Drop-off/Pick-up

Safety Valet Zone:
Drop-off and Pick-up

Parents who drop off and pick up students by car must use the Safety Valet Zone in the one-way parking lot at the front of the school ONLY.  Pull as far forward in the lot as possible and teach your children how to safely enter and exit on the passenger side.  ALWAYS drive cautiously (no cell phones!) and observe all posted parking signs.  Remind your children that they are expected to sit and wait quietly at all appointed pickup locations.  Children will not be allowed to cross the street or parking lot to meet you. 

There are many children being picked up after school.  An option to avoid the lines is to have your children go to the after-school playground (available for 2^nd-5^th grade students only).  After 3:00 p.m. it is very easy to park and pick up your children.  Please do not attempt to take any short cuts with the traffic pattern.  It only makes the situation more frustrating for everyone else and the risk to the safety of our students is not worth the few minutes you might save.

• When you enter the one-way driveway, pull up as far as you can.  Children will meet you when you have stopped. 
• Children should be ready to immediately enter/exit from the passenger side of the car.
• If you wish to walk your child onto the campus, you may park on the neighboring streets. Be sure to observe all posted street signs.
• DO NOT park your car and have children cross in the middle of the street. 
• DO NOT double park or park in driveways when dropping or picking up as it creates congestion and safety hazards.
• We have supervision beginning at 7:30 a.m. Children are not to be dropped off before 7:30.
• At the end of the school day, the Special Education buses must be first in the drive-through.
• Children are not permitted to cross the parking lot or the street.  They will be able to wait for you on the steps at the front of the school. 
• We discourage students from bringing bicycles, scooters, skateboards, or skate shoes to school due to heavy traffic and safety concerns.

Parking

• Parking is limited. Arrive before 7:45 a.m. to ensure a spot.
• Parking in the school's front lot is limited to 15 minutes for your convenience.
• Park only in designated parking spots.  Do not park across the street or double-park in the lot.
• If you will be at the school for longer than 15 minutes, please park on the local streets (Via Sebastian, Via Francisco, and W. Park Western Dr.) but pay attention to posted signs.
• DO NOT park in the faculty parking lot to the right of the school.
• DO NOT park in the Park Western Children's Center parking lot to the left of the school.
• DO NOT park in the Park Western Estates or shopping center lots as they are private property and your vehicle may be towed. 

Safe Walking Routes

Become familiar with the best routes for your child while walking form home to school. Remind your child to use crosswalks, look both ways before crossing, and obey all crosswalks, stop signs, traffic signals, and other traffic controls. Set a defined time for your child to leave and arrive home.  

If your children walk, we recommend that you walk to and from school with your children until they are thoroughly familiar with the route.  Children should always walk with others – never alone.  Please discuss the importance of coming straight home from school and to refuse to go with strangers. 

Click here for the Park Western Place Safe Route Map.

School Bus Safety

The safety of your child is a top priority. Each year, all students who receive home-to-school transportation watch a bus safety video. Please review the safety rules and regulation with your child.

At the Bus Stop

• Show respect for property around the bus stop. Avoid littering or walking on planted areas.
• Students should exit their personal cars prior to the arrival of the bus. Remain at least 10 feet back from the curb.
• Do not run toward the bus. Wait in line until the bus has stopped completely and the door has been opened.
• Board the bus in single file, without pushing.  Keep one hand free and use the handrail.

Bus Pass Requirement and Riding

• If you are a middle or senior high school student, you must show the driver your bus pass each time you board the bus.
• While on the bus, you must remain seated, facing forward for the entire trip. Keep your feet and legs out of the center aisle. Keep all parts of your body inside the bus.
• While on the bus, loud conversation is distracting to the driver and unsafe.
• Cell phone usage is for emergency purposes only; driver authorization is required.
• Animals or large hazardous objects are prohibited on the school bus.
• Smoking, eating, fighting, swearing, loud electronic devices, drinking and littering on the bus are not permitted.

Leaving the Bus

• You may get off the bus only at your assigned stop. If you need a different stop in the afternoon, written permission must be obtained from the school administrator and Area Bus Supervisor (ABS).
• Remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop and the door is opened. Follow the driver's instructions for the unloading sequence. Hold the handrail for balance and safety while walking down the steps. Stay back from the curb as the bus leaves. Stay out of the Danger Zones (please refer to the "Official Notification Of Your Child's Transportation Schedule" pamphlet).

Student Behavior on the Bus

• The safe transportation of students requires responsible behavior by all persons who ride school buses. Students who do not follow the regulations or the driver's instructions may be counseled or denied transportation.

LAUSD Transportation Office
Direct calls about specific bus routes to Transportation at 1-800-LA-BUSES or 1-800-522-8737