If you're part of our official American Academy Facebook page (and if you're not, join us!), you've probably seen the great post from a fellow parent with some tips and tricks that will make carpool run MUCH SMOOTHER! This advice is in addition to the carpool email you received earlier this week from your campus Front Office Manager.
Here are a few friendly reminders and pointers to make carpool a breeze for everyone!
Mind the Gap! Please pull up as close as safely possible to the car in front of you. The less space between cars, the more of us can fit in the line and off the main roads!
Stay in Your Car! For safety and to keep the line moving, please remain in your vehicle. The staff will help your kids get in and out safely.
Keep Moving Forward! Even if you see your child waiting, please don't stop where they are. Keep pulling all the way up to the front of the line. This helps things flow so much better!
Students should be ready to hop out in the am! When you are safely on campus and in the "cone zone" your student should be unbuckled, backpack in hand, ready to jump out. Kisses and last minute goodbye's should also be complete. :-)
Be Present & Phone-Free! Please stay off your phone while in line. Staying alert helps keep our kids and staff safe and makes the whole process quicker.
Be Kind to Carpool Staff! The staff members working the carpool line all have other jobs to get to inside the building. They are working hard to keep everyone safe AND make the line as fast as possible. A smile, a wave, and your patience mean the world to them!
Be a Good Neighbor! Be considerate of our surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. Parking in an area that wasn't designated as an AA parent pick up location such as in a neighborhood or at a business, can create a nuisance and safety issues for our community partners.
Practice with Your Kiddos! If your child is younger or new to carpool, practicing at home can be a huge help! I used to do "carpool practice" with my little one by driving around the block. We practiced:
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Watching for our car
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Waiting for the car to stop completely
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Opening the door, getting in, and closing it
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Buckling up! It helped build confidence and made the real drop-offs and pick-ups so much smoother!
Thanks everyone! Bring your patience, sense of humor and kindness! It's going to be an amazing year!