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Traffic and Parking Information

To help ensure a safe and efficient arrival and dismissal for all students, please review the traffic, parking, walking, and biking procedures below. Families are asked to follow designated drop-off and pick-up locations, display car tags during dismissal, and follow the directions of staff members assisting with traffic. Your patience and cooperation help us keep our Bobcats safe while getting everyone to and from school as smoothly as possible.

Morning Arrival

  • Doors Open: 7:10 a.m. We will help guide students to morning arrival locations once in the building.
  • Tardy Bell: 7:35 a.m.
  • Breakfast Served: 7:10–7:35 a.m. in the cafeteria

Drop-Off Locations:

  • K–2 Car Riders: Front rainbow walk off 43rd Street

  • 3–5 Car Riders: Back circle drive off Lamonte Ln
  • Families with K–2 and 3–5 Siblings: May drop off all children at the K–2 rainbow walk off 43rd Street
  • Walkers/Bikers: Enter through the front rainbow walk

Bicycle Safety Reminder

We love seeing our Bobcats staying active! If your child bikes to school, please review these safety guidelines:

  • Helmets are strongly encouraged for all student bikers
  • Students must walk their bikes once on school property
  • Bikes should be locked at the designated racks near the rainbow walk
  • Please review safe biking routes with your child and ensure they follow traffic signals and crosswalks

We strongly encourage parents to ride or walk the school route with their child before the first day of school. This helps ensure students understand how to safely navigate crosswalks, intersections, and traffic patterns. (One area to pay special attention to is the intersection at Oak Forest Dr., W 43rd St., and Overhill St., where the pavement abruptly ends. We've observed students attempting to cross mid-road, even when accompanied by adults,  which poses a serious safety risk! Practicing the route together can build confidence and reinforce safe habits.)

Afternoon Dismissal

Dismissal begins promptly at 3:00 p.m. All families must display a car tag during pickup.

Pick-Up Locations:

  • Kidventure: Students attending Kidventure will meet in the cafeteria before being released to classrooms with Kidventure teachers.

  • K–2 Car Riders: MPR side entrance off 43rd Street with car tag presented.
  • 3–5 Car Riders: Back circle drive off Lamonte Ln with car tag presented.
  • 3–5 Walkers and K–2 Siblings: Siblings will meet in a designated spot before teachers release students to walk independently. Teachers take attendance to ensure an older sibling is present. Parents must complete this Google form (Click Here) between August 4th and August 9th.

K–2 Walkers Dismissal Procedure:

  • For safety and accountability, parents must present their child's car tag at dismissal.
  • Staff will verify the car tag and call the student to leave with their designated adult. 
  • This two-step verification system ensures that no K–2 student walks out without being properly released.

Biker Exit Routes

  • Bikers living north of Oak Forest Elementary will exit through the arboretum gate by the rainbow walk after walkers.
  • Bikers living south of the school will exit through the Lamonte gates.

Please follow staff directions when asked to pull up to a specific post during K–2 or 3–5 car rider dismissal. Our system is designed to ensure safety and efficiency for all.

Car Tags

  • Each family receives two car tags per child.
  • Tags for K–5 will be distributed at the Ice Cream Social on August 5th and 6th, 2026.

Parking

When visiting the school please do not park in the staff lots. Visitors may park in the visitor's spots along the rainbow walk or along Lamonte Ln. 

Thank you for partnering with us to make Oak Forest Elementary a safe, welcoming, and thriving community