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Monroe Elementary School, located in Monroe, OH, is home to over 1,100 students, spanning grades 2 through 6. Like many schools across the country, the school faced daily logistical challenges. The most pressing of these was managing dismissal for such a large student population.
The Challenge: Streamlining Dismissal and Strengthening Safety
Dismissal at Monroe Elementary was a time-consuming task. Staff relied on spreadsheets to track how students were getting home, but constant changes meant the system was flawed. Assistant Principal Joe Ward recalled, “I would watch my staff juggle clipboards and spreadsheets, double-checking with kids, ‘Is that mom or dad picking you up?’ It worked, but it wasn’t ideal.”
Additionally, the school lacked a reliable system for handling emergency drills or reunification during actual emergencies. In the past, teachers used paper cards to indicate which students were missing. In the event of a real emergency, this outdated system would be ineffective, creating confusion and delays in reunification efforts.
The Solution: Pikmykid
After conducting some research, Ward discovered Pikmykid. The platform promised to address the school’s pressing issues with dismissal, communication, and safety. After a demo, Ward saw the potential of the system. “One of the things we liked best is the ability for parents to change pickup plans in real time through the app,” he explained. “It’s a huge time-saver for our staff.”
The Results: A Seamless Transition
Monroe Elementary implemented Pikmykid in May 2023, and the results were transformative.
Improved Dismissal Workflow
Pikmykid replaced the outdated manual system with a digital platform that tracks real-time dismissal data. Teachers now know exactly where each student is and who is picking them up, reducing confusion and delays. The new system has significantly cut down dismissal times, allowing for a smoother end-of-day process.
Fewer Errors, Faster Dismissals
With Pikmykid’s real-time updates, staff have more accurate dismissal records. This has helped eliminate errors and last-minute scrambling. The system has made the entire process faster and more efficient.
Parent Satisfaction
Parents have praised the app for its ease of use. Ward shared, “I’ve received messages from families expressing appreciation for how easy it is to manage their schedules and communicate changes with us.”
Enhanced Safety and Reunification Drills
Pikmykid has transformed the way Monroe Elementary handles safety drills and emergency reunification. Staff can now account for every student quickly and accurately, using real-time data. Ward emphasized, “I know where the kids are and who has checked them in. Our building is better prepared compared to schools without a system like this.”
Time-Saving for Staff
The new system has significantly reduced the workload for the assistant principals and secretaries. Teachers in grades 3–6 now use Pikmykid’s hall pass functionality to efficiently track students throughout the day.
Key Benefits of Pikmykid at Monroe Elementary
- Real-Time Parent Updates: Parents can update dismissal plans through the app, eliminating phone calls and last-minute changes.
- Improved Communication: Pikmykid bridges the gap between parents and staff, keeping everyone informed.
- Streamlined Processes: Dismissal and safety procedures are faster and more efficient.
The Proof: A Game-changer for Monroe Elementary
Ward is confident that Pikmykid has revolutionized the way the school operates. It’s not just about streamlining dismissal; it’s about better communication, planning, and safety. “It’s a game-changer,” Ward said. He even recommended the platform to the district superintendent, confident that other schools could benefit from its implementation.
Final Thoughts: Change for the Better
Since adopting Pikmykid, Monroe Elementary has seen significant improvements in dismissal efficiency, safety preparedness, and parent satisfaction. What was once a chaotic and time-consuming process is now well-organized and seamless.
If you’re looking to improve your school’s dismissal process, schedule a Pikmykid demo today.
