New Traffic Pattern Coming to JRDS
Dear James River Day School Parents:

As you are undoubtedly aware, traffic on Boonsboro Road continues to increase, presenting some serious safety issues for our families during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up when cars must wait on Boonsboro before entering our parking lot. The Board of Trustees and the School Administration have been reviewing the situation closely this fall, and we have come to the conclusion that leaving our traffic pattern as it currently is presents an unacceptable risk. It is only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs.

Last week, parent and staff volunteers drove a new proposed traffic pattern after school on Friday in order to simulate, as much as possible, how that pattern would work. This week, the Board of Trustees reviewed the simulation, and an alternate proposal, and has charged the School Administration with putting in place a new traffic pattern. A link to the map of the new route is shown above. The main benefit of the new route is that JRDS traffic will be moved off Boonsboro Road.

As you can see from the map, morning drop-off can occur at two different places – the cafeteria and the front door of the school. We anticipate that older children may prefer getting out of the car at the cafeteria, while younger children will do better getting out at the front of the school. In families with siblings, parents will determine which drop-off point is most suitable. There will obviously be better cover and more space at the front of the school. Staff and safety patrol will be stationed in both locations in the morning. Afternoon pick-up will occur entirely at the front of the school, as it does now, and will continue to be staggered. School staff will be stationed at the side of the Field House during pick-up to cross safely any Middle School students leaving PE or arriving to sports practice.

During drop-off and pick-up, the entrance to JRDS on Boonsboro Road will become an exit only. The current exit from the parking lot onto BonTon Road will be closed during drop-off and pick-up, and will be both an entrance and exit during other times. The road beside the Field House will only be open during drop-off and pick-up, and will be blocked at all other times. Cars that drop off students at the cafeteria in the morning may depart without making the loop in front of the school, merging with cars in that loop, much as we merge from our double-stack into the school now, although in the other direction. This will clearly depend on everyone having patience and using their best manners!

We will begin this new traffic pattern during PICK-UP on Monday, January 5. Drop-off on the morning of the 5th will follow the current pattern, and all cars dropping-off on the morning of the 5th will receive a written reminder that on the afternoon of the 5th, the traffic pattern will change. We will station additional staff at various points along the new route for the first week of the new traffic pattern to assure a smooth and safe transition. We very much appreciate your support for our efforts to improve safety.

At James River Day School we make decisions based on what is best for the children, and their safety comes at the top of the list. If you have any questions, contact Pete York at 384-7385 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sincerely,
Mary Riser, Head of School