Tips for a Successful SchoolPool

Get to know the parents and students in your child’s SchoolPool to feel confident your child will be in good hands. If you like, Smart Ways to School staff can arrange an informal get-together for parents to meet each other.

Drivers should have proper insurance and driver’s licenses:
• If you plan to be a driver, expect parents of your passengers to ask for proof that you have proper insurance and a valid driver’s license. Better yet, provide this information up front.
• If your child will be riding with someone else, ask for proof that the driver has proper insurance and a valid driver’s license.

Always use proper safety restraints when the vehicle is moving.

Maintain a schedule that allows a margin of time. Plan in advance how changes to the usual routine will be handled. Organize a “phone tree” list so last-minute changes can be communicated quickly to your group.

Establish passenger ground rules that could include:
• Students should be ready and waiting.
• Decide where each student will sit, and perhaps rotate seating periodically.
• Decide if music may be played, or food eaten, in the car.
• Encourage students to be polite.

Have fun! You could name 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.