Additional settings for Safari Browser.
Arrival & Dismissal Best Practices For Families
DISTRICT & SCHOOL SAFETY MEASURES
- School leaders, teachers, and staff share arrival and dismissal procedures with families throughout the year.
- Families receive alerts through ParentSquare about any traffic changes or updates, especially during bad weather.
- Crossing guards, provided by Nassau County Police, help students cross streets safely.
- Extra signs, installed with the county and town, guide traffic and mark safe areas for walking and driving.
- A district security officer circulates among the three schools during arrival and dismissal for extra support.
- Nassau County Police periodically monitor traffic in the mornings to make sure rules are followed and students stay safe.
ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL
BEST PRACTICES FOR FAMILIES
Valley Stream DArrival & Dismissal Best Practices For Familiesistrict 30| the friendly schools is a walking district nestled within a vibrant community. Many of our students walk to and from school, while families also drive to escort their children. When we all follow arrival and dismissal procedures together, we create a safe environment that allows our students to arrive ready to be educated, inspired, and celebrated. By putting safety first and working together, we ensure every child can travel safely and spend quality time with their families. Safety is a shared responsibility. Here are specific practices for families to adopt so we rise to the challenge together:
WALK WHEN POSSIBLE
Whenever you can, choose to walk with your child or escort them on foot. Fewer cars make the area safer for everyone.
USE & RESPECT DESIGNATED DROP‑OFF / PICK‑UP ZONE
If you drive, always use the approved drop‑off/pick‑up areas. Do not stop or park in fire lanes, bus zones, crosswalks, or on streets that are not designed for through traffic.
STAY IN THE VEHICLE UNLESS YOU ARE IN A DESIGNATED SPOT
Drivers should remain in their vehicles unless they are in the correct access point; avoid walking children across traffic or leaving cars double‑parked.
COORDINATE & CARPOOL THOUGHTFULLY
Car‑pooling reduces the number of cars, but if you carpool do not park or drive in streets not designed for through traffic. Align with neighbors or PTA networks, choose streets meant for drop‑off, and follow all school signage.
MODEL SAFE WALKING
When walking with children→hold hands for younger kids→cross at intersections and crosswalks→look left‑right‑left and behind before crossing.
HAVE REGULAR CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SAFETY AT HOME
Where they should stop, how to cross, watching for cars, never darting into the street.
Use these routines so walking safely becomes automatic.
Pick a route to school, walk it with your child ahead of time, identify safe intersections, sidewalks, crosswalks.
Practice and review safe routes together.
Remind them to stick to the route.
BE VISIBLE & AWARE OF SURROUNDINGS
Have children were bright clothing or reflective gear, avoid walking between parked cars, keep devices out of ears so you can hear traffic.
REMIND CHILDREN THAT WE ARE ALL LOOKING OUT FOR EACH OTHER
Encourage children to walk in pairs or groups when possible, stay alert for their surroundings, and to say to an adult if something doesn’t feel right.
RESPECT STAFF INSTRUCTIONS, SCHOOL SIGNAGE & COMMUNITY RULES
The crossing guard, security officer, school staff are partners in this safety work.
Follow their directions promptly, no shortcuts, no ignoring signage.
SLOW DOWN, SHOW PATIENCE & BE KIND
If you drive, arrive early rather than rushing. Stay in line, don’t bypass traffic, don’t block neighbors. When walking, allow extra time, stay calm.
TOGETHER WE HOLD EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE
As families, staff and community members we must remind one another respectfully of these practices.
When we work together, our school community becomes safer for everyone.
