed as bus riders unless a parent/guardian has updated their status to car rider, walker, or aftercare in Synergy (Family File).
Need help updating your Family File? Call us at 410-313-2813.
Car Rider Arrival Procedures
- Please familiarize yourself with the SJLES Arrival map below:
- NEW: All vehicles must turn right into the car loop from St. John’s Lane. This increases safety for walkers and staff and helps improve traffic flow to ensure buses stay on schedule.
- Arrival begins at 9:10 a.m. Staff will be present to greet students at the car rider door and in the loop at that time, but not before.
- Yield to buses and pedestrians in the crosswalk at all times.
- Pull forward to the designated drop-off zone.
- Stay in your vehicle.
- 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.
- Arrival ends and doors close at 9:25 a.m. Students arriving after this time are considered tardy and must be signed in at the front office.
Car Rider Dismissal Procedures
- Regular car riders (PM car rider in Synergy) will wait with staff in color-coded groups (e.g., Red Group, Blue Group). See the group locations below:
- Occasional car riders (e.g., when changing from bus, walker, or aftercare for the day) may join any group.
➤ Notify the front office of any dismissal changes. - Pull forward to your child’s group. You may be directed further forward to keep cars moving and reduce backups on St. John's Lane.
- Students who have not been picked up by 4:05 p.m. will be taken to the front office.
- Tip: Keep a small umbrella in your child’s backpack for unexpected rain.
Safety & Efficiency Reminders
- Children should always enter and exit the vehicle from the passenger side.
- Do not park in the car loop or exit your car to walk your child through traffic.
- If walking your child to/from your vehicle:
- Park in the UPPER LOT.
- Use the walker doors near the recess area or relocatable classrooms.
- Right turns only when entering or exiting the car loop from St. John’s Lane. This is NEW this school year.
Yield to buses and pedestrians at all times.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students, staff, and community safe!