Thomas Hart Benton Elementary School

08/24/2026

Car Rider Arrival: What Families Need to Know from Dr. Evans

Dear Bobcat families,

Please follow these steps during morning car rider arrival. Your help keeps our students safe and helps the line move faster.

1. Pull all the way forward.

Please drive to the stop sign and fill all open space in front of you. Do not stop at the crosswalk. We do not have preschool this year, so cars may pull forward to the stop sign.

Pulling forward allows us to unload more cars at one time. It also helps keep traffic from backing up on South Leslie Avenue and East Pacific Avenue.

2. Teach your child to open the car door.

Please practice this skill with your child. Staff may not always be able to open every car door right away.

When students can open their own doors, staff can watch the area and help keep everyone safe.

3. Please stay inside your car.

If possible, have your child ready before you enter the drop-off line. Make sure they have their backpack and other items with them.

Please do not get out of your car. Staying inside helps the line move safely and without delay.

4. Do not drop off your child across the street.

Even if you are in a hurry, please do not park on South Leslie Avenue and have your child run or walk across the street.

We do not have a crossing guard on duty. Crossing the street alone is not safe.

5. Call us if you need help.

If you are running late or need a faster drop-off, please call the front office before you arrive. We will do our best to help.

Front office: 816-521-5390

We want every student to have a safe and pleasant start to the day. At Thomas Hart Benton Elementary, it is our pleasure to serve you and your children.

Thank you for helping us keep morning arrival safe and moving!

Dr. Montel Evans
Principal
Thomas Hart Benton Elementary

Dr. Evans explains the process for dropping kids off in the morning...

08/24/2026

Dear Bobcat families,

We use two lanes for car rider dismissal. Please follow these steps to help us keep dismissal safe, fast, and friendly.

1. Choose the correct lane.

Choose your lane before you reach the stop sign.

* Turn left when leaving? Use the left lane.
* Turn right when leaving? Use the right lane.
* Need to buckle your child into a car seat? Use the left lane.

2. Display your car rider sign.

Hang the car rider sign from your rearview mirror. Staff must be able to clearly see your child’s name and grade.

Give a sign to anyone who may pick up your child. Please also share this message with them.

If a driver does not have a sign, staff will ask for a photo ID. We may also call a parent or guardian. This may take more time, but we must make sure every child leaves with the correct person.

3. Pull up to the color you are given.

We use colored cones in this order:

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.

A staff member will tell you which color to drive to. Please line up your car with that cone. Your child will be sent to the same color.

Staff will stand on the white line between the two lanes. They will help students get into the correct cars.

4. Park your car and wait.

Put your car in park while students are getting into cars.

Do not drive away until the staff member at the front of the line tells you it is safe to go. All cars will leave together.

5. Buckle your child safely.

If you need to help your child with a seat belt or car seat, please use the left lane.

After your child gets into the car, pull into the handicap parking area. You may then buckle your child safely. When you are finished, you may leave before the next group of cars moves.

Thank you for following these steps. Your help allows us to give every family safe, fast, and friendly service.

If you have questions or concerns, please call the school office and ask for Dr. Evans at 816-521-5390.

Dr. Montel Evans
Principal
Thomas Hart Benton Elementary

Dr. Evans explains the Car Rider Dismissal procedures for the 2026-...

08/24/2026

Good morning, Bobcat families!

Before you leave home or take your child to the bus stop, please check these five things:

1. Does the teacher know how your child will get home?

Please tell us if your child will ride the bus, be picked up, walk home, or go to another program. If the teacher does not know, please contact the school.

2. Does your kindergarten child have an ID tag on their backpack?

The tag should include:

* Your child’s first and last name
* The name and phone number of an adult to call in an emergency

This will help us care for your child if they need help.

3. Does your child know what they are doing for lunch?

Make sure your child knows if they will eat a school lunch or bring lunch from home.

If you forget the lunch at home, it is okay! You may bring it to the front office. Forgetting a lunch happens to many families.

4. Is your child fully registered for school?

Your child must be registered and placed in a class before attending school.

If you are not sure, please walk into the front office with your child. We will check for you. If your child is not registered, a parent or guardian may need to take them home until registration is complete.

5. Is your child signed up to ride the bus?

Please do not send your child to a bus stop just because other children are waiting there.

Your child needs a bus pass to ride the bus home after school. Call our front office at 816-521-5390 if you are not sure whether your child has a bus pass.

Thank you for checking these things before you leave home. Your help will make the first day safer and easier for everyone.

Let’s have a great first day of school!

Dr. Montel Evans
Principal
Thomas Hart Benton Elementary

08/23/2026

We are so excited for the 1st Day of School! An incredible year awaits our Bobcats! Let's start it off right!

08/19/2026

Tomorrow is our Title I Informational Meeting & Meet the Teacher Night! Please come join us between 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Our staff is excited to welcome in our Newest Bobcats and our Returning Bobcats!

05/07/2026