The Whitefish School District is asking parents who drop off or pick up students at Muldown Elementary School to help fight traffic congestion with new drop off and pick up areas. The school year begins Wednesday, Aug. 29.

With construction beginning on the new elementary school building, there will no longer be a drop-off area behind Whitefish High School for Muldown students. That portion of the parking lot is reserved for Whitefish High School vehicles and Muldown staff.

Parents are instead being asked to use the front of the Muldown or park elsewhere on a nearby street. “When dropping off students at Muldown, parents are requested to ‘Stop, Drop, and Roll,’” Linda Whitright, Muldown principal, said. “When leaving your car or talking and visiting with other parents on the playground, please park cars in a designated parking space.”

The new bus lane for the future Muldown school building will be used by buses beginning this year.

Parents are also reminded to use designated sidewalks when parking down the street from Muldown, and not to let their cars idle during pick up or drop off.

Leaving cars running is hazardous to student health as well as to the environment, says the district. Officials say turning cars off can dramatically reduce air pollution and children’s exposure to toxins that can cause serious health effects.

Walking or biking to school is another healthy and environmentally friendly way to get to school.

For students living more than a mile away from the school, the bus system is the preferred method of transportation.

For more information and questions, parents may contact the district office at 862-8640.