Work was recently completed on a new parking lot at Mt. Carmel Elementary School. The old lot was in disrepair and it was time for a new surface and striping. The new lot's striping and signage should lead to a safer space for all who use it. MCES principal, Jake Newkirk, indicated the new layout will allow for the implementation of new drop off and pick up procedures. "With any change, we understand there will be some hesitation and potential push back. However, we want to emphasize that any change is for the safety of our students. When talking with other school leaders in the area as well as engineers and architects, it was clear that some changes would be beneficial. The new changes will be communicated by the students' teachers on Meet & Greet as well as on the school's website. In short, there will not be parking in the lot from 7:30 - 8:00. The lot will serve exclusively as a drop-off loop. This will eliminate the mix of pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the same space. Faculty & staff will be out directing traffic to assist parents and students. The primary change for pick up will require all to find a marked spot to park and not pull up near the school or behind other marked spots on the perimeter. 

Newkirk commented, "We are excited to offer the community an improvement to our facility while increasing safety (and hopefully convenience) at the same time. If there are questions in advance of Thursday's first day of school, feel free to contact the office at 618-263-3876."