Dear Parents,
A significant number of our students travel by car to and from school each day. We developed our drop-off and pick-up procedures with students’ safety as our first consideration. Unfortunately we have observed on several occasions recently that drivers are parking in inappropriate places and causing double parking or backing up, both of which compromise students’ safety.
Please take note of the correct procedures and a few changes, mostly regarding parking, that we have made. Cones will indicate areas where you may not park. Spaces will be left for parents on the inner circle. Teachers have been asked to be prompt about dismissing car pick-up students to the front lobby at the end of the day. Please be considerate of any Portledge faculty or staff whose duties involve assisting with drop-off or pick-up.
Please read the following directions in conjunction with the attached plan.
MORNING CAR DROP-OFF
Students should be dropped off in front of the Lower School building where Mr. Ronde is on duty. If parents need to park, they should use an appropriate parking space. Please do not leave your vehicle in front of the building for any reason. More parking spaces are available in the cut-off by the split rail fence. If you choose to park here, you should enter the school via the back door. Students are expected to be in their homeroom classes by 8:25 a.m.
AFTERNOON CAR PICK-UP
Cars should enter the circle in a single lane, with drivers remaining in their cars. If you must enter the school, you should park in the inner circle on the left as you enter the circle. Students will be picked up in front of the Lower School building where teachers are on duty to assist. Since students are kept inside during inclement weather, it will take a few extra minutes to bring them out to the cars. If you need to check safety belts, pull over to the area in front of the kitchen. This will allow the car line to keep moving and avoid the need for any driver to back up or pull around. We understand that you have places to go after school. With everyone respecting the same procedure, and showing a little patience, we should have you on your way as quickly as possible.
Please make sure that any other drivers who drop off or pick up your children are aware of our systems. This will help ensure that all our children are kept safe.
Thank you,
Steve Hahn, Head of School
Alan Cohen, LS Division Head