While there were reports of traffic backups along parts of Johnson Avenue that occasionally came to a standstill, issues as far as dropping off students at school on day one – particularly the new traffic pattern and drop off at Johnson Elementary School – didn’t create the headaches that were anticipated.

 

“It went better than expected,” said JES Assistant Principal Heather Holbert. “I think the parents anticipated there may be problems and, even though we don’t open until 7 a.m., we actually had people arriving at 6:45 a.m.”

 

Holbert said things went well thanks to information getting out, the work of staff and assistance from the Bridgeport Police Department. Their presence, along with large guidance cones that were set up to help with the flow, made things work orderly.

 

“The cones allowed us to extend the drop-off area to the point where we had four or five parents dropping off children at the same time,” said Holbert. “We didn’t receive a complaint today as I think people knew what to expect. Some actually liked the new setup better.”

 

Holbert said along with things going smoothly at JES there were also little issues with the smaller parking lot now available. She said the lot, which is for parents, was not full.

 

“The good news is that we typically see a lot of parents for the first day who want to be with their kids when they get started or even take a picture. We actually may see a drop in numbers coming here for the rest of the week,” said Holbert.

 

Of course, there may be an increase in numbers at Bridgeport High School. Principal Mark DeFazio also said things weren’t as bad as anticipated.

 

“Actually, it seemed to go really well when you consider everything,” said DeFazio.

 

Bridgeport Police Prevention Resource Officer Jamie Hamrick agreed. However, she is asking for people to still themselves plenty of time and that things could pick up today or as the week moves on with traffic – particularly at the high school.

 

“The seniors at Bridgeport High School were there early for a tailgate breakfast and a lot of those kids drive and will be involved in the traffic after (Monday),” said Hamrick.

 

DeFazio said that a large portion of his teaching staff arrived earlier than usual. That, too, could change in the days ahead.

 

Hamrick also cautioned those who feel completely comfortable by the end of the week and heading into next week. She said there’s another hurdle to clear.

 

“People need to remember that kindergarten begins Monday and that’s a lot more students that parents will be dropping off,” said Hamrick.

 

Holbert agreed.

 

“We hope grades 1 through 5 will be in a rhythm by the time the new batch of kindergarten students arrive Monday. We know that parents typically tend to bring their kids the first day of kindergarten and walk them to school so we also anticipate the parking lot being full,” said Holbert.

 

Staff from the schools, along with an increased police presence, will continue for the next several days. Hamrick, she said, will be there throughout the year.

 

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed that things will continue to go well and that the backups along Johnson Avenue won’t be as severe,” said Hamrick. “You just have a lot of people trying to get to the same area and often at the same time. We want the public to know their patience is appreciated.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the Bridgeport Police presence along Johnson Avenue, while JES Principal Vicki Huffman greets a student in the second photo. The traffic pattern existing the school is shown in the third photo while PRO Jamie Hamrick is helping with traffic flow in the bottom picture.