TJ principal: traffic issues related to drop-off lane

Friday, Thomas Jefferson Elementary Principal Lisa Sharp sent out an email to parents at the school informing them of a number of changes related to dropping off students at the school.

“We need your help! It has come to my attention that the drop off in the morning has become a big (mess),” she wrote.

Sharp encouraged parents to let their children out of their cars at whatever point they come to a stop when pulling into the drop-off lane on the west side of the school building. Some parents were waiting to get to the end of the drop-off lane, which was causing traffic tie-ups.

“Some parents are waiting ... so the kids don’t have to walk as far,” she wrote. “This is causing a back-up of traffic clear to First Avenue.”

Sharp’s email indicated this is the first year the drop-off lane has experienced this type of problem. She said the problem was resulting in some kids being late for school, while some parents were arriving late to work.

To address the issue, Sharp said doors to the school will open at 7:40 a.m. for students who are eating breakfast, while those who do not will still wait until 7:50 a.m., when teachers are on duty. Parents may drop off students anytime between 7:45 and 8:05 a.m. each school day.

After 8:05 a.m., students should come through the front doors of the school building.

“Please help us fix this problem by pulling into the drive and letting your child get out quickly,” Sharp wrote. “Then, pull out into the left-hand lane to move out and make room for others.”

Daily News Editor Bob Eschliman may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 423, or at beschliman@newtondailynews.com.