Dear SLES Families,
We are writing to address the critical state of our morning drop-off (Kiss n’ Go) and afternoon pick-up. We have received an influx of reports regarding unsafe driving, lack of courtesy, and total disregard for our traffic patterns.
The pattern works, but only if all parents follow it daily. The Current Reality- this is no longer just a matter of “slow traffic”—it has become a safety crisis.
- The Principal’s Experience: On January 26, it took the Principal 9 minutes to travel from 14th and State Street to the school parking lot. This delay was caused entirely by parents refusing to follow the flow of traffic, creating a bottleneck in our single-lane system.
- Unsafe Behavior: We have received reports of cars being left empty in the middle of intersections (specifically at 13th and Federal), blocking school buses and local residents. Also, on January 14th, the Assistant Principal observed multiple cars turning off State onto 14th street from the middle lane.
- Community Impact: Our neighbors are being trapped in their own driveways, and people are parking on sidewalks or blocking teacher vehicles. Consequently, we are receiving formal complaints from the First District Police Department and the surrounding community.
Our “Community Care” Standard
SLES is built on caring for one another. The South Loop Way has always been to be SAFE, RESPECTFUL, and RESPONSIBLE. When drivers “leap-frog” the line or park illegally to save a few minutes, they are choosing their own convenience over the safety of our children. To ensure no student is injured, we are reinforcing the following protocols effective immediately:
- Wait Your Turn: Do not bypass the queue. If you are late, you must accept the delay.
- Unload Properly: Children should be prepared to exit on the right side of the vehicle.
- Respect Our Neighbors: Do not block driveways or intersections. Federal and Plymouth must remain accessible to the people who live there.
- Follow the Staff: When staff are present to assist, please follow their directions. We are working to ensure the unloading process is as “butter smooth” as possible.
We know that “kids will be kids” and morning schedules can be unpredictable. However, the price of being late should be a tardy slip, not a car accident or a student injury.
Let’s act like the “grown-ups” our students need us to be. Please choose patience and safety over speed.
Sincerely,
School Administration