Student Pick Up and Drop Off

To ensure a safe, efficient, and stress-free start to the school day, please take a moment to review our morning drop-off procedures below.

⏰ Arrive Early & On Time!

• In-Class Deadline: Students must be inside their classrooms before 8:00 AM. Please account for drop-off traffic and plan your travel time accordingly.

• Tardiness Policy: Students arriving after 8:00 AM will be marked “Late to School.”

• Consequences: Please note that discipline consequences may apply after 2 unexcused tardies.

🚪 Drop-Off Locations

Primary Drop-Off: Gate 1

• Keep the Line Moving: When your vehicle comes to a stop in the drop-off zone, please ensure your child is ready to exit immediately with all of their belongings (backpacks, lunches, jackets, etc.).

• Tip: Have items in hand—rather than stored in the trunk—to keep the line flowing smoothly for everyone!

Alternate Drop-Off: Gate 4

• Morning Only: Gate 4 is available as an alternate drop-off location during morning arrival only.

• Drive Safely: Please exercise extra caution and patience, as this is a high-traffic area.

Thank you for your cooperation! By following these guidelines, you help keep our parking lots safe, our drop-off lines moving, and our students set up for a successful day of learning.

Please review the following safety procedures and timing for afternoon dismissal and bus lane access.

🚪 Afternoon Pick-Up (Gate 1)

• Dismissal Time: Students are released from school at 3:25 PM.

• Exit Point: All students being picked up are required to exit through the Unit doors.

• Pick-Up Deadline: Parents must pick up their students by 3:35 PM.

To ensure the safety of our students and keep our buses running on schedule, no parent or student traffic is permitted in the Bus Lane after 7:05 AM or after 3:00 PM.

• Gates 2 & 3: Closed to all personal vehicles after 7:05 AM or after 3:00 PM.

• Approved Driving Routes: All parent and student vehicle traffic must enter through either Gate 1 (Zion Road) or Gate 4 (Garden Mile).

Thank you for your help! Following these routes and timing restrictions ensures our buses can operate safely and our afternoon pick-up runs smoothly for every family.

Mornings can be hectic! Between hunting for lost shoes, packing lunches, and navigating drop-off lines, just getting out the door can feel like a major achievement. We truly appreciate all the effort you put into getting your children to school every day.

As we build strong learning habits this year, we want to share why arriving on time—before the first bell rings—makes such a big difference for your child's day.

1. Sets a Calm, Positive Tone

Arriving with a few minutes to spare allows students to hang up their backpacks, greet their classmates, and transition smoothly into the school mindset. When children rush in after the bell, they often feel flustered or anxious, starting their day on the back foot.

2. Protects Essential Learning Time

The first 15 to 30 minutes of the school day are crucial. Teachers use this time for:

• Morning announcements and daily schedule overviews

• Targeted reading or math warm-up activities

• Community-building morning meetings

Missing just 10 minutes a day adds up to over 30 hours of missed instruction across a single school year!

3. Builds Social Connections

Morning arrival is when kids catch up with friends, share news, and feel part of the classroom community before formal instruction begins. Prompt arrival helps your child feel included and connected.

4. Teaches Lifelong Life Skills

Punctuality is a key life skill. Learning to manage time and honor schedules in school helps prepare children for future success in higher education, careers, and personal responsibilities.

💡 Quick Tips for Smoother Mornings

• Prep the night before: Lay out clothes, pack backpacks, and prepare lunches before going to bed.

• Establish a consistent sleep routine: A well-rested child moves much faster in the morning!

• Set a "launch time": Aim to leave 5–10 minutes earlier than you think you need to account for traffic or unexpected delays.

Thank you for partnering with us to give your child the best possible start to every school day!

To maintain student safety and accurate attendance records, please review our official sign-out policy for early dismissals.

Standard Sign-Out Process - For a student to leave campus early:

1. In-Person Requirement: A parent or legal guardian must be physically present at school to speak with a school official and officially sign the student out with the Attendance Clerk.

2. Authorized Pick-Ups: If a non-parent is signing out a student, they must be at least 21 years of age and listed as an authorized contact.

📋 Policy Exceptions

Students may be permitted to sign themselves out only under the following two circumstances:

1. Scheduled Medical Appointments:

• The student must present official documentation from the doctor’s office stating the exact time and location of the appointment.
• A parent or legal guardian must call the school to verbally confirm the appointment details prior to the student signing out.

2. Principal Approval (Emergencies):

• In an emergency situation, the Principal (or their designee) may grant permission for a student to sign out after speaking directly with a parent or legal guardian by phone.