D.M. Eagle Public School
Kiss ‘n Ride Program Volunteers
Viewed from a perspective of transportation, D.M. Eagle Public School faces some
distinct challenges. Originally built close to Tecumseh Road and on a small piece of property, it
would have been difficult to imagine, so long ago, the demanding situation that would be
created by traffic patterns and volume.
Only so much could be done physically with the location so, at D.M. Eagle, they rely on a
volunteer workforce to maintain a high level of organization and ultimately student safety at the
start of each day.
The Kiss ‘n Ride committee is a group of parents who are there every day to manage an
average of 50 cars dropping off students in a hectic 15 minute window during an equally busy
time for commuter traffic.
This group of diligent and dedicated volunteers has a monthly schedule to ensure that all
their needs are covered. They have a very safe and convenient drop off protocol for families
that has been well communicated and is well observed.
During what can be a chaotic time of the day, families appreciate a warm welcome and a
caring adult on hand to assist in getting children out of the vehicle and into the school as
quickly as possible with a focus on their safety. On those days when buses aren’t running, they
can handle as many as 200 cars.
And since they have so much experience and knowledge the Kiss ‘n Ride committee has
been able to identify areas of concern and achieve quick remedies. This includes the installation
of signage, painted lines to designate the Kiss ‘n Ride area and an electronic speed monitor to
help slow down traffic.
For making us all feel safe and secure, we recognize the D.M. Eagle Kiss ‘n Ride
program volunteers as Champions for Education.
Greater Essex County District School Board
Champions for Education Awards, April 18, 2017