Getting To and From School

• 7:30 a.m. – Students may enter the school and head to their homeroom classrooms.
• 7:45 a.m. – School day officially begins.
• 2:18 p.m. – End of school day dismissal begins.
• 2:25 p.m. – School day officially ends – buses depart campus shortly after this time.

The district contracts with Lake Country and Mainline Transportation to provide student transportation. Visit the transportation page on our district website to learn more.

District transportation information.

Student safety is our top priority. To keep everyone safe, please follow all parking lot signs and these guidelines when dropping off or picking up students:

• Buses have priority: School buses always have the right of way. If you drive your child to school, please follow the traffic markers carefully.
• Drop-off options: You must drop your child off at the upper-level curb. If you prefer to park, an adult must walk the student safely to the sidewalk.
• Afternoon pickup changes: If your child's end-of-day plans change, send a note with them in the morning or call the main office by 1:45 p.m. Office staff will deliver the message to the teacher. We cannot accept or honor change requests made after 1:45 p.m.

• Stay in a single lane: Enter the parking lot and drive toward the front of the building in one line. Pull all the way past the main entrance so as many cars as possible can fit behind you.
• Stay by the curb: Keep your vehicle next to the sidewalk. Drivers must stay inside the vehicle at all times.
• Be ready to exit: Students can get out at any point along the sidewalk. Make sure your child is ready to exit immediately on the curbside (backpacks should be at their feet, not in the trunk).
• Late arrivals: If your child arrives at 7:45 a.m. or later, you must walk them into the office and sign them in.
• Do not pass: After dropping off your child, stay along the curb and move forward only when the car in front of you moves. Please do not pull out and pass other vehicles.

Upper Lot

• One-way traffic: The upper parking lot and drop-off area use a one-way traffic lane only.
• Parking: If you need to park, drive past the main entrance drop-off area and proceed directly to a parking space. 

Lower Lot

• Wayzata Kids: You may drop off or pick up for the Home Base program in the lower lot from 7:00 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. and from 2:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• No parking zones: Do not park in the green spaces before 7:45 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. until all buses have left.
• Bus drop-off: Buses will drop students off along the curb, and students will enter through the south doors at 7:30 a.m.

We strongly encourage parents to let their children ride the bus home. The ride is short, and students should be home by 2:55 p.m. at the latest. For families who need to pick up their children every day, Meadow Ridge offers a "Fast Pass" option.

Please follow these afternoon pickup rules:

• Coming inside: Unless you have an official Fast Pass number, you must park your car and come inside the building to get your child.
• Be on time: Parents must pick up their children promptly at 2:25 p.m.
• No waiting outside: Children are not allowed to wait unsupervised on the playground or anywhere else on school grounds.
• Last-minute changes: Do not leave voicemails or emails for teachers about pickup changes during the school day. Teachers may not see them. You must call the main office by 1:45 p.m. with any changes so staff can deliver the message to the classroom. We can't honor change requests made after 1:45 p.m.
• Early departures: If your child needs to leave early for an appointment, you must come into the main office to sign them out.
• Plan ahead: Talk to your child in the morning before they leave for school so they know exactly what the afternoon plan is.
• Avoid end-of-day pickups: Please avoid picking your child up early between 2:00 p.m. and 2:25 p.m. This is a very busy time when students learn important organizing skills as they pack up. It is also difficult for staff to communicate with teachers at this time.
• Approved adults only: Only adults listed in Skyward under Family 1, Family 2, or Emergency Contacts can pick up a student. If someone else is picking up your child, a parent must provide a signed note, email, or verbal agreement to be approved by the principal.