WMS outlines arrival, dismissal and campus-safety procedures for families

A school staff member at WMS outlined arrival and dismissal procedures for families, saying students may have free breakfast from 8 to 8:20 a.m., gates open at 8 a.m. when supervision begins, and dismissal is at 2:45 p.m. on regular days, 1:45 p.m. on shortened days and 11:45 a.m. on minimum days.

The guidance matters for student safety and punctuality: supervision begins at 8 a.m., students must be in assigned homerooms by 8:30 a.m. to avoid being marked tardy, and staff provide supervision for 15 minutes after dismissal only. “Please plan ahead and allow extra time for drop off and pick up,” the school announcer said.

The announcer gave specific drop-off and arrival rules. Families driving students should use the valet lane drop-off and pick-up zone and keep cars in the right lane; students should exit on the passenger side. Drivers were asked not to park in red zones, double-park, make U-turns on 130 Fifth Street or encourage jaywalking. “In the interest of student safety, please only pull over and let your student out between either of the 2 yellow gated areas,” the announcer said.

Students who walk to school were advised to use the buddy system and cross only at marked crosswalks. Gates remain closed until 8 a.m. when staff supervision begins; students should not arrive before that time unless attending a supervised program. For arrival, the first bell rings at 8:25 a.m. and the final bell at 8:30 a.m.

The school also described rules for students who ride bicycles, scooters or skateboards: an authorization form is required; helmets must be worn; items must be secured with a lock; bicycles go inside the gated bike corral; skateboards and scooters must be locked in the racks near Gate Number 2; and students must walk with their wheels while on campus and along 130 Fifth Street.

If families need to pick up students early, the announcer said a written note must be provided to the front office before school begins. The announcer closed by asking families for cooperation to keep arrivals and dismissals safe and efficient for “our dolphins.”