John D. Jenkins Elementary School has instituted a vehicle idling policy at the school. All persons operating vehicles at the school should adhere to the following guidelines:

  • When waiting for students to be picked up, all engines should be shut off.
  • All drivers should turn off engines when they arrive at school and when they expect to be parked for more than 10 seconds.
  • If idling is necessary for temperature control, please restrict it to no more than 5 minutes.

We are implementing this policy to reduce the students' exposure to air toxins emitted in the exhaust of idling vehicles.

  • Idling vehicles contribute to air pollution and emit air toxins, which are pollutants known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects.

Included with this letter is a flyer to tell you more about idling reduction and a pledge sheet. As part of our Idle Free Schools campaign, we are asking all parents, teachers, staff, bus drivers and delivery truck drivers to pledge to not idle unnecessarily. The pledge can be returned to school with your student.

We encourage you to eliminate unnecessary idling not only at our school but anywhere you are waiting for more than 10 seconds. This simple change will improve the air our children breathe, as well as the air quality in our neighborhoods.

The first classes in Grades K-2 and in Grades 3-5 to have 100% participation in parent pledges will win celebration/prize!

Thank you for your support!

John D. Jenkins Student Council Association

Idle-Free School Flyer

Idle-Free Parent Pledge