Dear Families of Colonel Johnston,

COL Johnston Elementary School is committed to the safety and security of our students.The decision whether the school should or should not follow the inclement weather procedures is the decision of the Administration of the School and is based on the overall concern for the children. The purpose of this letter is to inform or remind you of the procedures that are followed when inclement weather is called.

Every parent should have a laminated student name card for use when picking up their child from our school during inclement weather.Please keep it in your car and have it available to give to the staff member assigned to retrieve your child during inclement weather. If for any reason you misplace the card, please write the information requested on a piece of paper to hand to the staff member when asked.A new card will be made for you.

Our District has a system in place that will initiate a mass text and/or email to parents/guardians notifying you that inclement weather has been called.Please keep in mind that all efforts will be made to notify you ahead of time and with as much notice as possible.

DROP-OFF PROCEDURE:Grounds open at 7:50 am

Use the drop off loop located at the back of our building.All students will be directed to their classrooms where staff will be on hand to supervise and monitor students until the 8:05 am bell rings.

PICK-UP PROCEDURE:

Release times are 2:15 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and 1:05 pm on Thursdays.This does not change during inclement weather.

We ask that no parents come into our building to pick up their child. With increased traffic our tile in the main hall can become very slippery. For everyone’s safety we must have minimal traffic in the hallways.Please go to the assigned pickup loop for your child’s grade level.

Bus Riders will be dismissed and taken to their appropriate buses.All other students will be grouped by grade level in strategic areas located close to their designated pick-up loop.

All students with siblings at CJES will be grouped with the highest-grade level student.

  • Siblings in both grades kinder and first will be grouped with first grade students.
  • Siblings in both grades kinder and second will be grouped with second grade students.
  • Siblings in both grades first and second will be grouped with second grade students.
  • Siblings in all grades kinder, first and second will be grouped with second grade students.

During this time, we ask that parents/guardians please be patient and wait their turn in the appropriate car loop location.There will be traffic and dismissal will be longer than usual. We ask that you do not pass the parked buses.If staff members are not visible in the car loop area this means it is unsafe for anyone to be outside.Students will not be dismissed from the building until our administration feels the students/staff are safe to go out.

  • Kindergarten pick-up will be the loop in the front of the building.
  • First grade pick-up will be at loop in the staff parking area.
  • Second grade pick-up will be at the loop at the back of the building.

Once in the car loop, be prepared to give a staff member your student recognition card.A staff member will collect your card, retrieve your child, and deliver them to you in your car and return the student recognition card to you.Do NOT get out of your vehicle as this creates an unsafe environment for all.Once all vehicles are out of the car loop, staff members will bring any remaining students to the office area for late pick-up.

As a reminder, we know that inclement weather is a trying time for all.Again we ask that you please be patient and realize that not adhering to these procedures will cause delays and an unsafe environment for all involved.

Sincerely, Jennifer Truitt-Lewis

Principal, COL Johnston Elementary School

Inclement Weather Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures