A message from Principal Jenn
Our first priority is always student safety, and morning arrival and afternoon dismissal are a critical component of student safety! I would ask that you take a few minutes to carefully review this next session in order to do your part! During the first couple of weeks, we ask for a lot of grace & courtesy, and especially patience, as everyone learns our routines and processes.
Being on time and ready to learn is essential for our students and classrooms. We begin instruction daily at 7:45, so it is important for your student to arrive on-time. The car rider circle and walker/biker doors will close promptly at 7:45 each morning. If you arrive after the doors are closed, a parent will need to bring the child in and sign them in at the front office.
Bus Transportation: DPS has worked diligently over the summer to make this year’s bus transportation kick-off the best yet! We know the first couple of weeks come with delays and shifts in bus stop times as our drivers and families adjust to their stops and routes–please be patient and know that it gets better.
Bus stop locations and times can be found in Edulog. Edulog is also how you will receive the most up-to-date notifications and daily updates, as well as track the bus while en route. During the first few weeks of school, bus stop times change frequently, so make sure to check often. If you need assistance signing up for a bus, please email Christine Bertson. New bus stops can take up to 2 weeks once school starts.
Meet your child at the bus stop–be ready 15 minutes before the stop time! Students in preK through grade 3 must have an adult at the stop to be dropped off, unless it is a group stop (such as an apartment complex). If no one is at the stop, the student will be returned to the school and need to be picked up.
Our school office closes daily at 3:15PM. Save the contact information for transportation in your phone, now, in case you need after-hours information in an urgent situation: 919-560-BUSS(2877). Our team at transportation will have the ability to contact drivers directly while on the road with emergency radios.
Car riders, walkers, and bikers: please see THIS GRAPHIC of our traffic flow–maintaining a clear traffic flow ensures safety for those walking and crossing at the intersections. Our doors open for car, foot, and bike arrivals at 7:25AM.
Walker specifics:
Walkers will enter through the door off Urban Ave, adjacent to the playground.
Please utilize crosswalks–crossing Urban Ave. without a crosswalk has caused significant safety concerns.
In the afternoon, please line up towards Urban Ave. in order for our staff to take student names.
Car rider specifics:
Please be alert to directions from our crossing attendant, Mr. Charles. He will provide clear signals to ensure students and families can cross safely while maintaining the flow of traffic for car riders.
During afternoon pickup, please do not get in line before 2:10PM. Our line can cause traffic congestion since our line is on local streets.
Please write your child’s name clearly on the provided card (available during meet-the-teacher) and display it in the windshield to support a quick pick-up process.
Bike rider specifics:
Bike riders will enter through the door facing Watts St. next to the bike racks.
Please walk your bikes when going through the carpool or the bus sidewalk.
Please lock your bike up during the school day–we have had instances of bike theft in the past.
Self-Dismissal: Many of our students arrive and depart school independently. In order for a student to be dismissed without an adult, we must have a “self-dismissal form” on file. A new form is required each year. Forms can be printed HERE, or a paper copy is available in the main office. Students should return completed forms to their teacher.
