Parents question drop off policy, principal explains

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY)– Some North Topsail Elementary School parents are questioning policies for dropping their children off at school.

In an online Facebook group, parents are sharing photos and videos, and conversation about children having to walk around the building from the drop off line to the front of the building to get into the school in the morning, because the doors are locked.

In an e-mail, the North Topsail Elementary School principal explained the school’s policy.

“The rear doors at North Topsail Elementary are locked at 7:25 a.m. for student safety,” Principal Pete Wildeboer said. “When the instructional day begins, staff reports to their classrooms, and therefore, parents should drive their child to the front of the school and check them in at the office.”

Wildeboer says there is not an office located at the rear of the building to monitor students entering.

“While we understand driving to the front of the school can be inconvenient for everyone, we must consider the safety of our students first,” Wildeboer said.

“No child should ever have to walk around the school by themselves,” Wildeboer said. “For several years, parents have been able to use the drop off line at the rear of the building or walk their child in the front entrance, where there is always a crossing guard. We continuously monitor and modify the procedures we have in place to ensure the safe arrival and departure of our students.”