Drawn from Westminster School resources to encourage conversation among Durham Academy parents

Successful carpooling is grounded in shared understandings and expectations. Often they are implicit, but articulating them can help, especially when parents and caregivers are reaching beyond established friend groups. Can carpooling be a way to broaden social connections within the DA community?

SAFETY FIRST

Careful driving and adherence to traffic laws is expected. 

Every child must have his/her own seatbelt. Double buckling not allowed.  

Avoid cell phone use while driving.

Pull into driveways wherever possible and remember that children need to collect backpacks etc. Keep car in park until children are well away from car. 

NO SMOKING 

NO EXTRA STOPS for errands, snacks, etc. Children are to be taken only to their home or another designated drop-off point.

ARRIVE ON TIME to pick up children. 

MINIMIZE WAITING. Children should be ready at the appointed time (either at home or at school). Waiting a few minutes may occasionally be necessary but should not be a regular occurrence. 

SCHEDULE CHANGES. Inform carpool partners as early as possible if driver or rider cannot participate on a given day. 

TOPICS & LANGUAGE. Refrain from listening to news or music or engaging in conversation not suitable for the youngest person in the car. 

AVOID RIDING ALONE WITH CHILD WHO IS NOT YOUR OWN. If it’s necessary (e.g. because of illness), parent should be informed ahead of time and give okay.

PERSONAL PREFERENCES

Eating food in car

TV & tech use