Folks have been asking about the traffic restrictions around South this week. Please see the attached notification that went to area homes in the past few days. Specific information has been hard to come by, but thank goodness for the forgetfulness of whichever student left this behind on a table this morning!
So, it's safe to expect traffic restrictions impacting our campus at least through the end of next week. There is always the possibility that filming will be extended. I will share any relevant updates as soon as I am able.TRAFFIC AT SOUTH
In the meantime, we have established a good routine for morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up traffic. There is still a backup right at the time of arrival and dismissal, but the crossing guards are living up to their official title as traffic supervisors and moving vehicles speedily and safely on and off campus. Please be patient; the traffic dissipates quickly and every driver has the same goals--get in & out quickly and keep every pedestrian safe!
Some reminders:
- Pull all the way up to the stop line, or to the last car in line.There is room for 3 cars to stop after the crosswalk, if everyone pulls down!
- Morning unloading can start anywhere along the sidewalk, but everyone should unload once you're over the speed bump, at least. The brief walk down the hill will keep all cars moving right along!
- In the afternoon, students can walk up the sidewalk to get in their car wherever it's parked.
- Remind your child to use the crosswalk where school staff will help them cross, please.
- If you park in the lot to wait, it is recommended to back in to make it easier to pull out when it is busier.
- Can I pull out into the "left lane" of the driveway? Yes! But, please drive slowly & defensively! This will help keep traffic moving for early-unloaders or staff coming in to park, but it is notthe Loudon Speedway! Watch out for a child darting out, a driver's side door opening, or someone turning into traffic!
- When pulling away from the curb, look over your shoulder to the left! We have seen many near collisions as people pull away.
- Whenever possible, students should unload on the passenger side of the vehicle, so they can exit straight onto the sidewalk.
- Students should be ready to hop out by the time you pull up. If they need to get themselves organized, please pull around into a parking spot.
- Please do not use neighbors' driveway, yard, or curbside to park, turn around, or drop your child off.
A final thought... Last year several parents, guardians, teachers, and other adults from the South community read The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. This book is not necessarily the answer to all our societal questions, but it did spark some very interesting conversation and considertions that are impacting the school this year. Haidt lays out a baseline for looking at some of the concerns confronting adolescents nowadays and offers some logical steps to address them. One of the arguments in the book is that kids need a childhood where they have some independence and responsibility, where they face reasonable risks and experience the struggle of figuring out the solution to their problems, productive struggle which builds kids' self-confidence. One simple step toward this worthy goal is to allow your child to walk to school if you live nearby or to ride their bike to school. South has several bike racks where students can lock up their bike during the day. Students riding to school are required to wear a helmet, which can be stored in their locker or in the Main Office or homeroom, with permission. It's always good to make a plan with neighbors or a group of friends to walk or ride together and to make sure you've walked the route with them before sending kids out to do it on their own. There is a nice community of bikers at South this year! We would love to see more of our students getting their wits about them and figuring out how to get themselves organized and to school on time!
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