Line-up at school to keep kids safe

I’m a retired grandmother with seven grandchildren attending school in the Olney school district. I’m a “pinch hitter” when it comes to rides from school when moms have an appointment and can’t be there.

When I picked up grandchildren during the 202021 school year, the youngest was in kindergarten and they were dismissed out of the west doors of Olney Elementary School. All the children who have siblings in the elementary school are directed to the exit of the youngest student. Rather than joining the line, I’d park west of the old gym and walk up to the school yard behind the library with an official name card that let the teachers know I was there to pick up my grandchildren.

During the 2021-22 school year, the pickup was in front of the elementary so I joined the line because I had a grandchild in pre-kindergarten. Then Pre-K Student moved up to kindergarten for 2022-23 school year, so the pickup point was again at the west door of the elementary building behind the library. I again parked west of the old gym and walked up with my “official” name card.

I used this routine until Oct. 6. I parked as usual and walked up to the small patch of shaded yard to await the kids dismissal. I had barely stepped onto the grass when a police officer approached. (Later I learned she was the “Resource Officer.”) My thought process was, “Surely she’s not coming to me.” But she was. She explained that I needed to join the line. It was an effort to protect the children from being picked up by or exposed to unauthorized people. I asked if the officer would allow me to pick the kids up that day, next time I’ll get into line. I was directed to go back to my vehicle to wait and she would escort the kids to me.

At first I was quite irritated. The lines don’t move very quickly and I’m not a fan of sitting in line with my engine running, gas guzzling. Many of the teachers know exactly who I am because they were in school with my children, or were related to co-workers of myself or my husband. But I considered the situation while waiting.

Safety is a major factor these days. “Strangers” on campuses is a large concern. I would be devastated if my grandchildren were taken from school by an unauthorized person. With all the school shootings, especially since Uvalde, the school districts must focus more on the safety of the students and professionals at schools.

So I don’t mind having my pick up routine changed. My grandchildren are being kept as safe as possible while at school, especially through delivery and pick up.