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Traffic flow changes to remember for back-to-school

School may start back Monday, but there is still construction projects underway at Jessamine County Schools to keep in mind when taking students back to campus next week.
One of the most important things to remember for high school students is both EJHS and WJHS will have a change in traffic patterns for the 2019 -2020 school year.
Both high school principals Brady Thornton, for WJHS, and Chris Hawboldt, for EJHS, say that are excited for the return to school and start of a brand new year.
At WJHS, student drivers and parents dropping off students will be required to enter at Cook Lane and then proceed onto campus between 8 to 8:50 a.m. each morning. Parents picking up students will enter at Cook Lane and proceed onto campus each afternoon. All cars will exit onto HWY 29 from what was the old entrance of WJHS.
“It is important for everyone to review the map on the WJHS website and follow the signs/arrows,” Thornton said.
For EJHS, parent drop off and pick-up will now be in the back of the school. In the morning, parents may drop off their student in the front of the school if it is before 8:30 a.m. Otherwise, parents will be required to drive from the front of the school and utilize the outside lane upon turning right at the marquee. As parents approach the rear of the school, they will be required to use the inside lane, closest to the school, in order to drop off/pick up their child. The outside lane will remain free so traffic can continue to flow as parents are ready to leave. Upon exiting the campus, parents will need to exit via Sulphur Well.
“We are excited for our Jaguars to return to school and have an incredible year,” Hawboldt said. “The changes are evident when you step foot on campus and will bring countless opportunities to our students.”
Additionally, WJHS has shared its new secure front entrance is on track to be completed by the summer of 2020, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) building which will be completed in the 2020-2021 school year and will house- ag construction, welding, machining and veterinary sciences. Also, the WJHS turf field will be completed in the next couple of weeks following the return to school.
“The new entrance will have a secured vestibule where visitors will need to buzz in,” Thornton said. “They will not be able to enter the building without going through the main office. EJHS and JCTC will have a different set of programs and students from either school will be able to attend any program in the district for part of the day.”
The new turf field will be able to consolidate all sports onto one campus and allow for the school band to practice on the field more often. Wear and tear will no longer be an issue, Thornton said, and the field will be able to be used year round.
“(These changes) will increase security and accessibility for our students,” Thornton said. “In addition, it will increase the opportunities for our kids and options to further their education.
At the same time, this year will be one that requires a lot of flexibility and patience from all involved. We are embracing this idea with our theme of ‘Colts Under Construction.’”
“We are going to preach flexibility to parents, teachers, and students this year,” Thornton said. “It will be important for students to remember to stay out of any construction area and pay attention to any changes so that everyone remains safe.”
EJHS will also have a new front office that is on track to be completed by the end of summer 2020, with work beginning at the end of this school year, Hawboldt said. A new CTE building at EJHS will house family consumer sciences including culinary, early childhood education and fashion.
EJHS will also offer pre-law and military leadership through its CTE programs. The EJHS turf field will be completed before school begins this year as well.