• August, 2024

    Dear Penn Valley Families,

     

    We are looking forward to seeing everyone next week.  Please take the time to review the arrival and dismissal procedures at Penn Valley carefully.  We continue to evaluate our procedures and make changes to improve safety for our students and the community.

     

    Student Arrival by Vehicle:

    The driveway between North Park Drive and North Turn Lane is exclusively for parent drop off and pick up.  This is a one-way driveway entered from North Park Drive.  When dropping students off via the car rider line, drivers are expected to come to the next available cone to drop off students in front of A-Wing.  Stay in one straight line, stop your vehicle, drop your child off and you are free to go.  Please do not get out of your vehicle as we want to keep traffic moving smoothly.   The student should be able to exit the right side of the car.  We will have staff on duty so your child will be greeted.  Please do not hold up the car rider line watching your child enter the building.  Your child will enter the A-Wing entrance.  If your child is unable to buckle and unbuckle their seatbelt themselves, it is recommended that you park your car to pick up and drop off your child as a walker.

    *Parents are not allowed to use the bus loop on North Turn Lane.  This is designated strictly for buses and vans.  Please do not park anywhere in this loop.

     

    Student Dismissal by Vehicle:

    The pick-up traffic pattern is the same as the arrival pattern.  A staff member will greet you and identify which cone near the A-wing door you can pick up your child(ren).  Please post, in large print, the student’s last name and teacher name on a piece of paper in the windshield to expedite the pick-up process.

     

    Walkers Arrivals:

    Students should not arrive at school before 8:45 AM, unless they are having breakfast, which begins at 8:40 AM.  Students whose classrooms are in A-wing will wait under the canopy at the end of A-wing.  Students whose classrooms are in B or C-wing will wait under the canopy at the end of B-wing.  The students will stand in line based on their designated grade level.  Doors will open at 8:50 AM, at which time students will proceed to their classrooms.  Parents will not be permitted to accompany children to their classrooms.  Please use the crosswalks when crossing the road.

     

    Walkers Dismissal:

    Students in Grades 2 & 3 will be dismissed through the B-wing exit.  Students in Grades 4 & 5 will be escorted out the door alongside the library in between both wings, weather permitting.  If not, they will exit B-Wing.  Students in Grades K & 1 will be dismissed through the A-wing exit.  Older siblings may meet younger siblings under the canopy at A-wing.  Walkers must go directly home. Please use the crosswalks when crossing the road.

     

    Bicycle Riders:

    Students in Grade 3, 4 & 5 may ride bikes to school.  All bikes should be parked and locked at one of the bike racks in the courtyard between A and B-wing.   It is required by law to wear a helmet.   If the law is not followed this privilege will be suspended.

     

    Bus Arrival: 

    Bus riders will go directly to the gym where they will be supervised until 8:50 AM, when they will be dismissed to their classrooms.  Bus riders who are eating breakfast will report directly to the cafeteria upon arrival.

     

    Bus Dismissal: 

    Bus and childcare riders will report directly to the gym.  Students will board their buses/vans from that location.

     

    Dog & Pet Owners:

    While many of us own dogs, bringing dogs or other pets to our dismissal area is NOT permitted.  Dogs can become startled at the sight of our students, buses, vehicles, parents and other dogs.  This, in turn, can create a situation for our students (especially our younger students) that is not safe.  Also, there are students who are allergic to animals.  

     

    Changes in Your Child’s Dismissal Plans:

    Any change that is made to your child’s dismissal plan must be indicated in writing for your child’s teacher.  This could include a change in how your child leaves (walker vs. vehicle rider) or even a change in who your child is leaving with for the day. It is strongly encouraged that these decisions are made prior to the start of school or early in the school day.

     

    Dismissal Times

    3:30 PM  Dismissal bell chimes –Principal/Designee will make the afternoon announcements.

    3:32 PM Bus/Van students report to the gym.  Walkers begin the dismissal process.

    3:35 PM Car riders will begin their dismissal.  

     

    I know that the safety of our children is everyone’s priority.  If everyone practices basic safety, exercises common sense, follows the traffic laws and has patience, we will make the dismissal process as safe and effective as possible for our students.

     

    ATTENTION PARENTS OF STUDENTS WHO RIDE THE SCHOOL BUS

    Riding the bus is a privilege.  Students are expected to behave appropriately while at the bus stop and riding the bus.  Their appropriate behavior will result in a safe bus ride for all students.  These expectations will be reviewed at school as well.

     

    The following expected behaviors are for all Penn Valley students:

     

    At the bus stop and while riding the bus:

    Follow directions given by the driver and safety.

    Report any problems to the driver or safety.

    Keep all materials in your bookbag.

    Use quiet voices.

    Sit in their assigned seat.

    Stay seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.

    Use the handrail when entering and exiting the bus.

    Give notes to your teacher if you will not be riding the bus.

    Please support us by discussing the above expectations with your son or daughter.  This will ensure the safety of all the students on the bus and at the bus stop.  

     

    Respectfully,

    Ms. Hidalgo