Elementary Morning Drop-Off/Pick-Up NEISD (home, middle school, zip code)

[m22]

My oldest starts kinder in the NEISD tomorrow, class starts at 7:45 & ends at 2:45. What time do I have to be in the line-up of cars? The welcome back meet the teacher night was crazy packed & I am afraid the daily drop-off/pick-up will be as well (even though I know some walk or take the bus). Should I get in the line early to make sure I am up front? Or does it usually flow smoothly?

[sapphire]

The first few days are always a nightmare. Get there around 7:20 or so. For pickup, be there by 2:20 or so, otherwise your child will never be able to find your car because you'll be in a different zip code waiting for him/her. It usually settles down some, but it's never fun.

[JAL71]

Originally Posted by sapphire

otherwise your child will never be able to find your car because you'll be in a different zip code waiting for him/her.

This just made me LOL!!

[Bo]

I agree with Sapphire. Expect that it won't flow smoothly the first few days.

For pickup, make sure you know where the school wants you to do the pickup. The schools really do have it figured out, so pickup and dropoff can be smooth and efficient, but only if people cooperate. Most of the challenge at pickup will be caused by selfish/uninformed people who don't do pick up in the right place and cause problems for the people who do.

You should probably reassure your kid that s/he may have to sit a while and wait for you at pickup time those first few days. If you're determined to do it quickly, plan to be there 25-30 minutes before pickup and dropoff times.

[svg210]

I hate how the schools here think they are all up to date when in reallity most have real crappy parking lots and some have none. but then again who ends up getting the short end of the stick? the children that walk home! I've seem some jackasses ignore stop signs, creep up on kids as they are crossing, or having plain disregard for their safety. I feel like setting some spikes so they can learn some manners. but then again I'm gonna have to be home by two so I can throw ballons filled with brakefluid at these jerks j/k

[mrstxcop]

for the first week i always get to school around 215 or so and just take a book and read in the car or if i have my 2yr old we get out and walk around --- i also drop off early in the morning, usually around 715 or so --- the first week is always CRAZY!!! --- it will settle down, as sapphire said, once the 2nd week of school starts and things will start flowing a little easier ---

[catriona]

What about middle school and high school? MS gets out at 3:30 and HS at 4. Are their pickup lines just as bad?

[sapphire]

Probably, catriona. Unfortunately, I won't have the pleasure of doing either this week (morning drop-off or afternoon pickup), due to job constraints, but starting next week, I'll be right out there on the front lines with you. Hopefully everyone will have it figured out by then.

Just expect the worst, hope for the best, and stay VIGILANT!! Those kids are quick and it's all new to them, too--you really have to look out for them.

[pobre]

AM elementary carpool is usually staffed from 7:15 to around 7:50 (the end time varies by school). PM is 2:45 to about 3:00.

Remember that the first week is longer and crazier. Teachers need time to recognize parents, and it takes a bit longer!! By week 2, things run a bit smoother.

Some people choose to park and walk to the door or pick up spot (PLEASE use the crosswalks!!) Have your car sign visible, that helps quite a bit...

[42JetSet]

It may sound crazy, but I'm just SO stressed out about this! And I don't stress about stuff like this... EVER. New schools (BIG schools), two different schools and two different start/end times and a whooooollllleeeee new way of doing things. And I can't let the kids know I'm stressed; as far as they know Mom is calm, cool and knows the scene. I keep repeating to myself: in a week I'll have it down, in a week I'll have it down, in a week I'll have it down. I am SUCH a dorky mom-nerd.