Gibbs Launches Carpool Incentive Program This Week

Scott Davies, the principal of B.F. Gibbs Elementary school, wants to reduce traffic congestion around the school. Davies put out the call for volunteers for a new initiative a few weeks ago. This week, the Carpool Incentive Program is officially launching on Wednesday and Thursday. 

"We're pretty well set for volunteer helpers, but I won't turn away a few more that can help behind the school on Hirschfield Place," said Davies in an e-mail to Gibbs families. "Others who have already volunteered, look for an email from me with instructions by Monday morning."

 Davies released a letter to Gibbs families last week:

In the 1950s, the Bertrand Franklin Gibbs Elementary School housed 200 students in eight classrooms, and most of those children walked to school! Sixty years later, the building has more than tripled in size, and 510 children come through our doors each morning. However, while the roads around the neighborhood have not changed much, today, most of our students arrive by car, leaving us with lots of congested streets in the morning. Given these circumstances, we move cars as quickly and efficiently as possible through Sutton Place and Hirschfield Place, but there is still more we can do as a school community!

In order to give families an opportunity to see how easy it is to carpool, Gibbs School is offering an incentive on Wednesday, March 9 and Thursday, March 10. If you have a mini-van and can take more passengers, reach out to your neighbors. If your car only seats one or two students, connect with someone who can take three or more. Every child who gets out of a vehicle with at least three students next Wednesday and Thursday will receive one half of a coupon that – when combined – can be redeemed as a no homework pass for one subject at the teacher’s discretion! 

Students who walk to school will also receive the coupon. Those who are dropped off for early-morning intramurals on Wednesday will get the first half of the coupon. Those who are dropped off for early-morning instrumental rehearsal on Wednesday or Thursday will receive the coupon half for the day of their rehearsal. Sorry, but accommodations cannot be made for students who are absent on Wednesday or Thursday.

See what a difference that carpooling will make to your morning routine, and make it easier and safer to get in and out of the Gibbs neighborhood with less traffic!

I am excited that we can offer this incentive to Gibbs families. Hopefully you will see that carpooling makes sense for so many reasons, and you’ll continue to do it long after March 9 and 10!

Respectfully,

Scott Davies

Principal