Elementary Morning Drop Off

Dear Panther Families,

Please review the information below regarding elementary morning drop-off and arrival procedures. Pay special attention to the times listed below. Our goal is to make morning arrival as safe, smooth, and efficient as possible for everyone.

7:15 AM — Students May Arrive

School opens for students at 7:15 AM. This is also when our buses begin arriving.
Bus Riders:
Buses will unload in the bus loop. No cars should enter the bus loop between 7:15–7:45 AM. Bus students will enter through the pool doors and proceed to the cafeteria.

• Students eating breakfast will go to the elementary side of the cafeteria.
• Students who are not eating breakfast will wait on the high school side of the cafeteria until they are dismissed to classrooms at 7:30.

Parent Drop-Off Options

Families dropping off students have two options:

Option 1: Park in the Lot & Walk Your Child to one of the Entrances
Parents wishing to walk their child to the door may park in the parking lot and walk their student to either the lower entrance or the main entrance.  On September 1st (First Day) parents may enter school and walk directly to classroom doors if they wish.  
Do not park in the drop-off loop.

Option 2: Use the New Drop-Off Loop
Families may also use our new drop-off loop:

1. After crossing the railroad tracks, turn right onto the access road.
2. Proceed toward the baseball field.
3. Turn left to enter the drop-off loop.
4. Students may exit at either the lower entrance, nearest the south gym, or the main entrance.
5. There will be some temporary signage to guide traffic.

For safety, students should only exit the vehicle from the right/passenger side. Students should never exit from the driver's side due to traffic.  Staff members will be outside to assist younger students as they exit vehicles. Once inside, students can proceed to the cafeteria. Staff will be stationed throughout the hallways to help students find their way.

Special Note: For the first few days of school, Pre-K and Kindergarten staff will meet their students outside.

After 7:30 AM

Students arriving after 7:30 AM who do not need breakfast may go directly to their classrooms.

A Few Important Reminders

Please be patient as we begin using the new drop-off loop. This is a new procedure for PCS, and we anticipate that it may take a few days for everyone to become comfortable with the routine.

We have also been made aware of road closures related to the Village sewer project near Sunset Ridge. This will likely result in additional traffic on Elm Street during the first few days of school, so please allow yourself a little extra time.

When using the drop-off loop, parents should remain in their vehicles. Please talk with your child ahead of time about the new routine so they are prepared to exit the vehicle and enter the building independently. Staff will be available to help!

7:45 AM — Start of School

Students arriving after 7:45 AM are considered late to school and must be signed in by a parent/guardian at the Elementary Office.

Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation as we establish these routines. Following these procedures will help us keep morning arrival safe and efficient for all of our Panthers!

We look forward to seeing everyone!

A special thanks to Officer Miller (and his new backpack), Miss Teegan and Miss Unverdorben for helping with our drop off loop video!