Parking Lot Safety & Etiquette

Keeping our students safe is our top priority and we appreciate your help in making that happen. We kindly request your cooperation in following basic safety measures, proper etiquette, and traffic laws while using the parking lot.

Please be careful, drive at a safe speed, and stay alert while driving and reversing in the parking lot. The two parking spots near the entrance reserved for the church are not available for use, even for drop-offs or pick-ups. Moreover, kindly avoid parking in spots designated for handicapped or Courtesy Parking (reserved for expectant mothers and parents with infants). Instead, please use the parking spots beyond the school.

We kindly ask you not to park in the emergency vehicle parking area and strictly avoid double parking. Please follow the established traffic flow into the parking lot and use only the Central Avenue entrance.

For families who need assistance with drop-offs or pick-ups, please don't hesitate to ask a friend/LHMS parent or call us at (908) 647-1852.

We truly appreciate your attention to these rules, as the safety of our children is everyone's responsibility. By working together, we can ensure the safety of our children in the parking lot.

When Pulling Out of the Parking Lot:

1. “Let’s take a deep breath and check around us.” Encourages calmness and awareness.

2. “Remember to look for any moving cars or people before we go.” Reinforces the importance of scanning the area.

3. “Can you help me count how many cars are coming?” Engages them in the process and makes them feel involved.

4. “If you see someone walking, let me know so we can wait.” Promotes vigilance and teamwork.

5. “Let’s move slowly and carefully so everyone can stay safe.” Emphasizes the importance of cautious driving.

When Walking in the Parking Lot:

1. “Hold my hand so we can stay together.” Reinforces the idea of safety in numbers.

2. “Let’s look both ways before we cross any lanes.” Instills a habit of looking for cars.

3. “Stay close to me, and we’ll walk in a straight line.” Encourages orderly walking and reduces distractions.

4. “If we see a car, let’s stop and wait until it passes.” Teaches patience and awareness of surroundings.

5. “Let’s keep our eyes open for brake lights—if we see them, we should be careful.” Helps them understand the significance of brake lights as signals.

Using this language regularly can help your child develop a greater sense of awareness and responsibility in the parking lot, ensuring everyone’s safety.

Moreover, when walking in the parking lot with your children, please ensure they always hold a trusted adult's hand. Our kids are curious and quick, and we all know how unpredictable they can be. Together, we can create an environment where everyone feels secure.

Let’s work together to keep our community safe. Thank you for your understanding and support. Your awareness and vigilance can significantly impact the safety of our school.

At Long Hill Montessori School, we value the importance of creating a calm and respectful environment during arrivals and dismissals. These are key transition moments for children as they move between home and school, and we believe it is essential to approach these times with intention, Grace, and Courtesy.

Purpose of Arrivals and Dismissals: The primary purpose of arrivals and dismissals is to greet children, help them transition smoothly into or out of the school day, and model respectful behavior. Teachers and staff will focus on welcoming or saying goodbye to each child, ensuring they feel secure and supported during this time.

Parent Communication During Arrivals and Dismissals: While we understand that parents may have questions or concerns during arrivals or dismissals, we request that these matters be discussed at a scheduled time, through email, or via phone call. This approach allows us to provide you with our undivided attention, ensuring that your concerns are addressed thoroughly and thoughtfully without detracting from the children's transition process.

Respecting Family Privacy: We believe that each family’s privacy should be respected. We will do our best to write a discreet note and place it in the child’s lunchbox, Communication that pertains to personal matters, such as reminders to send extra clothes or suggestions about dressing for the weather. Our staff will do their best to maintain a tone of respect and privacy in all communications.

Guidelines for Sensitive Information: To preserve confidentiality and ensure a respectful tone, we ask that any sensitive information be communicated directly through a scheduled time, email, or phone call. Please avoid discussing private matters in front of other families during arrivals or dismissals, as this is a shared space meant to focus on the children’s transitions.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us create a respectful and positive environment for all families at Long Hill Montessori School. By adhering to this policy, we can maintain a peaceful and orderly atmosphere while ensuring the privacy and well-being of every child.

To enhance safety during arrivals and dismissals in the parking lot, we request parents/caregivers to hold their child's hand while crossing the parking lot. Only one trusted adult should accompany them during arrivals and dismissals to avoid chaos and confusion. Multiple adults can cause excitement among children and make them feel like they are missing out on something. As an example, I remember feeling sad when my husband and daughters dropped me to camp one day and went to Costco without me.

During dismissals, we highly recommend holding your child's hand and walking mindfully towards home. As the song "Closing Time" goes, "You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here."

We always prioritize clear communication and may drop a quick note in your child's lunch box occasionally to inform you of any changes. For instance, we may inform you if your child has changed clothes due to a spill during a pouring lesson. If you have any concerns or want to discuss something, please email us to schedule a call at your earliest convenience.

As you talk with your child about school, be positive, brief, and consistent in what you say so they can relax before school.

Friendly Reminder, to reassure your little ones, "When we get to school, we'll hug each other and say goodbye. Mrs. Legiec and/or Mrs. Rouse will be with you to show you to your classroom, where you'll have fun with your friends and teachers. While you're learning and having a blast, I'll be busy working from home/office/etc. Don't worry; you'll have a snack, play on the playground, and even have lunch at school. When you're all done, I'll come back to pick you up, and we'll head home together. Can't wait to hear all about your day!"

When you say goodbye to your child, keeping it short and positive is always better. As a parent, getting caught up in long goodbyes with lots of hugs and kisses is easy, but this can make it harder for you and your child. Prolonged goodbyes can cause separation anxiety, confusion, and stress. Instead, keep it simple and confident, like "Have a great day! I'll see you later!". Saying "I love you, and I'll be back after school" is enough to convey your affection and reassure your child that you will return.

Email: LongHillMontessoriSchool@gmail.com
Website: www.LongHillMontessoriSchool.com
Location: 158 Central Avenue, Stirling, NJ, United States
Phone: (908) 647-1852