Update: January 19, 2024

A follow-up message from CES Principal James Derby about the new student drop-off and pick-up procedures is available here. 

Update: January 16, 2024

Due to the weather-related closures on January 16, CES student drop-off and pick-up changes will now go into effect on Wednesday, January 17. Please review them below if you have not done so already.

Please do not arrive early and line up cars on Campbell Ave.

Original Post: December 22, 2023

Dear Castleton Elementary Families,

In our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and efficiency of our school’s drop-off and pick-up procedures, we’ve continuously assessed them since the onset of COVID. We’ve been exploring ways to optimize the flow of traffic during pick up and drop off and effective Tuesday, January 16, 2024, we will be implementing the following changes.

Starting on that date we are asking that families drop off and pick up their students on the Campbell Ave side of the school. Buses will return to dropping off students in the bus loop on the Ransom Ave side of the school, as they did before COVID.

Outlined below are the updated procedures to follow when dropping off or picking up your child starting on January 16:

Route and Traffic Flow: The Schodack Police Department has advised us it’s crucial to avoid traffic congestion on Scott Avenue since it’s a primary thoroughfare through the Village of Castleton. Therefore, please access the drop-off/pick-up area by turning onto Campbell Ave from Green Ave. Additionally after dropping off/picking up, please exit by traveling back down Campbell Ave to Green Ave.

See the diagram here for further clarification on the route and traffic flow during drop-off/pick-up.

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Location: When entering the loop at the front of the building on Campbell Ave, please pull up as far as possible. Students should exit on the sidewalk side of the vehicle and enter at either the large gym doors or the main entrance, whichever is closest. Please do not let students exit on vehicles on the driver’s side, there will be a steady stream of traffic during drop-off/pick-up.

See the diagram here for further clarification on the drop-off/pick-up location.

Efficiency: To maintain an efficient drop-off, please remain in your vehicle when your child exits and enters the school.

Timing Consideration: Please do not arrive early and line up cars on Campbell Ave. Drop-off will begin at 7:55 AM and last until 8:05 AM. We will continue to use PikMyKid at the end of the day for pick-up, which begins at 2:25 PM.

Campbell Ave Residents: It’s essential to be considerate of the residents living on Campbell Ave. Please be courteous and mindful by allowing these residents to exit and enter their driveways as needed. Additionally, remember there is trash pick-up on Wednesday, please be patient and mindful of the garbage truck during drop-off time on those mornings.

Walkers: There will be no change in procedures for students who normally walk to school. They will continue entering the school using the large gym doors.

As we transition back to our pre-COVID drop-off/pick-up procedures, your patience, understanding, and cooperation are appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the CES Main Office at 518-732-7755.