As the school year winds down, dismissal teams are doing more than just guiding students to the right cars. They’re tying up operational details, reviewing what worked (and what didn’t), and preparing for a smoother start next year. Without a plan, it’s easy for critical steps to fall through the cracks.
At Schoolhouse Driveline, we help schools simplify dismissal every day—especially during transitions. Whether you’re a principal, office admin, or part of the dismissal crew, this checklist is your guide to closing out the year with confidence.
What to Wrap Up Before Summer Break
1. Finalize Student Records
Take time to ensure every student’s dismissal information is accurate before the school year ends. Update or remove transportation details, and deactivate records for students who are moving or graduating. This not only keeps your data clean—it also sets the stage for a smooth roster upload when the new year begins.
2. Communicate Final Week Changes
The last week of school often comes with half-days, field trips, or early dismissals. Be proactive in notifying families of changes and emphasize where and how they should pick up their child. Using Schoolhouse Driveline’s messaging features helps prevent miscommunication and keeps everyone on the same page.
3. Review Car Tag & ID Process
Before you collect car tags and wrap up the year, review how well your ID process worked. Were families consistently using the right tags? Did staff have issues verifying pickup permissions? This feedback is essential when placing orders for next year or adjusting your system setup.
4. Export & Archive Dismissal Logs
As part of your data clean-up, export a copy of your dismissal records through the Driveline dashboard or by contacting support. These logs serve as a helpful reference for attendance disputes or compliance reviews and give you peace of mind knowing the information is saved before you clear it for next year.
5. Clean Old Pickup Data
Deleting or deactivating old pickup entries—like outdated Family IDs, vehicle info, and students not returning—reduces system clutter and improves speed. A clean slate in the fall helps new data load efficiently and ensures fewer mistakes during the busy first weeks of school.
6. Evaluate Dismissal Efficiency
Take a look at your dismissal metrics. Did pickup take longer on certain days? Were there consistent traffic issues or challenges with specific zones? Reviewing this data now helps you make smart, simple changes—whether it’s reassigning staff or adjusting dismissal groups.
7. Plan for New School Year Setup
Now’s the time to think ahead. Start mapping out class rosters, assigning dismissal methods, and ordering any physical materials like car tags or signage. Getting a head start in the summer allows you to roll into August calm and confident—rather than rushed and reactive.
8. Pause or Reset School Dismissal App
If your system won’t be used during summer, you can pause your Driveline operations to prevent any accidental checkouts. If you’re running summer school, set up a separate instance to track that program without affecting your main school year data.
Lessons Learned: Capture Staff Feedback
Encourage your dismissal team to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. You can gather insights during a short team meeting or with a quick survey. Staff feedback is invaluable when refining routes, roles, and routines—especially for making small changes that yield big improvements.
Onboard New Families the Right Way
Make it easy for new families to understand your dismissal process before the school year begins. Include simple step-by-step instructions in your welcome materials, and offer a quick demonstration at open house events. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing first-week confusion and car line backups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to our dismissal history after the school year ends?
You can export dismissal logs and save them for your records. Schoolhouse Driveline tracks each release by student and Family ID, making it easy to archive.
Can we use Schoolhouse Driveline Dismissal App for summer school?
Yes—many schools create a separate session in the system specifically for summer programs, keeping data organized and secure.
Need help resetting your system or exporting data?
Reach out to our support team—we’re here to help you finish strong and start the next school year off right.