As Greenwich Public Schools begin another school year this week, the Greenwich Police Department offers the following messages and safety tips:
Greenwich High School Parking, Drop Off and Pick Up
School Hours – GHS starts school at 8:30 a.m. and dismisses at 3:15 p.m.
Parent Drop Off – Following the same pattern as last year, parent drop off before school will be in the back of the school. Parents will be directed to enter GHS through the main entrance, drive behind the building and drop off students by the gym. Greenwich Police will assist us in directing traffic. For obvious safety reasons, parents should not drop students off in the street, in neighbors’ driveways, or in other entrances to GHS. For your convenience, students may be dropped off at 7:15. They will be minimally supervised until security and other school personnel arrive at 8.
Parent Pick Up – Following the same pattern as last year, parent pick up after school will be in the back of the school. Parents will be directed to enter GHS through the main entrance, drive behind the building and pick up students by the gym. Greenwich Police will assist us in directing traffic.
Student Parking – There is no student parking on Thursday, Aug. 30 through Wednesday, Sept. 5. Starting Thursday, Sept. 6, parking will be for seniors only and will require a permit.
Visitor Parking -There is short-term visitor parking located in the front circle designated by signage and visitor parking located in front of field # 5 designated by the letter V in the parking spots.
Back to School Safety Message – From the National Safety Council
Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is vitally important that they – and the motorists around them – take proper safety precautions.
For Drivers
Drivers, Share the Road
- Don’t block crosswalks
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and take extra care in school zones
- Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
- Never pass a bus loading or unloading children
For Bike Riders
- Always wear a helmet that is fitted and secured properly
- Children need to know the rules of the road: Ride single file on the right side of the road, come to a complete stop before crossing the street and walk the bike across
- Watch for opening car doors and other hazards
- Use hand signals when turning
- Wear bright-colored clothing
For Walkers
Walking
- Walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic
- Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming
- Never dart out in front of a parked car
- Parents: Practice walking to school with your child, crossing streets at crosswalks when available
- Never walk while texting or talking on the phone
- Do not walk while using headphones
