MPA Minute
September 6, 2022
Important Traffic Update!
Changes begin after arrival on Tuesday, Sept. 13.
Traffic Pattern Changes
The Town of Mount Pleasant is continuing drainage work in the area of Mount Pleasant Academy on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 for the afternoon dismissal. This includes flagging operations, road closures, and a detour.
The detour will keep traffic off of Center Street in front of the school’s main entrance. This work will necessitate some important changes to the school’s traffic pattern. Please read the details carefully:
- This detour applies to all traffic entering or exiting our campus including walkers and bike riders.
- All car traffic must use Simmons street to enter and exit the car line and parking area.
- Cars may not stack upon or block any town road, for any reason.
- School staff, security, and Mount Pleasant Police will direct all vehicles, golf carts, walkers, and bike riders along the designated route.
For every child's safety, we need your help. We need to work together to keep traffic flowing and students safe throughout this process.
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Ed Barbee.
Ed Barbee,
Email - EBarbee@tompsc.com
Phone - (843)849-2022
Town Of Mount Pleasant
Public Service Construction Liaison
The New School Route - Beginning Tuesday AFTER Arrival
Walkers and Bikers:
All Walkers and Bikers will use the same detour routes to school. Bikers will be directed by staff and MPPD along Simmons Street to a cordoned-off area to safely cross and access campus. Bikers and walkers will cross Center Street at Simmons and walk in the grass to the sidewalk area.
Sidewalks on Center Street in front of the school will be closed as well.
Car Traffic:
Vehicles will not be able to access the campus car rider line until 7:00 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. Cars will not be allowed to enter the campus until buses have safely dropped off students or entered the lot for pickup. Vehicles that arrive earlier than the allowable time will be asked to leave and return when appropriate. No cars will be allowed to block or sit idle on Center or Simmons Streets.
Bus Traffic:
In order for buses to access campus using the lower parking lot, we must keep cars from arriving in this area until our buses have arrived. Again, cars will not be allowed on campus until 7:00 and then again at 2:00. This is extremely important so that our buses are able to get to their next route safely and in a timely manner.
Special Needs Traffic:
Our horseshoe will be closed for the duration of this project. You will be able to use the car line and then pull into the handicapped spaces. We will have someone available to help you pull out of the parking space when you are ready to leave. If you have therapy sessions that cannot be rescheduled, please communicate with your child's teacher and we will work out a dismissal plan.
Volunteer or Early Dismissal Access:
During this time, volunteers and parents picking up early will have to access campus using Waterworks Blvd. You may park there and walk over to the main entrance to volunteer.
Dismissal is as follows:
* Parents of students with special needs will be allowed to enter the lot following all 4 buses*
1st - bikers
2nd - bus riders
3rd - walkers
4th - car riders & park and ride
Park & Ride Changes
With the heavy traffic expected on Simmons Street, it is important that parents who use park and ride follow the route listed below:
Edwards Street to Center Street
Center Street to Waterworks Blvd
Once on Waterworks Blvd you MUST park your vehicle and walk your child to the entrance.
Park & Ride is NOT intended for student drop-off.
Here are a few other important reminders.
Golf Carts are not allowed to drive up the hill to the area close to the door.
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Ms. Jackson.
A final word from your Principal:
This is an ongoing project that could take at least six weeks. Please be patient with each other and those that will be helping with this change. We are all on the same team.
I understand that change is hard. We need everyone to follow the routes. If the carpool line protocols prove successful, which I am positive they will be, the new procedures may be considered for permanent implementation. Let’s all work together to make this a seamless transition from what we’re accustomed to. It takes a village - literally and figuratively- to keep each other safe.
It is going to be especially important that children who walk or bike to school have a safe route while this change is happening. Since the sidewalks will be torn up students will be crossing Center Street at Simmons and walking in the grass until they get to the sidewalk.
Take Care,
K. Jackson
Our Mission
Email: Kim_Jackson@charleston.k12.sc.us
Website: mtpleasant.ccsdschools.com
Location: 605 Center Street, Mount Pleasant, SC, United States
Phone: (843)849-2826
Facebook: facebook.com/mpamtpsc
Twitter: @MPAcademy1809