Traffic Flyer from
the City of Mission ViejoWe are here today with Parking Lot
Diva, Ms. Davis, of Driving Ms. Davis fame.
Interviewer: Tell me Ms. Davis, how is the parking
lot running this new school year?
Ms. Davis: I am pleased to announce that the Del
Cerro parking lot is running smooth and safe. We have had just a
few situations where we have had to remind both parents and students
about the safety rules here at Del Cerro. As soon as they realize
that the parking lot runs safely and smoothly when everyone follows the
same rules, they are quick to comply. Our goal is to empty the
parking lot in the shortest and safest amount of time. Unfortunately, we
are having some difficulties with the line -up going into the parking
lot. There is only one line going into the parking lot. The other lane
is for those exiting the parking lot. Del Cerro is one of the few
schools that have only one way in and one way out. We cannot have
parents driving in the exit lane to avoid the traffic. The Orange County
Sheriff has come and issued tickets to anyone who is driving in the
wrong lane. The parking lot does clear quickly when everyone is doing
their part.
Interviewer: I have noticed the red cones in the
parking lot. Why are they there?
Ms. Davis: We have many students who arrive by bus.
We must have the red cone area to park our buses. If we allowed
cars in that area, it would not only be a safety issue, but our buses
would hinder the unloading and loading of children. This has
worked wonderfully. The buses come in and do their thing and then
they are out of the way.
Interviewer: Can Parents Park in the red zone during the
day?
Ms. Davis: Unfortunately, we have buses that arrive from
8:00 until school starts at 8:30, as well as a bus that arrives at
midmorning for our kindergartners, and our after school buses that
arrive anywhere from 2:00 until 3:00 or so. We must keep all cars out of
the bus lane.
Interviewer: I have noticed a van or two in the red
zone. Why are they there?
Ms. Davis: These vans are car pool vans for paid
after school day care. They pick up multiple children and their
children wait for them in a designated spot. They are treated as
buses due to the time constraints they are under as they pick up at
other schools besides Del Cerro.
Interviewer: Last week I noticed a police officer
writing out tickets. How are they involved in the Parking Lot?
Ms. Davis: The police officer is assigned to our
school and makes random visits both in the morning and afternoon.
I have explained our safety rules to him. After observing our school, he
paid us all a big compliment. He said that even though our parking lot
situation is difficult, he feels that our parking lot is one of the
safest he has seen. He also stated that when he sees a law being
broken, he will write a ticket for it. The only tickets that I have seen
him write are for driving on the wrong side of the street
Interviewer: Sometimes when I am waiting in line I
am blocking a driveway. Is that allowed?
Ms. Davis: Our neighbors have been so patient and
accommodating. If you see someone trying to get out of their driveway
please let them out. We don’t want to over stay our welcome during
drop-off and pick-up times
Interviewer: How can we as parents help the parking lot
run smoothly?
Ms. Davis: There are a few things that parents can do
to make our job easier. Have your child ready to go in the morning.
Please don’t hold up the line signing things or making after school
plans. In the afternoon, have your child waiting by the pickup tree. We
want your time in the parking lot to be minimal. Please stay in line.
Due to safety concerns, we will not allow any child to cross the parking
lot to get into a car that is stopped in the exit lane. Remember that
our main concern is for the safety of your child.
Interviewer: And finally Ms. Davis, how long does
it take to empty the parking lot in the afternoon.
Ms. Davis: When all of the children are waiting for
their parents, we can empty the parking lot safely in 15 min. I am
so proud of the students who watch for their parents and are ready to go
to
them when they see them. It is great that our children and parents
are so proactive. That's how our parking lot clears so fast. Keep
up the good work!
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PARENTS! Please make arrangements for after school pick-up
on rainy days before the need arises! |
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