Traffic Slow but Steady at Middle, High Schools

When introduced their new traffic policy in 2011, which did not allow cars dropping off passengers to enter the front parking lot, motorists took some getting used to it.

When school began Thursday morning, traffic flowed much easier outside Chatham High.

"That's why we're here, to get these cars through quickly," Assistant Principal Lori Gironda said as she and Douglas Walker, the new co-assistant principal, directed cars through the drop-off zone. A school district staff member guarded the entrance to the parking lot and allowed only cars with permits to enter.

for also helped alleviate traffic conditions.

As a result, cars were able to travel south along Lafayette Avenue without much delay until just outside the district's Special Services building between Lafayette Avenue School and Chatham High.

Delays worsened at about 7:30 a.m. Thursday. Last year traffic was backed up to Main Street by 7:15 a.m.

traffic also flowed, though slowly both in and out of the main and side entrances. Staff members were outside in the parking lot to guard crosswalks and help students who walked safely reach school grounds.

Jill Gihorski, who will take over as the middle school principal in January, was outside among the students Thursday morning.