Our school also has a pick up line. We don't have anything in the windows at all. Now most of the parents are known by the staff who is out there, but I've worried about it too.
Our school does this like concerned_mom's does but the school also places 2 teachers outside at the car line to confirm the children are with their correct car. The little ones are asked pointedly "is that your mom/dad/sister etc" before they are released to ride. Any hesitation requires identification by the driver at the front desk. Within about 2 weeks the teachers have an eyeball recognition of the children and their parents. We've not had any problems or issues with the process.
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Our school is like Jim's -- parents pick up at the door for lower grades.
I've read somewhere about the pick-up sheets in the car windows, but I think there was something else about them, eg, it was plastic rather than paper, so you couldn't just run one off of your laser printer at home, and it had the school logo or something. Of course, plastic cards could be expensive, and add a compllcation to car-pool arrangements (or even divorced parents).
I would recommend discussing this with a parent rep that is on the school council. (Hopefully your school has this - most public school require it). I would say that this would be the appropriate venue to discus it.
If your school does not have a School Council, then maybe talking directly with the Principal is the best action. Overall it is his/her responsibility.
Most schools, from what I have experienced, have the parents park and then pick their kids up face-to-face at a pick up area. This way the staff member can be sure that the student is being picked up by the correct person.
The fact that you mentioned the paper on the window indicates to me that the school is trying to make pick-up flow better. Meaning that the school will likely be open to any positive ideas.
Last year I became concerned with my child's school pick up lane arrangements. He is in Kindergarten and the building he is in only has Preschool and Kindergarten children. At the end of the day parents are to drive through a congested pick up line just off the cafeteria and a teacher will then call for your child and place them in the car.. The part that disturbs me is that the provided you with a basic sheet of paper with your child's name and teacher on it to place in your window.. Does this sound safe? I DON'T THINK SO!! Anyone can put a piece of paper in the window and the fact that no one seems to verify anything is ridiculous.. I also think that this is dangerous because kids at this age are not likely to tell the teacher that they don't know the person in the car if the teacher is telling them this is who they are to go with..
Here is my question what can be done.. ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEA?? I want to know that all the kids are safe not just my own.. I needs some advice, I am pretty sure if I could come up with a solution our PTO will be able to help the school with any funding or assistance needed to implement it.. Help!
