New Traffic Pattern at Paton School

Municipal Drive at Paton School is closed to through traffic, and is impassable from Wesleyan Terrace. Parents can reach the Paton parking lot from Route 140, where there is a police officer on duty.

"When I arrived at school this morning at about 7:30 am, I discovered that we might have a bit of a problem with parent drop off and pick up," said Principal Jayne Wilkin. "The email communication from the Highway Department about the culvert work was sent late yesterday afternoon to Town Hall, and was forwarded to me about the time I was leaving my home this morning. I apologize for not being able to give you advance notice."

For the rest of the week, if at all possible have your child ride the bus to/from school if they typically do so. I expect bus traffic will run much the same as it usually does, Wilkin said.

"If picking up your child at the end of the day today, Thursday and Friday, please enter via the middle parking lot and proceed to park on the playground beyond the chain link fence," she said. "You will also be exiting via the middle lot, and you will only be able to take a left hand turn."

Upon entering the Paton lot, please stay as far to the right as possible, as there will two-way traffic in this relatively narrow space.

For morning drop off, please enter through the middle parking lot as usual, drop off at the chain link fence, and you will also exit via the middle parking lot.

"Students will have indoor recess, as many staff cars (and any parent volunteer cars) will be parked on the playground, she said. "Given the weather forecast we would have likely kept the children inside anyways due to temp and wind chill."

Do not park in the lower lot, as we will need that space to make a U-turn to exit.

"I'm sure parent drop off and pick up will go more slowly than usual, and we will appreciate your patience," she said. "The Highway Dept. has communicated that they hope to complete the Municipal Drive work by Friday. If they are unable to do so, we'll continue these routines next week."

"Parking on the playground for tonight's fourth grade concert will be fine. I don't know when work ends for the day or if you will be able to access Municipal Drive or not," she added.