The Capital Improvement Project included a major reconfiguration of the Joseph Henry Elementary School parking lot. As a result, there will be a new drop-off and pick-up traffic pattern for all students Pre-K-12 that will alleviate congestion and greatly improve safety for students, pedestrians, and buses.

The pavement on the JHE side of the building was designed for the heavier weight of the school buses whereas the Junior-Senior High School parking lot is designed for car traffic. By changing the pick-up and drop-off configuration, it will lengthen the lifespan of both lots. 

Here are some changes you will see:

• Buses will pick-up and drop-off exclusively on the JHE side of the building
• Buses will park on a diagonal, giving the drivers better ability to see small children
• Designated car spaces to separate parent parking from bus traffic
• Cars and buses will continue to enter the driveway near the cemetery, however, Elementary parents will continue to the circle near the JHE entrance to drop-off or pick-up their children (Junior-Senior High School parents will still be able to drop their children off on the Junior-Senior High School side of the building)
• Buses will bear left toward the Junior-Senior High School to park on a diagonal as they drop-off/pick-up students
• Buses will exit the campus via a designated driveway that is separate from car traffic
• Elementary students will enter at the new JHE entrance while Junior-Senior High School students will enter the doors near the Band and FFA classrooms
• New sidewalks, curbs, and paving in both lots
• Improved lighting for safety purposes in both lots

The student parking lot has been paved and painted. The parking pass system that was put in place during the 2018-19 school year is working well and will still be in effect. 

Please note: 
• The afternoon Fast Lane for JHE parents (depicted in pink below) allows parents to reach the main entrance without impeding the buses. 
• Our new bus parking area is excellent, but we still need to be aware and obey NY School Bus Laws for student safety. 

"When a stopped school bus flashes its red light(s), traffic that approaches from either direction, even in front of the school and in school parking lots, must stop before it reaches the bus."

"When you stop for a school bus, you cannot drive again until the red lights stop flashing or when the bus driver or a traffic officer signals that you can proceed."