Schoolpool Tips

School Pool is a Great Way to Get to School

Beyond creating transportation solutions for parents, schools, and communities, a SchoolPool program is about creating community. Getting to know other parents, neighbors and students is part of our daily interactions and SchoolPool will facilitate this process!

SchoolPool is intended to be a program that benefits parents, children, and schools. As with all programs that involve children, it is highly recommended that parents take the time to feel confident their children will be in good hands. Prior to establishing a carpool partnership at least one face-to-face meeting should be planned and proper screening of a potential driver should always occur. The same diligence that one would use to choose a day care provider should be used for selecting a school pool. Feel free to download a copy of our SchoolPool Family Discussion Checklist to take along. Screening should always include ensuring drivers have:

• A valid, unrestricted driver's license
• Insurance coverage to protect driver and passengers

Best-case scenario would be that drivers would also have their driver's insurance coverage available.  It is important to fully explain the SchoolPool program to participating children. This includes discussing any potential partnerships. A one-on-one meeting with drivers and children is highly recommended. A list of SchoolPool partnerships and pick up/drop off schedules should always be made available to the school and/or teachers. It is also helpful to establish in advance passenger ground rules with children. They could include:

• Always using proper safety restraints when the vehicle is moving
• Establishing a pick up and drop off location for children
• Deciding where each student will sit, and rotate seating periodically
• Deciding what, if any, music may be played or food eaten in the car.
• Encouraging students to be polite, saying "please" and "thank you."
• Ensuring your child always knows who is picking them up and when
• Planning for what children should do if no one picks them up at the scheduled time

Extra things that can help your SchoolPool run smoothly include:

• Planning for how scheduled or sudden changes to the usual routine will be handled
• Organizing a "phone tree" list so last minute changes can be communicated quickly to your group.
• Completing the SchoolPool Family Discussion Checklist and distributing copies to other SchoolPool families. (Don't forget to give a copy to the school.)

In addition, remember the program is not about strangers showing up at school to pick up your children. It is about having children traveling to and from school in groups. The program is about creating community and supporting each other in our day-to-day operations - not only will new friendships be formed between students, but new friendships between parents and teachers as well!

Lastly, have fun! Consider naming your SchoolPool, tie a ribbon or other small decoration from your vehicle's antenna, and do something fun with the other families in your SchoolPool from time to time. Remember SchoolPool is a great way to get to know each other.