Improving Safety During School Arrival and Dismissal

Written by: Lt. Joseph Pangaro, CSO, CPM, Feb 28, 2025

When we think of the beginning of the school day, many of us picture busses pulling up, kids on bikes, and walkers coming from all directions. Same thing happens during dismissal time and it can be hard to control.

This process is universal for almost every school in the country. It is also a time of concern as it relates to safety and security because they are two of the most vulnerable times of the day. Our doors are unlocked and open and there are varying degrees of chaos taking place as students get off or on the busses and head in or out of the doors. There is also the universal reality of parent drop off and pick up adding to the activity.

How Can We Make Arrivals and Dismissals Safer for All?

As I have stated many times in the past, we must control the chaos as much as possible. Where we place our staff members and security personnel — if we have the latter — is very important. Staff cannot be “bunching up” near the doors. Instead, they should be strategically placed around the area so as to have a good view of all the activity as well as being able to see approaching danger so they can respond quickly to any potential threats.

In addition to proper placement, staff members should all be easily recognizable by wearing some kind of traffic vest and they should all have radios. The vests give the impression of the omni-presence of security to anyone observing the school which can be a visual deterrent. The radios allow staff to quickly communicate any danger to everyone else in the area.

These simple steps can add a layer of security to arrival and dismissal times.

Ensuring Safety During Early and Late School Dismissals

We should also look specifically at the early or late dismissal times some schools have to accommodate various school events such as sports, clubs, or music practices.

School dismissal times, whether early or late, pose unique safety challenges that schools must address to protect students, staff, and families. These concerns range from traffic congestion to unauthorized student pick-ups and require proactive strategies to mitigate risks.

Traffic Congestion and Pedestrian Safety

One of the most pressing concerns during arrivals and dismissals is traffic congestion. With parents, school buses, and pedestrians all converging at the same time, the risk of accidents significantly increases.

Schools should implement designated pick-up and drop-off zones with clear signage and collaborate with local law enforcement to direct traffic flow and enhance safety measures.

Preventing Unauthorized Student Pick-Ups

When schools do not have strict verification procedures, students may be at risk of being picked up by unauthorized individuals. This is especially concerning during emergency dismissals or unexpected schedule changes. Using dismissal management software and implementing ID verification systems can ensure that only approved guardians can pick up.

Enhancing Communication During Dismissals

A lack of clear communication between schools and parents can create confusion and safety hazards, particularly during early dismissals due to emergencies or weather conditions.

Schools should implement real-time notification systems to alert parents of schedule changes and coordinate dismissal logistics effectively

Ensuring Proper Supervision

Early and late dismissals may result in insufficient staff supervision, increasing the risk of students being left unsupervised. Schools should have trained personnel in place to monitor students and ensure they are safely dismissed to their designated guardians or after-school programs.

Establishing Clear Dismissal Policies

A well-documented and consistently enforced dismissal policy is crucial for ensuring student safety. Schools should provide clear guidelines to parents, staff, and students regarding dismissal procedures, authorized pick-ups, and emergency protocols.

Conclusion

School dismissal safety is a shared responsibility requiring the coordination of school administrators, staff, parents, and local authorities. By addressing key concerns such as traffic safety, unauthorized pick-ups, supervision, and communication, schools can create a safer environment for students during early and late dismissals.

Joseph Pangaro is a retired police lieutenant from Ocean Township, N.J. and the former director of school safety and security for a large school district in New Jersey. He is a Certified Public Manager (CPM) and the CEO of Pangaro Training. He can be reached at Joe@PangaroTraining.com.

NOTE: The views expressed by guest bloggers and contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, Campus Safety.

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