We have a brand new elementary building and when they were designing the building they actually thought about this process before the final draft. We have 4 parking areas. Two at the front, one at the side and one behind. They also installed gates that are closed before dismissal so there is only one way in and one way out.
Dismissal begins with K at 3:20. Those riding the bus go to the cafe. and those walking or being picked up stand at the exit door, near their rooms, where their teachers waits with them until someone comes to the door to get them.
First grade is then dismissed at 3:21. Those riding the bus go to the cafe. The walkers and those being picked up walk to the side entrance where they wait to be picked up.
Second grade is dismissed at 3:22. Those riding the bus go to cafe. Walkers and those being picked up go to the side door with their teacher where they are dismissed.
Third grade is dismissed at 3:23. Again the same.
Fourth grade is dismissed at 3:24. Those riding bus stay in their room till bus # is called. Walkers and those being picked up exit the rear doors where they are dismissed.
Fifth grade is dismissed at 3:25. The same as 4th.
Then the buses start arriving around 3:30. A teacher stands outside. When a bus arrives, the notify the office with the use of the walkie talkie system that connects the buses, the bus office and the school office. The students are then escorted by a teacher to their bus. The buses are called one at a time, waiting until the previous bus has all passengers.
This system seems to work well. Of course, as previously stated, the parents always seem to be in too much of a hurry to watch where they are going.
In the mornings it runs a little differently. The buses deposit the students off at the side door, which leaves the two front parking lots open for parents dropping off. These two are the only ones open in the morning and have several teachers supervising the areas. Parents are not allowed to enter the building except by being "buzzed" in through the office. This has been very hard for some parents to understand