Operation: Drop Off
Each Morning, hundreds of kids are dropped off at our elementary schools and middle school. Strike Team dads volunteer their time each and every morning to improve safety conditions during the morning drop off. The members of each chapter have identified concerns and have implemented plans to improve the morning experience for everyone. The two primary goals are safety and efficiency.
El Morro has a pretty good layout but there were two problems. First, Principal Duddy was out there alone trying to control the situation and cars were backed up on Pacific Coast Highway often to the entrance of the old trailer park. By positioning 4 team members to direct traffic and see to it that the process is as safe and efficient. Now the backup on the highway is minimal and Principal Duddy can focus on more important issues.
Top of the World has a great layout and a staff to execute but local habits created a situation where parents were driving on local roads to the exit creating a chaotic situation. Many T.O.W. kids walk to school via the exit road and the extra traffic caused a serious safety concern. By controlling the access to the exit road in the morning kids are much safer and parents exiting after going through the proper drop off have a better experience.
Thurston has some unique challenges. First, there are two drop off periods. The "zero" period drop off has an average of 145 cars per morning with no buses. The "first" period drop off has 8 buses, 3 mini buses and 100 cars. To make it worse, the parking lot is not designed to handle this level of traffic. Dr. Culverhouse and one dad had made heroic efforts to control the process but it needs more than that. The "Team" and the administration have implemented a new plan that focuses on everyone working together - pulling forward - dropping off - moving on. Dr. Culverhouse can now go about her normal duties knowing that the drop off situation is under control.