Driving to school is a privilege, not a right (buses are available for all students within the SMCPS attendance zone.) To be eligible to purchase a parking permit, students must settle outstanding fines and meet elibibility requirements. A valid driver’s license is required before you may submit an application.  Student cars parked on school premises are subject to search and seizure. SMCPS is not responsible for the vehicle and/or its contents.

Submitting an application does NOT grant a student a parking privilege nor does having a release time or late entry schedule.  Incomplete applications will not be processed.

First priority will be given to seniors followed by juniors in regional programs or a Tech Center program which requires the student to drive to a non-school site (i.e. Fire/Rescue) .  The third priority is juniors who are participating in a school sponsored activity which requires the student to stay after school three or more days per week.  Activity permits may be limited to the season (ex. fall sport).  Approval for priority three applicants will be sent to the sponsor or coach.
 
Communications about school parking applications will be made via student's school gmail account.  Questions may be directed to Mrs. Molen at lpmolen@smcps.org.  

Student drivers must have a permit the first day of school.  Students who drive to school without a valid CHS permit may be assessed a $20 school fine per incident.  Repeat offenders will be referred to the School Resource Officer to receive an official citation and the vehicle may be towed at owner's expense.  Permits are non-transferrable and may only be used by the approved permit holder.  

A school parking permit is a privilege and drivers are expected to follow and obey all school policies and rules.  All student drivers must meet the following criteria to become eligible for parking privilege and must maintain eligibility throughout the year.  11th Grade drivers will need to complete a reason for needing a vehicle at school.  Eligibility requirements are:

1. Assigned to an 12th or 11th grade homeroom, 12th grade students will be first priority.
2. Have a minimum GPA of 2.0 (most recent report card) with no grade of F for any class (most recent marking period).
3. Have no school debt.
4.    Applications for students with excessive tardies (3 or more) or absences (3 or more) for the previous marking period will be referred to the grade level administrator to determine eligibility.  This will cause a delay in processing the application.
5.     No referrals for the previous marking period.  Students with referrals will be referred to the grade level administrator to determine eligibility.

In addition, the owner of the vehicle agrees to keep the vehicle insured as to property damage and public liability as required by the laws of the state of Maryland.  By accepting the permit as applied for, the owner and operator agrees that when the vehicle is located on the property of the St. Mary’s County Public Schools, the school principal or designee, in accordance with Maryland statute, may search the vehicle and its contents.

FEES.  A yearly parking permit costs $50.00.  If a parking permit is suspended or revoked, the fee is not refundable.  Seasonal permits will be $20.  

The parking permit is non-transferable to other students.  Students who allow another student to use or duplicate their permit will be subject to a $50 fine and loss of parking privilege.  A student who copies another student's permit or uses a fake permit will be fined $50 and will be ineligible to apply for a permit for the following full marking period.

Loss of a permit for ANY REASON, including a suspension of the permit,  will result in a replacement charge of $25.00, payable before the replacement permit is issued.

Permits may be suspended for the following - remember you may go on a waiting list once the suspension is lifted and may not be able to obtain a parking permit for the remainder of the year.  If space is available after the suspension, you will have to pay a replacement fee of $25:

Failure to obey the direction of school staff while in or operating a vehicle will result in the loss of driving privileges and the parking permit.  

Allowing another student to drive your car on campus

Going to the parking lot during school hours without a pass from the grade level office or staff member.  Students are not permitted to loiter in the parking lot.  Late entry/tardy students - once you arrive on campus, you should exit and lock your vehicle, enter the building, and wait in the main office for the bell to ring.  Students with release time or who are checking out are expected to leave campus at their assigned time.   Students are not permitted to congregate in the parking lot.

Exceeding the 15 mph campus speed limit or violating other campus driving/parking regulations

Leaving campus without permission before your dismissal time (this includes lunch)

Taking another student off campus before his/her dismissal time

Causing an accident or committing theft or vandalism on campus

Being involved - or allowing your passenger to be involved - in  “horseplay” on the parking lot including, but not limited to, unnecessary noisemaking (horn blowing, yelling), hanging out of car, passengers on outside of car, driving on surfaces other than driveways.  You are responsible for your passengers’ actions/behaviors.

Excessive tardies and/or absences

Failure to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA

Failure to display permit so that it is easily visible to the Safety Officer.  Make sure the permit is displayed so that all information is clearly visible.

Reminder - Submitting an application does not grant a student a parking privilege.

As of 8/12/19 - no additional applications from 11th grade students will be accepted.